Best of
Mental-Illness

2016

Some Kind of Happiness


Claire Legrand - 2016
    (But they pretend like they’re not.)• Being sent to her grandparents’ house for the summer.• Never having met said grandparents.• Her blue days—when life feels overwhelming, and it’s hard to keep her head up. (This happens a lot.)Finley’s only retreat is the Everwood, a forest kingdom that exists in the pages of her notebook. Until she discovers the endless woods behind her grandparents’ house and realizes the Everwood is real--and holds more mysteries than she'd ever imagined, including a family of pirates that she isn’t allowed to talk to, trees covered in ash, and a strange old wizard living in a house made of bones.With the help of her cousins, Finley sets out on a mission to save the dying Everwood and uncover its secrets. But as the mysteries pile up and the frightening sadness inside her grows, Finley realizes that if she wants to save the Everwood, she’ll first have to save herself.Reality and fantasy collide in this powerful, heartfelt novel about family, depression, and the power of imagination.

Broken


Nicola Haken - 2016
    As he settles into his new role, makes new friends, and dreams of making it to the top, everything is going to plan.Until he meets James Holden, CEO of Holden House.James Holden hasn’t been able to stop thinking about his encounter with the timid man he met in a club bathroom last week, and when he discovers the one haunting his dreams is an employee, he can’t seem to stop himself from pursuing him.Just a little fun - that’s what James tells himself. He can’t afford to care for someone who can never reciprocate, not once they find out who he really is. James believes nobody deserves the burden of being attached to him. He’s a complicated man. Damaged. Difficult. Demanding. Broken.Is Theodore strong enough to confront James’ demons? More importantly, is James? Please note:This book contains scenes of self harm, mental illness and suicidal ideation which may be uncomfortable for some readers.

Win Some, Lose Some


Shay Savage - 2016
    Each task others complete without thinking is a challenge for him. Recently orphaned, he has to finish the last few months of high school and take care of his disabled sister on his own.When Mayra comes into his life, his comfortable routines implode. Matthew can’t handle change, but Mayra is unrelenting in her quest to understand him, to show him acceptance and maybe even love. When she breaks through his shell, Matthew’s world will never be the same again.An awkward boy with Asperger’s Syndrome, a persistent girl who pulls him out of his isolated existence, and a lottery ticket that will change their lives forever.

Lily and Dunkin


Donna Gephart - 2016
    Sometimes our hearts see things our eyes can’t. Lily Jo McGrother, born Timothy McGrother, is a girl. But being a girl is not so easy when you look like a boy. Especially when you’re in the eighth grade. Dunkin Dorfman, birth name Norbert Dorfman, is dealing with bipolar disorder and has just moved from the New Jersey town he’s called home for the past thirteen years. This would be hard enough, but the fact that he is also hiding from a painful secret makes it even worse. One summer morning, Lily Jo McGrother meets Dunkin Dorfman, and their lives forever change.

Pieces of Summer


C.M. Owens - 2016
    but we made life ugly... Our story isn't for everyone. Most people will probably hate it. Most people will probably hate us. I stopped giving a damn about what others thought a long time ago. Like I said, our story isn't for everyone. It isn't pretty. It's not sweet. It's not packaged neatly with a bow on top. No. Our story is painful, maybe even a little dark, but it's real. Somewhere under all the pain lies something beautiful. It's buried deep, so good luck digging it up. Our story might be ugly, but sometimes you don't appreciate beauty until you've seen the worst. It's real. It's pure. It's raw. Most importantly, it's ours. *Adult content and language *Stand-alone *Dual POV *Not intended for readers under 18

Finding Libbie


Deanna Lynn Sletten - 2016
    Though Libbie’s well-to-do parents disapprove of Jack’s humble family and his aspiration to become a mechanic, she marries Jack a year after they graduate high school. But soon their happiness crumbles as Libbie’s mental state unravels and she is drawn to alcohol and drugs. Despite his efforts to help her, Jack loses the woman he loves and is forced to move on with his life.Now that Emily’s mother has passed away, Jack is alone again, and Emily grows obsessed with the beautiful woman who had given her father such joy. Determined to find Libbie, Emily pieces together the couple’s fragmented past. But is it too late for happy endings?

Because We Are Bad: OCD and a Girl Lost in Thought


Lily Bailey - 2016
    She had killed someone with a thought, spread untold disease, and ogled the bodies of other children. Only by performing an exhausting series of secret routines could she make up for what she’d done. But no matter how intricate or repetitive, no act of penance was ever enough.Beautifully written and astonishingly intimate, Because We Are Bad recounts a childhood consumed by obsessive compulsive disorder. As a child, Bailey created a second personality inside herself—"I" became "we"—to help manifest compulsions that drove every minute of every day of her young life. Now she writes about the forces beneath her skin, and how they ordered, organized, and urged her forward. Lily charts her journey, from checking on her younger sister dozens of times a night, to "normalizing" herself at school among new friends as she grew older, and finally to her young adult years, learning—indeed, breaking through—to make a way for herself in a big, wide world that refuses to stay in check.Charming and raw, harrowing and redemptive, Because We Are Bad is an illuminating and uplifting look into the mind and soul of an extraordinary young woman, and a startling portrait of OCD that allows us to see and understand this condition as never before.

Unstable


S.E. Hall - 2016
     After eight years, Henley Calvert is headed home. Back to the family farm and small town she left behind, never to be thought of again. Too much regret and shame to bear. But she’s the only one left to see to her family’s legacy, so she must return to Ashfall and face all the ghosts that haunt her. **** Gatlin Holt, the family farmhand, awaits her arrival, and lends a hand—in more ways than one. He reacquaints Henley with the lay of the land while helping her heal her soul with a new outlook on life. Yet every time she thinks some peace may be within reach, Henley hits another roadblock. The biggest of which is Keaton Cash—her childhood nemesis who owns the farm next door. **** And no, it’s not a love triangle. That’s impossible when Henley’s heart is closed, incapable of love.

Paramparca Bir Kiz


Kathleen Glasgow - 2016
    At seventeen she’s already lost more than most people lose in a lifetime. But she’s learned how to forget. The thick glass of a mason jar cuts deep, and the pain washes away the sorrow until there is nothing but calm. You don’t have to think about your father and the river. Your best friend, who is gone forever. Or your mother, who has nothing left to give you.Every new scar hardens Charlie’s heart just a little more, yet it still hurts so much. It hurts enough to not care anymore, which is sometimes what has to happen before you can find your way back from the edge.

Girl in Pieces


Kathleen Glasgow - 2016
    At seventeen she’s already lost more than most people lose in a lifetime. But she’s learned how to forget. The broken glass washes away the sorrow until there is nothing but calm. You don’t have to think about your father and the river. Your best friend, who is gone forever. Or your mother, who has nothing left to give you.Every new scar hardens Charlie’s heart just a little more, yet it still hurts so much. It hurts enough to not care anymore, which is sometimes what has to happen before you can find your way back from the edge.

Finding Perfect


Elly Swartz - 2016
    Molly knows that promises are often broken, so she hatches a plan to bring her mother home: Win the Lakeville Middle School Slam Poetry Contest. The winner is honored at a fancy banquet with table cloths. Molly’s sure her mother would never miss that. Right…? But as time goes on, writing and reciting slam poetry become harder. Actually, everything becomes harder as new habits appear, and counting, cleaning, and organizing are not enough to keep Molly’s world from spinning out of control.

Mad Girl


Bryony Gordon - 2016
    It's caused alopecia, bulimia, and drug dependency. And Bryony is sick of it. Keeping silent about her illness has given it a cachet it simply does not deserve, so here she shares her story with trademark wit and dazzling honesty.A hugely successful columnist for the Telegraph, a bestselling author, and a happily married mother of an adorable daughter, Bryony has managed to laugh and live well while simultaneously grappling with her illness. Now it's time for her to speak out. Writing with her characteristic warmth and dark humour, Bryony explores her relationship with her OCD and depression as only she can.Mad Girl is a shocking, funny, unpredictable, heart-wrenching, raw and jaw-droppingly truthful celebration of life with mental illness.

Phantom Limb


Lucinda Berry - 2016
    The identical twins are rescued by a family determined to be their saviors.But there’s some horrors love can’t erase…Elizabeth wakes in a hospital, strapped to her bed and unable to move or speak. The last thing she remembers is finding Emily’s body in their bathroom. Days before, she was falling in love and starting college. Now, she’s surrounded by men who talk to themselves and women who pull out their eyebrows.As she delves deeper into the mystery surrounding Emily’s death, she discovers shocking secrets and holes in her memory that force her to remember what she’s worked so hard to forget—the beatings, the blood, the special friends. Her life spins out of control at a terrifying speed as she desperately tries to unravel the psychological puzzle of her past before it’s too late.

The Weight of Zero


Karen Fortunati - 2016
    Zero, the devastating depression born of Catherine’s bipolar disease, has almost triumphed once, propelling Catherine to her first suicide attempt. With Zero only temporarily restrained by the latest med du jour, time is running out. In an old ballet shoebox, Catherine stockpiles meds, preparing to take her own life when Zero next arrives.But Zero’s return is delayed. Unexpected relationships along with the care of a new psychiatrist start to alter Catherine's perception of her diagnosis. But will this be enough? This is a story of loss and grief and hope and how the many shapes of love – maternal, romantic and platonic – impact a young woman’s struggle with mental illness.The manuscript was awarded the 2014 SCBWI Work-in-Progress Grant in the Contemporary YA category, named a finalist in the 2015 Tassey-Walden Awards and won the Serendipity Literary Agency 2013 YA First Page/Novel Discovery Contest.

Split


J.B. Salsbury - 2016
    Her unforgettable new novel is a story of romance and suspense, with a twist no one will see coming . . .What do you do when you wake up with no memory of what you did last night?Lucas spent the first half of his life protecting himself from others, but now his own mind is his biggest enemy. He doesn't know what happens when the blackouts overtake him, but he can recall the feelings--the rage, the confusion, the fear. Thankfully the quiet life he's found in Payson, Arizona has kept the darkness at bay. Until his boss's estranged daughter shows up in town, asking questions she shouldn't and sparking a desire Lucas can't control. Getting close to Shyann is the best thing that's ever happened to him, but when his blackouts return, unleashing the truth he's battled so long to hide, he may just lose her forever . . .

OCDaniel


Wesley King - 2016
    Which really means he’s the water boy. He spends football practice perfectly arranging water cups—and hoping no one notices. Actually, he spends most of his time hoping no one notices his strange habits—he calls them Zaps: avoiding writing the number four, for example, or flipping a light switch on and off dozens of times over. He hopes no one notices that he’s crazy, especially his best friend Max, and Raya, the prettiest girl in school. His life gets weirder when another girl at school, who is unkindly nicknamed Psycho Sara, notices him for the first time. She doesn’t just notice him: she seems to peer through him.Then Daniel gets a note: “I need your help,” it says, signed, Fellow Star Child—whatever that means. And suddenly Daniel, a total no one at school, is swept up in a mystery that might change everything for him.With great voice and grand adventure, this book is about feeling different and finding those who understand.

Girl Against the Universe


Paula Stokes - 2016
    comes a fresh, contemporary story about a girl coping with PTSD and the boy who wants to help her move on from the past.Sixteen-year-old Maguire knows the universe is against her. No matter how many charms she buys off the internet or good luck rituals she performs each morning, horrible things happen when she's around. Like that time the roller coaster jumped off its tracks. Or the time the house next door caught on fire. Or the time her brother, father, and uncle were all killed in a car crash--and Maguire walked away with barely a scratch. Despite what her therapist tells her, Maguire thinks it's best to hide out in her room, far away from anyone she might accidentally hurt. But then she meets Jordy, an aspiring tennis star who wants to help her break her unlucky streak. Maguire knows that the best thing she can do for him is to stay away, but it turns out staying away might be harder than she thought.

It's All Absolutely Fine


Ruby Elliot - 2016
    Ruby Elliot, aka Rubyetc, is the talent behind the hit tumblr account, 'Rubyetc', which has over 210k followers and growing. Taking readers on a journey through the ups and downs of life, the book will encompass everything from anxiety, bipolar disorder and body image to depression and identity, shining a light on very real problems - all framed with Ruby's trademark humour and originality.Ruby balances mental health with humour, making serious issues accessible - and very funny. With the superb talent to capture the essence of human emotion (and to make you laugh out loud), this book is as important and necessary as it is entertaining. IT'S ALL ABSOLUTELY FINE will include mostly never-before-seen material, both written and illustrated, and will be an empowering book that will make you laugh, make you think, and make things ok.

Where You'll Find Me


Natasha Friend - 2016
    The first month of school, thirteen-year-old Anna Collette finds herself…Dumped by her best friend, Dani, who suddenly wants to spend eighth grade “hanging out with different people.”Deserted by her mom, who’s in the hospital recovering from a suicide attempt.Trapped in a house with her dad, a new baby sister, and a stepmother young enough to wear her Delta Delta Delta sweatshirt with pride.Stuck at a lunch table with Shawna the Eyebrow Plucker and Sarabeth the Irish Stepper because she has no one else to sit with.But what if all isn’t lost? What if Anna’s mom didn’t exactly mean to leave her? What if Anna’s stepmother is cooler than she thought? What if the misfit lunch table isn’t such a bad fit after all?With help from some unlikely sources, including a crazy girl-band talent show act, Anna just may find herself on the road to okay.

Underwater


Marisa Reichardt - 2016
    Actually, she meant to do something right. But her kind act inadvertently played a role in a deadly tragedy. In order to move on, Morgan must learn to forgive—first someone who did something that might be unforgivable, and then herself. But Morgan can’t move on. She can’t even move beyond the front door of the apartment she shares with her mother and little brother. Morgan feels like she’s underwater, unable to surface. Unable to see her friends. Unable to go to school. When it seems Morgan can’t hold her breath any longer, a new boy moves in next door. Evan reminds her of the salty ocean air and the rush she used to get from swimming. He might be just what she needs to help her reconnect with the world outside.

Under Rose-Tainted Skies


Louise Gornall - 2016
    She knows that fearing everything from inland tsunamis to odd numbers is irrational, but her mind insists the world outside is too big, too dangerous. So she stays safe inside, watching others’ lives through her windows and social media feed.But when Luke arrives on her doorstep, he doesn’t see a girl defined by medical terms and mental health. Instead, he sees a girl who is funny, smart, and brave. And Norah likes what he sees.Their friendship turns deeper, but Norah knows Luke deserves a normal girl. One who can walk beneath the open sky. One who is unafraid of kissing. One who isn’t so screwed up. Can she let him go for his own good—or can Norah learn to see herself through Luke’s eyes?

The World from Up Here


Cecilia Galante - 2016
    She doesn't even know what she's afraid of, really. Only that if she raises her voice or leaves her mark or ventures too far from home, she'll risk falling flat on her face.But that all changes when Wren's cousin Silver walks into her life. Silver is totally fearless. Maybe that's why she's the most popular girl in the sixth grade. She dares Wren to take risks, to live out loud, to finally spread her wings. So when Silver decides to break all the rules, Wren is forced to make a choice: Is she in or is she out?There's only one way Wren will ever learn to fly. It's time for her to stand at the edge of the unknown . . . and jump.Full of heartache and hope, The World From Up Here is a tender, moving story about old secrets, new friendships, and what it means to face the things that scare us most.

Beneath the Skin


Kyla Stone - 2016
    Her dad’s worse. At school, she’s betrayed and bullied by her ex-best friend. Cutting used to bring her relief, but not anymore. Something's got to give.When Sidney punches a kid to protect her little brother, she’s forced into group counseling with perfect, popular Arianna, who looks like the type to grieve over a broken nail. But Arianna has secrets of her own. She might just be an ally, if Sidney can let her guard down. And then there’s the new guy, sweet and funny Lucas, who sees straight through Sidney’s tough, snarky façade. But Sidney's wounds go deeper than anyone knows. As her father's abuse escalates, her secrets threaten to unravel her. How far is she willing to go to protect her family? And who can she turn to when the unthinkable happens?

The Truth She Knew


J.A. Owenby - 2016
    In fact, she would’ve traded my soul back for someone different if God would’ve let her, but he didn’t, so she was stuck with me.For eighteen-year-old Lacey, life at home is a rollercoaster. She doesn’t think she’ll ever be good enough to truly deserve Mama’s love.But when Lacey enters college and meets Walker, everything starts to change. Suddenly, Lacey is face to face with the realization that maybe what she’s always seen as normal really isn’t. Her entire life—and everything she’s ever believed about herself and her family—is abruptly hanging in midair. Lacey is left facing two paths, and she has to make a choice. The first means walking away from everything she’s ever known. The other means never really knowing the truth.The Truth She Knew offers an honest and powerful glimpse into mental illness, the meaning of true love, and the psychological waltz that a daughter dances as she endures her mother’s unpredictable emotions, manipulation, and abuse.***Ages 17+ Contains language, sex, and violence

Echoes of Family


Barbara Claypole White - 2016
    She left behind secrets, memories, and tragedy: one teen dead, and her first love, Gabriel, badly injured. Three decades later she’s finally found peace in the North Carolina recording studio she runs with her husband, Darius, and her almost-daughter, Jade…until another fatality propels her back across the ocean to confront the long-buried past.In her picturesque childhood village, the first person she meets is the last person she wants to see again: Gabriel. Now the village vicar, he takes her in without question, and ripples of what if reverberate through both their hearts. As Marianne’s mind unravels, Jade and Darius track her down. Tempers clash when everyone tries to help, but only by finding the courage to face her illness can Marianne heal herself and her offbeat family.

The Secrets We Keep


Nova Weetman - 2016
    Now living in a tiny flat with her dad, Clem has to start a new school and make new friends. On her first day, Clem tells Ellie that her mum died in a house fire and immediately regrets it when Ellie latches on and confides that her own mother is dying of cancer. When Clem receives a letter she doesn't want to read, it becomes clear she can't run from her past forever, especially when the truth appears right in front of her face.

The Memory of Light


Francisco X. Stork - 2016
    Now she must find a path to recovery - and perhaps rescue some others along the way.When Vicky Cruz wakes up in the Lakeview Hospital Mental Disorders ward, she knows one thing: After her suicide attempt, she shouldn't be alive. But then she meets Mona, the live wire; Gabriel, the saint; E.M., always angry; and Dr. Desai, a quiet force. With stories and honesty, kindness and hard work, they push her to reconsider her life before Lakeview, and offer her an acceptance she's never had. But Vicky's newfound peace is as fragile as the roses that grow around the hospital. And when a crisis forces the group to split up, sending Vick back to the life that drove her to suicide, she must try to find her own courage and strength. She may not have them. She doesn't know. Inspired in part by the author's own experience with depression, The Memory of Light is the rare young adult novel that focuses not on the events leading up to a suicide attempt, but the recovery from one - about living when life doesn't seem worth it, and how we go on anyway.

Show Me All Your Scars: True Stories of Living with Mental Illness


Lee GutkindChloe Mattingly - 2016
    In these true stories, writers and their loved ones struggle as their worlds are upended. What do you do when your father kills himself, or your mother is committed to a psych ward, or your daughter starts hearing voices telling her to harm herself—or when you yourself hear such voices? Addressing bipolar disorder, OCD, trichillomania, self-harm, PTSD, and other diagnoses, these stories vividly depict the difficulties and sorrows—and sometimes, too, the unexpected and surprising rewards—of living with mental illness.

A Perfectly Split Christmas


J.B. Salsbury - 2016
    Can Christmas survive the split? Only a couple months after Lucas and Shyann met, they’re faced with their first Christmas as a couple. While Shy tries to convince Lucas to relax and enjoy his very first holiday, he struggles with what it means to be loved for exactly who he is. Surprises await for the unique couple making this Christmas one they won’t soon forget.

How Can I Help? A Week in My Life as a Psychiatrist


David Goldbloom - 2016
    How Can I Help? takes us to the frontlines of modern psychiatric care.How Can I Help? portrays a week in the life of Dr. David Goldbloom as he treats patients, communicates with families, and trains staff at CAMH, the largest psychiatric facility in Canada. This highly readable and touching behind-the-scenes account of his daily encounters with a wide range of psychiatric concerns—from his own patients and their families to Emergency Department arrivals—puts a human face on an often misunderstood area of medical expertise. From schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder to post-traumatic stress syndrome and autism, How Can I Help? investigates a range of mental issues.What is it like to work as a psychiatrist now? What are the rewards and challenges? What is the impact of the suffering—and the recovery—of people with mental illness on families and the clinicians who treat them? What does the future hold for psychiatric care?How Can I Help? demystifies a profession that has undergone profound change over the past twenty-five years, a profession that is often misunderstood by the public and the media, and even by doctors themselves. It offers a compassionate, realistic picture of a branch of medicine that is entering a new phase, as increasingly we are able to decode the mysteries of the brain and offer new hope for sufferers of mental illness.

The Mindfulness Solution for Intense Emotions: Take Control of Borderline Personality Disorder with DBT


Cedar R. Koons - 2016
    If you suffer from intense emotions, you are not alone. Millions of Americans are diagnosed with emotion regulation disorders, such as borderline personality disorder (BPD) and other comorbid conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and severe depression. Developed by Marsha Linehan, DBT is a clinically proven, evidence-based treatment for intense emotions that can help you start feeling better right away. This is the first consumer-friendly book to offer Linehan’s new mindfulness skills to help you take control of your emotions, once and for all.In this book, you’ll learn seven powerful skills that highlight the unique connection between mindfulness and emotion regulation. Each skill is designed to help you find focus in the present moment, reduce impulsive behavior, and increase a sense of connection to your true self, even during times of extreme stress or difficulty.You can feel calmer, more grounded, and centered. If you’re ready, the mindfulness practices in this book will help you move away from a chaotic, emotion-driven life and cultivate a focused, intentional one.

The Tribulations of August Barton


Jennifer LeBlanc - 2016
    Augie just wants to hole up in his dorm room with his Star Wars collectables and textbooks, but Gertie is not about to let that happen. What ensues is a crazy ride including naked trespassing, befriending a local biker gang, and maybe-just maybe-with Augie defeating his anxiety and actually getting the girl.

Born of the Night (Born of the Night Book 1)


Matt Wanicur - 2016
    He has wonderful parents who love him dearly. He looks forward to what they all expect to be a promising future. Then, on one fateful day, his life is turned upside down as tragedy strikes. Twenty-two years later, Ethan is a fragment of the man his parents, or even he thought he would be. He lives in a run down apartment building. He spends his days doing little else but simply passing time in his dreary life. Then, a string of savage murders take place around his apartment building, wreaking havoc in the neighborhood. Yet, for Ethan, something about this evil is all too familiar. Given no other choice, Ethan has to look to the past and conquer his darkest fears to find the truth behind these brutal deaths, and try to save any semblance of the man he was meant to become.

Abstract Heart


J. Iron Word - 2016
    Iron Word, a book that pulls at the strings of our beliefs about the nature of love until they unravel.Through the bravado of his writing and the painstaking clarity of his voice, Iron Word has crafted a work of art that encompasses how love has the power to transform and transcend us all.

The Doctor Is In


Carl Weber - 2016
    Kasen Phillips has the magic touch when it comes to helping his patients who are in dire need of counseling services, but when the love of his life winds up missing in action, Kasen's life takes a horrific turn for the worse. His office manager, Voncile Harper, is there to lend a helping hand. She's on a mission to shake Kasen from his misery, by offering him her sweet heat that he can't resist. It's not long before Kasen finds himself caught up in a web of Voncile's lies, and when he realizes that he may have bitten off more than he can chew, he wants out of their reckless relationship for good. Unfortunately for Kasen, walking away may be difficult to do. Voncile is deep in love, and any man who refuses to play by her rules may be forced to suffer dire consequences.

Only Pleasure: Part 3


Lora Leigh - 2016
    But when danger looms closer and Kia's life is threatened, Chase will stop at nothing to keep his lovely Kia safe...and burning with desire in his arms forever...

Sara Lost and Found


Virginia Castleman - 2016
    Their mother left home and may—or may not—be coming back. Their father is a drummer in a band and comes home long after the girls go to sleep—if he comes home at all. Too often, ten-year-old Sara and twelve-year-old Anna are left to fend for themselves. Then one night, three loud knocks at the door change everything: their father is in jail and social services has come to take the girls away. Rather than risk being split up, Sara and Anna decide their only option is to run away.But the girls don’t get very far, and when the authorities catch up with them, Sara and Anna are forced back into the foster care system. Along the way, the girls encounter good people who want to help them but they also meet people who have no patience for mistakes or accidents. As Anna begins to act out or withdraw completely, Sara knows that it’s up to her to take care of her older sister. But what if she can’t anymore? What if she finds a forever home that may not include Anna? Will Sara keep the promise she made to her mother to stay with her sister or will she find the courage to do what’s best for herself?Inspired by true events, this heartrending and hopeful novel of survival, friendship, and sisterhood, tells the tale of two sisters who must find the strength to face anything that life may throw their way.

Turn the World Upside Down


Nyrae Dawn - 2016
    He lived the perfect life with the perfect family before the dark truth came spilling out. Now his dad’s in prison, and after Hunter explodes at school, accidentally hitting a teacher, his mom has him committed. Hunter doesn’t belong at Better Days. He needs to be stronger, not sent to a well-dressed loony bin. If he’d been better, less selfish, he would have realized something was going on under his own roof. No amount of psychoanalyzing and group therapy can change the past.But among the bullies, fights, and bad cafeteria food, Hunter meets a group of friends: anxiety-ridden Casey, wild and exciting Rosie, recovering bulimic Bethany, and Stray, a self-harmer who doesn’t think he belongs anywhere. Around this group of misfits, Hunter doesn’t feel so alone and angry anymore.Still, as he’s making friends and falling in love with Stray, the guilt is always there. If Hunter can’t open up and find a way to deal with what happened, he might fall victim to his mental illness—and he won’t be the only casualty.

Drug Dealer, MD: How Doctors Were Duped, Patients Got Hooked, and Why It's So Hard to Stop


Anna Lembke - 2016
    In the United States alone, 16,000 people die each year as a result of prescription opioid overdose. But perhaps the most frightening aspect of the prescription drug epidemic is that it’s built on well-meaning doctors treating patients with real problems.In Drug Dealer, MD, Dr. Anna Lembke uncovers the unseen forces driving opioid addiction nationwide. Combining case studies from her own practice with vital statistics drawn from public policy, cultural anthropology, and neuroscience, she explores the complex relationship between doctors and patients, the science of addiction, and the barriers to successfully addressing drug dependence and addiction. Even when addiction is recognized by doctors and their patients, she argues, many doctors don’t know how to treat it, connections to treatment are lacking, and insurance companies won’t pay for rehab. Full of extensive interviews—with health care providers, pharmacists, social workers, hospital administrators, insurance company executives, journalists, economists, advocates, and patients and their families— Drug Dealer, MD, is for anyone whose life has been touched in some way by addiction to prescription drugs. Dr. Lembke gives voice to the millions of Americans struggling with prescription drugs while singling out the real culprits behind the rise in opioid addiction: cultural narratives that promote pills as quick fixes, pharmaceutical corporations in cahoots with organized medicine, and a new medical bureaucracy focused on the bottom line that favors pills, procedures, and patient satisfaction over wellness. Dr. Lembke concludes that the prescription drug epidemic is a symptom of a faltering health care system, the solution for which lies in rethinking how health care is delivered.

Sugartown: The Collection


Carmen Jenner - 2016
     One would assume life in quiet Australian Sugartown would be sweet, but you know what they say about assumptions. Between a hotter than hell, tattooed, biker sex god, run-ins with the club, rock star baby daddies, trampy ex-lovers and old flames that refuse to be smothered, Sugartown is sweet—until it isn’t. For the first time, you can read all four books in the hilarious, hot and addictively suspenseful Sugartown series. Box set includes: Welcome to Sugartown, Enjoy Your Stay, Greetings from Sugartown and Now Leaving Sugartown. And you thought small towns were boring. Welcome to Sugartown. Warning: intended for a mature 18+ audience. Contains explicit sex, oodles of profanity, short-tempered Australian wildlife, and a crap-tonne of AWKWARD. Scenes from this series may be a trigger for certain readers.

While the City Slept: A Love Lost to Violence and a Young Man's Descent into Madness


Eli Sanders - 2016
    Two people newly in love—Teresa Butz and Jennifer Hopper, who spent many years trying to find themselves and who eventually found each other—and a young man on a dangerous psychological descent: Isaiah Kalebu, age twenty-three, the son of a distant, authoritarian father and a mother with a family history of mental illness. All three paths forever altered by a violent crime, all three stories a wake-up call to the system that failed to see the signs.   In this riveting, probing, compassionate account of a murder in Seattle, Eli Sanders, who won a Pulitzer Prize for his newspaper coverage of the crime, offers a deeply reported portrait in microcosm of the state of mental health care in this country—as well as an inspiring story of love and forgiveness. Culminating in Kalebu’s dangerous slide toward violence—observed by family members, police, mental health workers, lawyers, and judges, but stopped by no one—While the City Slept is the story of a crime of opportunity and of the string of missed opportunities that made it possible. It shows what can happen when a disturbed member of society repeatedly falls through the cracks, and in the tradition of The Other Wes Moore and The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace, is an indelible, human-level story, brilliantly told, with the potential to inspire social change.

The First Time She Drowned


Kerry Kletter - 2016
    It’s been two and a half years since Cassie’s mother dumped her in a mental institution against her will, and now, at eighteen, Cassie is finally able to reclaim her life and enter the world on her own terms.But freedom is a poor match against a lifetime of psychological damage. As Cassie plumbs the depths of her new surroundings, the startling truths she uncovers about her own family narrative make it impossible to cut the tethers of a tumultuous past. And when the unhealthy mother-daughter relationship that defined Cassie’s childhood and adolescence threatens to pull her under once again, Cassie must decide: whose version of history is real? And more important, whose life must she save?

A Book of Light: When a Loved One Has a Different Mind


Jerry Pinto - 2016
    There they are surrounded by love and warmth and they can lick their wounds in peace. But what if it is your mother who is wounding you and then soothing you by turns? What if it is your father who seems distant or desolate, living in a dark tower that you cannot enter?... What of the family where someone commits suicide and leaves behind a vacuum, a space that seems to mock every attempt at love and holding on? What of the family which must institutionalize one of its members? How does it manage?’ In 2012, Jerry Pinto published his debut novel, Em and the Big Hoom, which drew upon his experience of living with a mother who was bipolar. It touched thousands of readers, among them many who had similar experiences—of living with someone with a mental illness or infirmity. Some of these readers shared their stories with him and agreed to share them with the world. A Book of Light collects these harrowing yet moving, even empowering, stories—about the terror and majesty of love; the bleakness and unexpected grace of life; the fragility and immense strength of the human mind.

Just Like Ziggy


Julie Oleszek - 2016
    Back in school, indifferent classmates and teachers leave her with no support; her confidence starts to sharply plummet. Does anyone care that she had been gone?Overwhelmed by feelings of failure, Anna begins to contemplate the worst.Progress is quickly slipping away as her life descends back into chaos. Can Anna rise above her tragic past and sway her family’s destiny before it’s too late? Get your copy now and witness the journey unfold in a sequel to the award winning novel, "The Fifth Floor". “It is a story about acceptance and love, and is a compelling read.” - Mamtha Madhaven – Reader’s Favorite

I, Girl X


Annalise Grey - 2016
    Her younger brother's mental illness is slowly invading every aspect of her life. Her family is troubled. Friendships are unbearable. And just when calm begins to seem possible, one night will change Carleigh, and her family, forever.

Beyond Repair


Annie Hughes - 2016
    The last time she was in the nosy little town of Park Bay, she was being shipped off to the looney-farm by her own father. Her best friend, Kate, is the only reason she’s going back, and Lydia is determined more than ever to fix herself and stop relying so completely on her friend. Which would be easier if Kate’s judgmental cousin wasn’t in town too and if he didn’t make her drool so damn much. Callum Reeves hasn’t seen his cousin, Kate, in eight years. Returning home was meant to be the easy comfort that he needed after losing his high flying job in LA, and consequently, his high flying girlfriend. A new job, his hometown, and finally surrounded by what he knows. It would be perfect if it wasn’t for Kate’s nutjob best friend always being around. Her mood changes as often as her hair colour – which is a lot- and all Callum wants to do is strangle her. That is when he’s not thinking about how good she’d look in his bed. He hates her. She isn’t too fond of him either. He’s a straight-laced townie she can’t understand, and she’s crazy and broken in ways he can’t imagine. Their curiosity for one another has them discovering things they never knew about themselves as well as each other. With the entire town watching every move that’s made, Lydia’s ever growing insanity, and Callum’s job with the enemy, what’s the worst that could happen? WARNING: for mature readers only. Contains profanity, smut, scenes of a sensitive nature, and oodles of poor decisions

The Best I Could


R.K. Ryals - 2016
    He was smoking a cigarette, and I was lost. It was an abysmal beginning. It was the start of something huge.

Caged Jaye


Lynn Kelling - 2016
    But, faced by his mother’s demons, the imperfections of his relationship with boyfriend, Kris, and dangerous, homophobic strangers, one by one, all of Jaye’s dreams are soon derailed. Plunging into a waking nightmare, shortly after going to bed alone, he wakes in an alley, pinned down by two men with slow, bloody rape and murder in mind. It’s just the start of Jaye’s fight for his life, and his sanity, as time and time again, he’s forced to make impossible choices and survive, no matter what it costs. (M/M - See publisher's website for content labels.)

The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland


Rebekah Crane - 2016
    But her parents insist that she get out of her head—and her home state—and attend Camp Padua, a summer camp for at-risk teens.Zander does not fit in—or so she thinks. She has only one word for her fellow campers: crazy. In fact, the whole camp population exists somewhere between disaster and diagnosis. There’s her cabinmate Cassie, a self-described manic-depressive-bipolar-anorexic. Grover Cleveland (yes, like the president), a cute but confrontational boy who expects to be schizophrenic someday, odds being what they are. And Bek, a charmingly confounding pathological liar.But amid group “share-apy” sessions and forbidden late-night outings, unlikely friendships form, and as the Michigan summer heats up, the four teens begin to reveal their tragic secrets. Zander finds herself inextricably drawn to Grover’s earnest charms, and she begins to wonder if she could be happy. But first she must come completely unraveled to have any hope of putting herself back together again.

The Things I Didn't Say


Kylie Fornasier - 2016
    I've used up every dandelion wish since I was ten wishing for the power to speak whenever I want to. I'm starting to wonder if there are enough dandelions.After losing her best friend that night, Piper Rhodes changes schools, determined that her final year will be different. She will be different. Then she meets West: school captain, star soccer player, the boy everyone talks about. Despite her fear of losing everything all over again, Piper falls in love - and West with her - without Piper ever speaking one word to him. But will it last?

It's All Your Fault A Survivor's Guide to Narcissism


Jennifer M. Baldwin - 2016
    You doubt your own memory. You never seem to do anything right to please your partner. It may not be you; you may be in a relationship with a narcissist. This book will help you learn what a narcissist is. You'll learn what tools and tricks narcissists use to control you and how others see you. You'll also learn what to do once you get out of the relationship and steps you can take to help you heal. This book was written to help anyone in and healing from an abusive relationship. It's written from a very personal perspective on living with a narcissist. I hope this book helps you. I hope you find the strength in your feet to stand strong.

Still Life: A Memoir of Living Fully with Depression


Gillian Marchenko - 2016
    Otherwise I will plunge to my death. 'Please God, take this away, ' I pray when I can." For Gillian, "dealing with depression" means learning to accept and treat it as a physical illness. In these pages she describes her journey through various therapies and medications to find a way to live with depression. She faces down the guilt of a wife and mother of four, two with special needs. How can she care for her family when she can't even get out of bed? Her story is real and raw, not one of quick fixes. But hope remains as she discovers that living with depression is still life.

The Hidden House


ViVi Dubois - 2016
    It didn’t show up on maps, the air was colder, the birds were silent, and he was almost certain that most of the houses were empty. It was a peaceful place to live until a chance encounter on a cold autumn evening shook his very understanding of what was real. In the middle of the night, Lionel wakes to see a mysterious red-eyed figure lurking at his 2nd floor window. Soon after, the animal sacrifices begin to appear on his doorstep. And then he bumps into the pale-skinned young man from across the street, Morden Noir, who never seems to eat and claims that he can’t be exposed to sunlight. This was only the beginning. As matters escalate and become increasingly dangerous, Lionel’s moral integrity gets pushed to the limits as he’s forced to confront his own demons. Are these events coincidence? Or is there some deeper, more sinister conspiracy at work? With his world turned upside down, Lionel must decide if he wants to risk becoming a part of this darker mystery, or if he needs to escape it. And soon. ((This is a YA horror-fantasy with a male/male romance subplot.))

Missed Connection


K. Larsen - 2016
     A chance encounter, a missed connection. Two wayward stars that collided in a turbulent sky, at the right place, but at the wrong time in both of their lives. What happens when they meet again? Do the same unforgettable sparks still fly? Titan Jennings and Jesenia Van Buren may come from two different worlds but their hearts are open to second chances. No matter who or what may stand against them, love is what anchors their lives together. Love may be infinite but time is not, Missed Connection is a novel about making the very best you can with what little you’ve got.

Forget Me Not, My Scottish Love (Heart of a Highlander Collection Book 3)


Allie Palomino - 2016
    For his loyalty, Alexander II wanted to bestow the honor of an English bride, and arranged a marriage with the daughter of one of the most powerful families in England. She was also the daughter of the Baron who'd murdered his father. Much to Cameron's surprise, however, his betrothed was not unfamiliar to him. Abigail Haynsworth was nothing more than chattel for barter at her father's whims. Her first marriage ended on her wedding day when her husband plotted to kill her. In the midst of the planned attack, a Scottish warrior saved her from certain death. The trauma of that night broke her mind, and she remained oblivious to life until the day she wed Cameron. Cameron was taken aback that his bride was not of sound mind. When the marriage ceremony was performed and Abby's eyes met his, his world stilled. To his surprise, standing before him was the woman he'd rescued several years earlier, who had since occupied a permanent place in his thoughts. While her mind was unsound, and her voice mute, Abby uttered her first word in six years that day. "Cameron." Their marriage may have started as an unwanted nuisance, but as Abby's mind awakened from its trauma-induced sleep, love began to blossom between the unlikely couple. Unfortunately, intending to protect his most valued laird, Alexander placed a condition upon the marriage: a child must be conceived before a year's time or the marriage would be annulled. And so the story of Cameron and Abby unfolds with abounding uncertainties. The desire for a child and Cameron's lust for vengeance suspend over the couple like a cloud to the sunrays of their happiness. As their love grows and flourishes, so do the dangers to their marriage and to themselves. It is not only a question of whether their marriage will survive, but whether they themselves will live through the perils ahead. Forget Me Not, My Scottish Love, is an 85,000 word stand alone novel, part of the Heart of a Highlander Collection. It is a complete novel without any cliffhangers. The Heart of a Highlander…where the only thing fiercer than a warrior’s battle cry, is the way that he loves…

Swim Through the Darkness: My Search for Craig Smith and the Mystery of Maitreya Kali


Mike Stax - 2016
    His future success seemed assured, until an unexpected turn of events plunged him into a terrifying darkness. Clean-cut Craig Smith became Maitreya Kali, the self-proclaimed psychedelic Messiah. He laid out his poignant, disturbing schizophrenic vision on a sprawling self-released double-album before disappearing completely. Author Mike Stax spent fifteen years piecing together the mystery of Maitreya Kali, uncovering one of the strangest and most tragic untold stories of the 1960s and ‘70s.Swim Through the Darkness reveals author Stax's fifteen year quest in tracking down this strange saga of American pop culture. Included in the story are Smith's close ties to the Monkees, particularly Mike Nesmith, who produced and promoted Smith's band, Penny Arkade. Also covered are the bizarre self-released albums he made as Maitreya Kali, which now command thousands of dollars among psychedelic music collectors.Purchasers of this book will also receive a code to be able to download Smith's music in all its obscure and variant styles.

Strong Medicine


J.K. Hogan - 2016
    A drunken car accident gets him sentenced to a work-release at Riverbend Behavioral Health Facility. Reclusive, traumatized writer Jonah Radley has an entire graveyard of skeletons in his closet. Jonah regularly hospitalizes himself for psychotic episodes caused by a horrific childhood trauma, his biggest secret—one he refuses to speak about in therapy. Jonah and Cameron form a bond inside the hospital, forged in mutual pain and hope for a better life. Once they leave the hospital, they must decide if they are brave enough to explore the intricacies of living with mental illness—and find a new normal together.

Seven Riddles to Nowhere


A.J. Cattapan - 2016
    1 fortune. Way too many competitors.All seventh grader Kameron Boyd wants to do is keep his little Catholic school from closing. It's the only school where they've made life as a selective mute somewhat bearable. As the school faces financial distress, Kam learns he is one of many potential heirs to a fortune large enough to keep his school open.With the school’s bully as one of the other potential heirs, Kam and his friends race to solve the riddles first. Their journey takes them through the churches of Chicago to decipher the hidden meanings in artwork all while avoiding the mysterious men following them. But creepy men in trench coats won't stop them! They're on a quest--not only to keep the school open, but to help Kam recover his voice.

Teach Me to Forget


Erica M. Chapman - 2016
    So, she’s made a plan—bought the gun, arranged for her funeral, and picked the day. Everything has fallen into place. Then, on the day she intends to take her own life, she meets Colter, a boy who recognizes her desperation and becomes determined to stop her.Ellery won’t be swayed so easily, but as she struggles with her hopelessness it becomes clear Colter has good reasons for his vigilance—deep, personal reasons. And whether Ellery likes it or not, he can’t let go.

Where We Fall


Rochelle B. Weinstein - 2016
    She’s the mother of a beautiful teenager and the wife of a beloved high school football coach. And all it took to achieve her charmed life was her greatest act of betrayal.Coach Ryan can coax his team to victory, but he can’t seem to make his wife, Abby, happy. Her struggles with depression have marred their marriage and taken a toll on their daughter, Juliana. Although this isn’t the life he’s dreamed of, he’s determined to heal the rifts in his family.Chasing waterfalls and documenting their beauty has led photographer Lauren Sheppard all around the world. Now it has brought her back home to the mountains of North Carolina—back to the scene of her devastating heartbreak.For the first time in seventeen years, a trio of once-inseparable friends find themselves confronting past loves, hurts, and the rapid rush of a current that still pulls them together…

Pushing the Limits Collection Volume 1


Katie McGarry - 2016
    Read the first three books and a novella in this Volume One collection!PUSHING THE LIMITS: Book 1No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl to outsider. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking hot loner, explodes into her life, Echo's world shifts in ways she never could have imagined.CROSSING THE LINE: NovellaLila McCormick first met Lincoln Turner when tragedy struck both their lives. But she never expected their surprise encounter would lead to two years of exchanging letters--or that she'd fall for the boy she's only seen once. Their relationship is a secret, but Lila feels closer to Lincoln than anyone else. Until she finds out that he lied to her about the one thing she depended on him for the most...DARE YOU TO: Book 2If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send Beth's mother to jail. So she protects her mom at all costs--until her uncle swoops in, and seventeen-year-old Beth finds herself starting over at a school where no one understands her. Except Ryan Stone--town golden boy, popular jock, and keeper of secrets he's never dared tell anyone...until now.CRASH INTO YOU: Book 3Straight A student Rachel Young keeps secrets from her wealthy family...and she just added two to the list. One involves street racing in her Mustang GT. The other? Isaiah Walker--the foster kid with tattoos who comes to her rescue, and who she can't get out of her mind...

Double-edged Sword: The Simonne Butler Story


Simonne Butler - 2016
    In 2003 Simonne Butler’s violent partner, high on methamphetamine, cut off both her hands with a samurai sword. Her hands were reattached in a groundbreaking marathon surgery and she spent the next decade healing her mind, body and spirit.Despite five years in an extremely physically and emotionally abusive relationship, Simonne always had an unbreakable spirit. Even when her self-confidence and sense of self-preservation was at rock bottom, she was able to source phenomenal strength that saw her survive horrendous blood loss and being left for dead for hours, holding her severed limbs in such a way that allowed revascularisation to be possible.Facing obstacles from the very start, including a troubled childhood and an alcoholic and volatile mother, Simonne’s optimism and determination have always shone through. Every victim of domestic violence must read this book, and their friends and family. Even those who have never been the victim of violence will be inspired, moved and enlightened by this candid and brutal memoir. Double-edged Sword is so much more than just a story of survival, it is a guidebook for humanity – how to shrug off the oppressors and the obstacles and live your life with the greatest intensity you can muster. It’s about conquering the demons and rising like a phoenix from the ashes and learning how to live with passion, honesty and love.

Your Mess is Mine


Stephanie Alba - 2016
    Hearts are peculiar things. They're necessary muscles that keep us alive by pumping blood and oxygen into our veins. Hearts are also compulsory, often making us foolish. They pull us towards others with a force that aches, burns, and satiates you all at once. Before you know it that mass of tissue is no longer yours.Maybe mine never was.In my case, that draw came from a stranger that left my heart feeling both fulfilled and consumed.I didn't expect to fight her for the last standby seat to New York City. I didn't plan on letting her get under my skin. Or the way her vulnerability tore me up inside and compelled me to care for her. She didn't plan on letting me witness her chaos.Her anxious heart and my perfectionist mind let things get messy.And though we didn't plan for it, our interrupting of each others' lives was exactly what we needed.Sometimes the mess is the most beautiful part of life.

Lost Marbles: Insights into My Life with Depression & Bipolar


Natasha Tracy - 2016
    Lost Marbles straddles the line between self-help and memoir detailing real-life experiences that drive tips that work when life includes a mental illness. Improve your life or the life of a person you love with informative and experienced new takes on: Thinking like a person with bipolar or depression What the elevated mood of bipolar disorder feels like Medication issues, including detailed information on choosing (or not choosing) a specific medication The realities of suicide and suicide attempts How to live better with a serious mental illness How dealing with mental illness encourages a form of wisdom Called a book that will "certainly save lives," whether you have a mental illness or you love someone who does, Lost Marbles will help you fathom the seemingly-impossible world of bipolar or depressive disorder and arm you with the tools to improve quality of life.

Hunger Pains: Life Inside Foodbank Britain


Kayleigh Garthwaite - 2016
    This book is built on hundreds of hours of interviews with the people who rely on food banks today, as well as with the volunteers who keep them running on tight budgets and in difficult conditions. Kayleigh Garthwaite brings to the book her own experience volunteering in a food bank, and the result is a close-up, empathetic, politically potent portrait of a sadly essential part of daily life in today’s Britain.

GILA: A Journey Through Moods & Madness


Hanna Alkaf - 2016
    Filled with heart-wrenching personal stories, expert commentary, and helpful resources from patients, caregivers, psychologists, psychiatrists, volunteers and advocates, GILA offers a glimpse into a rarely seen or spoken-of world: the Malaysian mental health industry. "This is a book that pulls no punches. Its provocative title immediately draws your attention to the complex and often challenging issues that face mental health service delivery in our country, and the author is bold, yet passionate in her approach ... A fascinating and thought-provoking book."Dato' Dr Andrew Mohanraj, Mental Health Promotion Advisory Council, Ministry of Health Malaysia

Whispers and the Roars


K. Webster - 2016
    Can’t. Ever. Touch. Me.

Phantom Limbs


Paula Garner - 2016
    Since then, it’s been three years of radio silence, during which time Otis has become the unlikely protégé of eighteen-year-old Dara—part drill sergeant, part friend—who’s hell-bent on transforming Otis into the Olympic swimmer she can no longer be. But when Otis learns that Meg is coming back to town, he must face some difficult truths about the girl he’s never forgotten and the brother he’s never stopped grieving. As it becomes achingly clear that he and Meg are not the same people they were, Otis must decide what to hold on to and what to leave behind. Quietly affecting, this compulsively readable debut novel captures all the confusion, heartbreak, and fragile hope of three teens struggling to accept profound absences in their lives.

Out of the Wreck I Rise: A Literary Companion to Recovery


Neil Steinberg - 2016
    It destroys the lives of individuals, and has a devastating cost to society. The National Institute of Health estimates seventeen million adults in the United States are alcoholics or have a serious problem with alcohol. This scourge affects not only those who drink or use drugs but also their families and friends, who witness the horror of addiction. Both the afflicted and those who love them are often baffled by what is happening, never mind what to do about it. With Out of the Wreck I Rise, Neil Steinberg and Sara Bader have created a resource like no other—one that harnesses the power of literature, poetry, and creativity to illuminate what alcoholism and addiction are all about, while forging change, deepening understanding, and even saving lives. Structured to follow the arduous steps to sobriety, the book marshals the wisdom of centuries and explores essential topics, including the importance of time, navigating family and friends, Alcoholics Anonymous, relapse, and what Raymond Carver calls “gravy,” the reward that is recovery. Each chapter begins with advice and commentary followed by a wealth of quotes to inspire and heal. The result is a mosaic of observations and encouragement that draws on writers and artists spanning thousands of years—from Seneca to David Foster Wallace, William Shakespeare to Patti Smith. The ruminations of notorious drinkers like John Cheever, Charles Bukowski, and Ernest Hemingway shed light on the difficult process of becoming sober and remind the reader that while the literary alcoholic is often romanticized, recovery is the true path of the hero. Along with traditional routes to recovery—Alcoholics Anonymous, out-patient therapy, and intensive rehabilitation programs—this literary companion offers valuable support and inspiration to anyone seeking to fight their addiction or to a struggling loved one.

Unveiling the Sky


Jeannine Allison - 2016
    You don't have to read any other books in the series to enjoy it :) Sometimes there’s no tragic event.Sometimes there’s just sadness. Just numbness.Sometimes it’s just a depression you can’t understand. When Alara’s depression reaches its pinnacle she’s left feeling broken, vulnerable, and more than a little uneasy about moving forward. And although she’s made it to the other side she discovers that the hardest battle may simply be moving on and accepting the hardship she’s been given. Because by all accounts she should be happy, but she isn’t and she still can’t understand why. So she’s moving forward, but with the weight of her guilt and the constant fear of another episode, is she really living? Or has the fear of another episode become just as crippling as the episode itself? Then she meets Gabriel, a grieving soul struggling to get past his mother’s death and figure out his future. As he reconciles his past and begins planning his future, it becomes clear that he wants Alara in it. He wants the sarcastic, fearful girl that always seems just a little bit out of reach. But will the girl who’s never been able to see a future give him a chance? And when he discovers her darkness, will he still love her through it? Will she let him?

Saving Red


Sonya Sones - 2016
    But when she ends up meeting Red, a spirited homeless girl only a few years older than she is, Molly makes it her mission to reunite her with her family in time for Christmas. This turns out to be extremely difficult—because Red refuses to talk about her past. There are things Molly won’t talk about either. Like the awful thing that happened last winter. She may never be ready to talk about that. Not to Red, or to Cristo, the soulful boy she meets while riding the Ferris wheel one afternoon. When Molly realizes that the friends who Red keeps mentioning are nothing more than voices inside Red’s head, she becomes even more concerned about her well-being. How will Molly keep her safe until she can figure out a way to get Red home? In Sonya Sones’ latest novel, two girls, with much more in common than they realize, give each other a new perspective on the meaning of family, friendship, and forgiveness.

Fate's Cry (Fate Series #1)


Jalpa Williby - 2016
    Grief stricken, she finally chooses death over a life full of agony. But, fate intervenes…TIME TO LIVEA mysterious stranger comes into her life. Although she has somehow found the strength to “live,” all is not as it seems when Kelsey discovers Damien’s deepest secrets. While her mind screams to run, her heart begs her to stay.TIME TO KILLTo make matters worse, a serial killer is loose, and he’s going after everybody Kelsey has loved. Seeking revenge, Kelsey is determined to hunt him down. But what happens when the hunter becomes the hunted?

Catholic Women Confront Their Church: Stories of Hurt and Hope


Celia Viggo Wexler - 2016
    From Barbara Blaine, founder of Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP), to Sister Simone Campbell, whose "Nuns on the Bus" tour for social justice generated national attention, the book highlights women whose stories illustrate not only problems in the church but also the promise of reform. The women profiled span a diverse range of ages, ethnicities, and experiences--single and married, lesbian and straight, mothers and sisters. The women profiled share one trait--that faith is bigger than the institutional church. The book's Introduction provides readers with an essential overview of the history of women in the church, and the Conclusion looks at the potential for future change. Ideal for anyone who has struggled with the Catholic church's relationship with women, this moving book offers hope.

After the Cheering Stops: An NFL Wife's Story of Concussions, Loss, and the Faith That Saw Her Through


Cyndy Feasel - 2016
    If I d only known what I loved the most would end up killing me and taking away everything I loved, I would have never done it. Grant FeaselGrant Feasel spent ten years in the NFL, playing 117 games as a center and a long snapper mostly for the Seattle Seahawks. The skull-battering, jaw-shaking collisions he absorbed during those years ultimately destroyed his marriage and fractured his family. Grant died on July 15, 2012, at the age of 52, the victim of alcohol abuse and a degenerative brain disease known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE.Cyndy Feasel watched their life together become a living hell as alcohol became Grant s medication for a disease rooted in the scores of concussions he suffered on the football field. Helmet-to-helmet collisions opened the door to CTE and transformed him from a sunny, strong, and loving man into a dark shadow of his former self. In this raw and emotional memoir that takes a closer look at the destruction wrought by a game millions love, Cyndy describes in painful and excruciating detail what can happen to an NFL player and his family when the stadium empties and the lights go down. A powerful tale of warning for football moms and NFL wives everywhere, After the Cheering Stops is also a story of the hard-won hope found in God s presence when everything else falls apart."

Detached


Christina Kilbourne - 2016
    How could anyone have guessed she wanted to die?Anna is not like other people. For one thing, she’s been an accomplished artist since she was a preschooler. For another, she’s always felt like she didn’t belong: not with other kids, not with her family, not in her body. It isn’t until her grandparents are killed in a tragic accident, however, that Anna starts to feel untethered. She begins to wonder what it would be like if she didn’t exist and the thought of escaping the aimless drifting is the only thing that brings her comfort.When Anna overdoses on prescription pain killers the doctors realize she has been suffering from depression and start looking for a way to help her out of the desperate black hole she never thought she would escape. It’s then that rock bottom comes into sight and the journey back to normal begins.See the trailer here! https://t.co/ISbsu7CsdN

Highly Illogical Behavior


John Corey Whaley - 2016
    He hasn’t left the house in three years, which is fine by him.Ambitious Lisa desperately wants to get into the second-best psychology program for college (she’s being realistic). But is ambition alone enough to get her in?Enter Lisa.Determined to “fix” Sol, Lisa steps into his world, along with her charming boyfriend, Clark, and soon the three form an unexpected bond. But, as Lisa learns more about Sol and he and Clark grow closer and closer, the walls they’ve built around themselves start to collapse and their friendships threaten to do the same.

What Have We Done To Each Other


Alma Blood - 2016
    She writes topics such an feminism, child abuse, healing, and the effects of PTSD and Dissociative Identity Disorder on everyday life.

From Whiskey to Water


Sam Cowen - 2016
    And yes I still count. I promised Iwould never speak about it publicly until my childrenunderstood what that meant, that mommy was an alcoholic.I think they may have understood long before I did.”From Whiskey to Water is the no-holds-barred memoir byone of South Africa’s most loved radio talk show hosts, SamCowen. Having kept her alcohol addiction well away fromthe public eye for over 14 years, in this tell-all tale, Sam findsthe courage to talk about her struggle with her addictionto whiskey, food and finally to a passion that saved herlife – marathon swimming. Told in her characteristicallyhilarious dead-pan style, this is one of the bravest booksyou’ll read this year.“So this is a book on how I stopped drinking? No, it’snot. It’s how I stopped drinking, started eating, becameclinically severely obese, stopped eating (everything thatwasn’t nailed down) and swam my way to freedom. No, it’snot. It’s actually about addiction and learning and sadnessand anxiety and love and drive. It’s about channelling theunchangeable into the miraculous. It’s about dragons andlearning how to put them to sleep when you can’t slay them.It’s about being my own Daenarys.”

Enigma


Danielle Bannister - 2016
    The bum on the street corner you avert your eyes from. The child no one loved. The lost soul no one sees fit to save. A person could go crazy being that alone, but not me. I dug myself out of hell and carried the flames with me. Therapists would call me a pyromaniac if they ever found out my secret. I will always remain an enigma; the puzzle piece that just won’t fit. Since I’m 18, I’ve decided to take charge of my life. Start over. Get a job…then disappear into the populace on my own terms. That was the plan. Until I ended up in Mullen, Nebraska and met Kyle King. He showed me a quiet peaceful life on a farm that was built with love and warmth. The kind of warmth even my precious fire couldn’t provide. Instead of dismissing me like the rest of the world, he chose to look right at me.Maybe the world wasn’t so cruel.Or maybe my downward spiral was just beginning.

Awakening Kali


T.S. Ghosh - 2016
    A small house in Bengal houses a shadow. Chhaya is the youngest daughter in a family that doesn't want her. Shunned for her gender and dark skin, she has no choice but to conceal her feelings. Imprison herself. Shackle herself into a life that has no proper outlet for emotion, whether it be sadness, joy, or unrepentant rage.An unexpected marriage to a stranger turns Chhaya's life around. Suddenly, she is wanted, loved, and cherished. Arun is a man with the patience and the vision to understand that Chhaya is much more than the darkness for which she is named. Most importantly, however, Arun is able to coax Chhaya out of her prison. Slowly. Gently. But the world is an unruly place. War and famine bring heartache to Chhaya, Arun, and their family.The ancient goddess Kali is a symbol of destruction and creation. Chhaya has always been drawn to this symbol of power. And it is this power that calls to her. As the trials of an already difficult life become even more taxing, something awakens in Chhaya. Something terrible. Something unimaginable. Chhaya always believed she was cursed. Which begs the question: is she?Editorial Review:"Awakening Kali is a sad tale, beautifully told with deep compassion and understanding. It is a tale that will make readers ponder the sometimes devastating effects of social injustice, gender bias, and cultural bondage. The author exposes the tragic impact of mental illness on sufferers and their loved ones in a tale that is deeply evocative ― a novel you will struggle to put down.Lorraine Cobcroft, Reviewer for Readers' Favorite

Sweaty Palms: The Anthology About Anxiety


Liz EnrightBarbara Geoghegan - 2016
    The book contains more than 350 beautiful pages of black and white comics by 50 incredible indie cartoonists. We've collected their stories to present a very intimate and comprehensive look at what it’s like living with anxiety.This anthology is our way of helping to destigmatize mental illness. As cartoonists, we can’t think of a better medium for the job! Visual storytelling gives a face to abstract things, like anxiety, which can be very difficult or painful to convey otherwise. It is our hope that readers will connect with the stories and know that they aren’t alone.

Unf;nished


J.R. Barten - 2016
    Occasionally, he must venture into the outside world to get what he needs. On one such occasion, he finds himself at a local tattoo shop getting inked for the first time with a semi-colon as a reminder of his past--a past he cannot allow himself to forget. Fun-loving and outspoken Dev Hemingway is a social worker for a local LGBTQ shelter. He’s covered in tatts, has long hair, and though most people think he belongs on a Harley, he prefers his Venom electric scooter. He’s adding a semi-colon to his tattoo repertoire to mark eight years since his mental health diagnosis. Though they start seeing each other casually, Garrett and Dev’s relationship soon deepens into something more than either one could have prepared for. But will the illness that brought them together ultimately be the one to tear them apart? Could this be the end of their story, or is there still too much left unfinished?

Behind Closet Doors: Four stories of falling in love & coming out


L.A. Witt - 2016
    Two traumatized best friends who need each other more than ever. A grieving widower and a compassionate funeral director. A pair of musicians who can’t keep their hands off each other. Four couples from four different worlds, all faced with not only finding love and making it work, but coming out to friends, family, fans, and electorates who might not be as understanding as they’d hoped. Despite the odds and pushback, though, love like this won’t go down without a fight. And these guys are more than willing to fight for the men they love. This 340,000-word collection contains four full-length gay contemporary romance novels: For The Living From Out in the Cold Where There’s Smoke With the Band All four titles have been previously published, and are available for sale individually.

Outside Mental Health: Voices and Visions of Madness


Will Hall - 2016
    In this remarkable collection of interviews and essays, therapist, Madness Radio host, and schizophrenia survivor Will Hall asks, "What does it mean to be called crazy in a crazy world?" More than 60 voices of psychiatric patients, scientists, journalists, doctors, activists, and artists create a vital new conversation about empowering the human spirit by transforming society. "Bold, fearless, and compellingly readable... a refuge and an oasis from the overblown claims of American psychiatry" - Christopher Lane, author of Shyness: How Normal Behavior Became an Illness "A terrific conversation partner." - Joshua Wolf Shenk, author of Lincoln's Melancholy: How Depression Challenged a President and Fueled His Greatness "Brilliant...wonderfully grand and big-hearted." - Robert Whitaker, author of Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America "Must-read for anyone interested in creating a more just and compassionate world." - Alison Hillman, Open Society Foundation Human Rights Initiative "An intelligent, thought-provoking, and rare concept. These are voices worth listening to." - Mary O'Hara, The Guardian "A new, helpful, liberating-and dare I say, sane-way of re-envisioning our ideas of mental illness." Paul Levy, Director of the Padmasambhava Buddhist Center, Portland, Oregon "A fantastic resource for those who are seeking change." Dr. Pat Bracken MD, psychiatrist and Clinical Director of Mental Health Service, West Cork, Ireland

Hello Me, It's You


Hannah Todd - 2016
    Don’t let the world change you”Hello Me, it’s You is a collection of letters by young adults aged 17-24 about their experiences with mental health issues. The letters are written to their 16-year-old selves, giving beautifully honest advice, insight and encouragement for all that lays ahead of them.This book was produced by the Hello Me, it’s You charity, set up by the editor, Hannah. Hannah was diagnosed with depression and anxiety whilst at university and found comfort in talking to friends about their experiences, realising she was not alone in her situation. This inspired the idea for the charity and book. Through the creation of materials such as this, the charity aims to provide reassurance for young adults (and their families) who are experiencing mental health issues and give a voice to young adults on such an important topic. The result of that will hopefully be a reduction in the negative stigma surrounding mental health and an increase in awareness of young people’s experiences. All profits go the Hello Me, it’s You charity, for the production of future supportive books.Trigger warning: Due to it’s nature, the content of this book may be triggering. Contains personal experiences of depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, trichotillomania and other mental health issues, as well as issues such as assault.“…both beautiful and necessary” Sarah Franklin

Touch the Sky


Christina Lee - 2016
    They were only trying to deal with bad situations at home when they became lifelines for each other. Their pipe dream was to someday meet in LA, where Lucas would design skyscrapers, and Gabriel would learn to fly. But then Gabriel disappeared without so much as a goodbye, and Lucas got himself in trouble with the law. Five years later, both men are at a loss when they run into each other at a Hollywood bar. Lucas is still angry, but it’s not as if Gabriel could control how his mind and body had betrayed him. Being found on the ledge of that bridge had changed everything. The attraction is immediate, but it’s more than their inability to keep their hands off each other. Neither man expects the fierce connection pulling them together. Unfortunately, ignoring their problems doesn’t make them disappear. Gabriel’s internal struggles are serious…dangerous. And no matter how much Lucas wants it to be true, saving Gabriel won’t make up for not being able to save his mom. If they don’t find the strength to face their own demons before the darkness takes hold, they risk more than just losing each other forever.

Committed: The Battle Over Involuntary Psychiatric Care


Dinah Miller - 2016
    On one side are those who oppose involuntary psychiatric treatments under any condition. Activists who take up this cause often don't acknowledge that psychiatric symptoms can render people dangerous to themselves or others, regardless of their civil rights. On the other side are groups pushing for increased use of involuntary treatment. These proponents are quick to point out that people with psychiatric illnesses often don't recognize that they are ill, which (from their perspective) makes the discussion of civil rights moot. They may gloss over the sometimes dangerous side effects of psychiatric medications, and they often don't admit that patients, even after their symptoms have abated, are sometimes unhappy that treatment was inflicted upon them.In Committed, psychiatrists Dinah Miller and Annette Hanson offer a thought-provoking and engaging account of the controversy surrounding involuntary psychiatric care in the United States. They bring the issue to life with first-hand accounts from patients, clinicians, advocates, and opponents. Looking at practices such as seclusion and restraint, involuntary medication, and involuntary electroconvulsive therapy--all within the context of civil rights--Miller and Hanson illuminate the personal consequences of these controversial practices through voices of people who have been helped by the treatment they had as well as those who have been traumatized by it.The authors explore the question of whether involuntary treatment has a role in preventing violence, suicide, and mass murder. They delve into the controversial use of court-ordered outpatient treatment at its best and at its worst. Finally, they examine innovative solutions--mental health court, crisis intervention training, and pretrial diversion--that are intended to expand access to care while diverting people who have serious mental illness out of the cycle of repeated hospitalization and incarceration. They also assess what psychiatry knows about the prediction of violence and the limitations of laws designed to protect the public.

Marvin's Monster Diary: ADHD Attacks! (But I Rock It, Big Time)


Raun Melmed - 2016
    His teachers scold him, his parents don't know what to do with him, and his sister is convinced he was raised by triple-tailed monkeys. In short, Marvin's life is feeling out of control—until a secret formula changes everything.In the same humorous spirit of Diary of a Wimpy Kid comes Marvin's Monster Diary: ADHD Attacks! (And I Rock It, Big Time). Using the "monstercam" and "ST4" techniques developed by Dr. Raun Melmed of the Melmed Center in Arizona, Marvin's Monster Diary teaches kids how to be mindful, observe their surroundings, and take time to think about their actions. Marvin's hilarious doodles and diary entries chronicle his delightful adventures, misadventures, and eventual triumph in a funny, relatable way. It's the one book on ADHD that kids will actually want to read! Marvin's Monster Diary also includes a resource section to help parents and teachers implement Dr. Melmed's methods, plus ST4 reminders that kids can remove, color, and place around the house.

No Evil


Maynard Sims - 2016
    Her eyes, ears, and mouth have been sewn shut DCI Jack Callum leads the investigation into this gruesome crime which shatters the peace of a sleepy 1950s English town. Images of three monkeys are sent to the police to taunt them: see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. Something very nasty is going on and more victims come to light. Who is doing this and why? DCI Callum looks like he’s closing in on the culprits, but then a team of detectives from London is brought in to take over the case. In a breathtaking finale, Callum must race against time, and break his own rules, to save someone very close to him. If you like Robert Galbraith, Rachel Abbott, Ruth Rendell, or Mark Billingham you will be gripped by this exciting new crime fiction writer. Full of wonderful period detail and twists and turns NO EVIL is the first in a new series of crime thrillers set in the 1950s, featuring DCI Jack Callum. He’s an ordinary policeman in an ordinary English town. The crimes he investigates are far from ordinary. Jack Callum has a keen mind and is passionate about his job and family. He doesn’t believe in capital punishment but has caught a few villains whose life has come to an end on the gallows.

She Dims the Stars


Amber L. Johnson - 2016
    Ask his roommate, Elliot Clark, and he would say that Audrey is the enigmatic girl who randomly showed up outside a window one day and turned his whole world upside down in a matter of moments. Ask Audrey herself and she’ll tell you that she has no idea who she is, because her entire life is a lie. However, the older she gets the more she needs answers about who she really is. What she discovers is a tangled web of secrets better left in the dark. Some truths do more harm than good. ***Recommended for readers 18+ due to sensitive subject matter, language and situations.

Mays Landing


J.C. Mercer - 2016
    There he meets T-Bone, a self-described "human lab rat" who takes the vulnerable Mays under his wing. Living beneath the streets of the city they make ends meet selling sperm and other body parts and as paid participants for product and pharmaceutical trials, culminating with an extended Phase III clinical trial for a new anti-depressant wonder drug. We gradually learn more about Mays' mental illness and the reasons behind his suicide attempt as he struggles to find a place between his new underground existence and the "topside" world he left, finding love and fighting his own inner demons in his quest for peace and meaning in his life.

A Beautiful Nightmare


Shana Vanterpool - 2016
    But the queen is the most powerful. Sometimes to win, she is sacrificed.Lies melt, and this queen has plenty. She should have seen him coming, she should have known. He took her long before these walls let her know. He won’t let her go. Won’t listen to reason. For a love that doesn’t exist, or has her heart committed treason? Lust won’t be ignored, doesn’t care for these wall of lies. And for every one she’s ever told, she’s always had another in mind. But he is truth—he is king. And the longer he is all she sees … and tastes … she can’t help but think, some nightmares are beautiful, and some are dreams.In this dark and thrilling romance, the lines of lust and truth are blurred. Life seemingly ends the moment 27-year-old Kinley Hashawaye awakes to find herself inside of a nightmare. Fear and lies are covered in gold and darkness, and her heart won’t let her be when the truth comes back to haunt her. But perception is everything in this kingdom, and danger exists even in our dreams.And this king will stop at nothing to have his queen.A Beautiful Nightmare is a full-length contemporary dark/suspense romance with no cliffhanger. It is intended for readers 18+ due to mature situations.

Breakdown: The Crisis of Shell Shock on the Somme, 1916


Taylor Downing - 2016
    Stuttering. The 'shakes'. Inability to stand or walk. Temporary blindness or deafness. When strange symptoms like these began appearing in men at Casualty Clearing Stations in 1915, a debate began in army and medical circles as to what it was, what had caused it and what could be done to cure it. But the numbers were never large. Then in July 1916 with the start of the Somme battle the incidence of shell shock rocketed. The high command of the British army began to panic.An increasingly large number of men seemed to have simply lost the will to fight. As entire battalions had to be withdrawn from the front, commanders and military doctors desperately tried to come up with explanations as to what was going wrong. 'Shell shock' - what we would now refer to as battle trauma - was sweeping the Western Front. By the beginning of August 1916, nearly 200,000 British soldiers had been killed or wounded during the first month of fighting along the Somme. Another 300,000 would be lost before the battle was over. But the army always said it could not calculate the exact number of those suffering from shell shock. Re-assessing the official casualty figures, Taylor Downing for the first time comes up with an accurate estimate of the total numbers who were taken out of action by psychological wounds. It is a shocking figure. Taylor Downing's revelatory new book follows units and individuals from signing up to the Pals Battalions of 1914, through to the horrors of their experiences on the Somme which led to the shell shock that, unrelated to weakness or cowardice, left the men unable to continue fighting. He shines a light on the official - and brutal - response to the epidemic, even against those officers and doctors who looked on it sympathetically. It was, they believed, a form of hysteria. It was contagious. And it had to be stopped. Breakdown brings an entirely new perspective to bear on one of the iconic battles of the First World War

My Bucket Has Holes: Living with Bipolar II


Sarah Loucks - 2016
    From childhood to diagnosis to mental hospitals, everything is included, including the ugly parts of being raised in a time period that did not understand mental illness and instead applied "tough love" to children who acted abnormally.

The Wacky Man


Lyn G. Farrell - 2016
    Memories flash near the surface like fish coming up for flies. The past peeps out, startles me, and then is gone . . .  Amanda secludes herself in her bedroom, no longer willing to face the outside world. Gradually, she pieces together the story of her life: her brothers have had to abandon her, her mother scarcely talks to her, and the Wacky Man could return any day to burn the house down. Just like he promised. As her family disintegrates, Amanda hopes for a better future, a way out from the violence and fear that has consumed her childhood. But can she cling to her sanity, before insanity itself is her only means of escape?

From Pastor to a Psych Ward: Recovery from a Suicide Attempt is Possible


Steve Austin - 2016
    Steve had survived childhood sexual abuse as a preschooler, but the effects rippled through his life for the next 25 years. After nearly 10 years as a youth pastor and worship leader, Steve was convinced that his only choice was to die by suicide. But childhood sexual abuse, addiction, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and an eventual suicide attempt were only the beginning of Steve Austin's story. This book is for anyone who has hit rock bottom and is left wondering if recovery is possible. This story is all about life at the intersection of Christianity and mental health. You will find hope and raw truth in the pages of this memoir. The suicide epidemic is squeezing the life out of our families, churches, and communities. Daily, people are falling victim to the lie that there is no hope or help for diseases of despair. Suicide respects no one. It has snuffed out bright lights like Robin Williams, Chester Bennington, and Ernest Hemingway. But closer to home, suicide robs families of teenagers and grandparents, steals teachers and pastors from communities and takes mothers away from their infants. It is a gift to survive it, but for someone who has just survived a suicide attempt, it often feels like failure to be alive. Steve Austin is a pastor who once attempted suicide because his brain has an illness, no different from heart disease or cancer. The stigma surrounding mental illness, especially in Christian communities, keeps people locked in prisons of shame, refusing to admit that they need help. Yes Christians can and do struggle with mental illness. People need to know that they are not alone, and you can still be a Christian and have a mental illness. Recovery from our darkest day is difficult, but Steve Austin is living proof that it is possible.

Notorious


Susan Andersen - 2016
    But going home again might not have been her best move. Because the guy who made her notorious in a different way is still in Gravers Bend—and every bit as hot as he was back in the day. So does being the guy in the wrong… Years ago, Jon-Michael Olivet tried apologizing to Hayley for making her the hottest topic on their small town’s grapevine, but she refused to hear. Well, he is not the boy he was then. He grew the hell up and now he just wants to move on. But it is hard to do when he can’t stay away from her. And if it’s not one damn thing… Before the two can deal with old issues, the paparazzi track Hayley down and her #1 Fan begins losing grasp on reality. Still, Fate often has plans. And Hayley and Jon-Michael’s best intentions may just go up in smoke.

This Way Madness Lies


Mike Jay - 2016
    The book charts the evolution of the asylum through four incarnations: the eighteenth-century madhouse, the nineteenth century asylum, the twentieth-century mental hospital, and the post-asylum modern day, when mental health has become the concern of the wider community. The book reveals the role that the history of madness and its treatment has played in creating the landscape of the asylum, in all its iterations.Moving and sometimes provocative illustrations sourced from the Wellcome Collection's extensive archives and the Bethlem Royal Hospital's archive highlight the trajectory of each successive era of institution: founded in the optimistic spirit of humanitarian reform but eventually dismantled amid accusations of cruelty and neglect. Each chapter concludes with a selection of revealing and captivating artwork created by some of the inmates of the institutions of that era.This Way Madness Lies highlights fundamental questions that remain relevant and unresolved: What lies at the root of mental illness? Should sufferers be segregated from society or integrated more fully? And in today’s post-asylum society, what does the future hold for a world beyond Bedlam?

Parasite in Love


Sugaru Miaki - 2016
    The two meet, come to support each other in reintegrating into society, and fall in love. There’s a problem, however: namely, the parasites in their heads.

The Madeleine Trilogy


Max Sebastian - 2016
     His wife flirts with other men. And he likes it. Hugo and Madeleine Finnell move to New York looking for a way to end her depression–a bleakness so deep it’s left their five-year marriage in tatters. The change in scenery helps almost immediately. Madeleine crawls out of the solitude of the past three years a new woman. A sexual woman. The woman Hugo first fell in love with. But Hugo isn’t the only man who notices. He watches from the sidelines as others begin flirting with his wife–and his wife flirts back. Shock, jealousy, and much to his surprise, arousal buffet Hugo as he witnesses this sexy side of Madeleine come alive. Can he stop her as she starts taking things too far? Does he want to? Find out what happens when a husband becomes a voyeur to his wife’s emergent sexuality.