An Unquiet Mind

"This memoir is compelling reading. I have found it to be frank and honest as well as informative. I had a friend, sadly no longer with us, who was manic depressive and I found reading this a way of understanding who he was.

Kay Jamison writes about her life from seventeen - when she had her first attack of manic depression - through to her life now as an adult over twenty years later. It is an extremely well written account and whilst it is factual and often distressing to read I actually enjoyed it. It shows not only her courage but her determination to succeed at life with an illness that almost killed her.

I couldn't actually put this book down and read it in the course of one day, over a series of sittings. This book must be of help for people who don't know how to deal with their own turmoil at the hands of this illness and likewise for those whose lives are affected by it. It doesn't have a text book feel about it but nor does it feel lightweight.

I can't recommend this book enough!"
~ Written on 2008-04-27

"Moving account of a talented woman's struggle to work as a psychologist as well as living with bipolar. As someone with depression, I was moved by her account as well as identifying with her issues with the arrogance prevalent among a segment of the medical community. Highly recommended, laced with poetry; I was particularly moved by her epilogue @ the end where she states that if she had the choice, she would has chosen to be born with bipolar as when high or well, she appreciates the joys and beauties in life more than she would if not manic depressive. "
~ Written on 2007-09-13

"You will not find any book other than this that explains what bipolar is all about. It is my bible. The book follows Kay's story and if you suffer with bipolar you can definitely relate to everything. This will also be helpful to those around you as it will help them gain a better understanding.

IF YOU SUFFER FROM BIPOLAR YOU WILL FIND THIS VERY HELPFUL"
~ Written on 2007-08-29

"An excellent read, a remarkable account of a journey through manic-depressive illness. Anyone diagnosed with manic-depression or has an interest will find this a moving, eye opening and inspiring book. Kay Jamison's shares her honest heartfelt thoughts and feelings, a lady to be truly admired."
~ Written on 2007-05-22

"After being diagnosed with manic depression (bipolar disorder as it is known these days) I felt like I was desperately flailing around for some support and understanding.

The sad truth is that no matter how good your doctors are or how understanding your family is, you feel as if no one really gets what's happening to you. "An Unquiet Mind" was recommended to me by a fellow manic depressive and listening to her was one of the best moves I've ever made. I was so relieved that someone else had a similar (no one's is ever the same) experience and more importantly had managed to come out the other side !!! What a moment of hope.

Without a doubt I would recommend that anyone who has depression of any form, or knows/lives with someone who has depression reads this book. It'll help stop the world from spinning out of control. "
~ Written on 2007-02-28