Book Review--Mommy, I'm Still in Here

Mommy, I’m Still in Here, written by Kate McLaughlin, is a heart-rending book. It’s the true story of a family that goes from the all-American dream to the all-American nightmare.

As the children become teens, two of them, Chloe and Michael, develop bipolar disorder. This mental illness comes disguised as normal teen moodiness, forgetfulness, and rebellion. By the time her parents realize that Chloe is seriously ill, it is almost too late. She suffers from rapid cycling moods, sometimes seriously depressed—even suicidal—other times grandiose and irresponsible. Michael’s illness makes him more inclined to violence, and he self-medicates with drugs and alcohol. Their mother shares the story of this family’s fight to regain control of their lives.

I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it. It is a moving story, and also offers information helpful to anyone interested in bipolar disorder.

Oh,Joy! I Got My Book Today

What incredibly fast shipping from Thomas Nelson Publishers. The book I signed up for on Monday just arrived by UPS. It is in perfect condition, so pristine that I hate to open it and bend the spine. The lovely yellow book has a gorgeous black jacket, with embossed flowers in the oval shape of a brain. Oh, I forgot to mention the title is This is Your Brain on Joy. I flipped through it quickly as I have to do some paperwork today, but there seems to be a lot of helpful information in it. I noticed some quizzes, complete with answers, and recommended books to read for more information on the topic of brain function.

So, I guess I'll be setting aside my current treasure, City of God, by Saint Augustine, until I get this book read and reviewed. I don't want to dilly-dally and miss out on picking one from the next selection of free books.

Free Books!

WooHoo! I just got accepted into the Thomas Nelson book reviewer program. This gives me free books in exchange for agreeing to review them on my blog, and on one review site--like Amazon or some other public site. Here's the link if you are interested in signing up with the program yourself: http://brb.thomasnelson.com/join

I'm awaiting my copy of This is Your Brain on Joy, by Dr. Earl Henslin. I'll tell you all about it after I read it. I alreadly love the cover; it shows a brain full of flowers, and I love flowers. The hardcover book is 240 pages, so it will take me a while to get through it.

I'm hoping to have the book finished before February 21 as I'm attending a women's retreat on Outrageous Joy that day and want to be prepared. We're having a speaker from Arizona, Glenna Salsbury. The day will start with an English Breakfast Tea, followed by praise and worship, a message, luncheon--with dessert bar--and another message. By the end of the day, I should be full of both joy and food.