Madness: A Bipolar Life
by Marya Hornbacher
ISBN: 9780618754458

In her trademark wry and self-revealing voice, the bestselling author of "Wasted" tells her new story of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and takes readers inside her own desperate attempts to control her violently careening mood swings.

My 35 year old son was diagnosed as bipolar over 10 years ago. He struggled with the prescription drugs and with street drugs trying to find some stasis, some peace. But there was none to be found. Everyday of his adult life was a struggle and a challenge. As a society, our response to mental illness is all too often to put the victims in jail and to ignore them. On February 2 of this year he committed suicide. I know he has finally found peace.

This book is here in my life now to help me understand from the inside out what he experienced. It is hard for me to read, but a necessity.

Thank you.

Carol, how awful for you. I hope you do find a little peace in reading other accounts of this illness. I find that the medical community is now focusing on finding cures/relief for people who suffer mentally, because that is the root of so many other addictions and physical problems.

Carol, thanks for sharing your story. I'm sorry for your loss.

Carol - I add my condolences to the list of others posted - hopefully knowing that you are in our thoughts will bring some solace -
- Doris -

Carol, my condolences to you as well.

My adult daughter is bipolar and has ADD. From reading this book so far I have learned that we were very, very lucky in that her case is apparently mild. How awful to try to deal with the more intense aspects of the disorder, both as a parent and as the person with the illness.

This is one of the most disturbing books I have ever read, yet I can't stop reading, and no, I do not chase ambulances. I had no idea the symptoms and inner thoughts could be so terrifying.

I am impressed by the courage of this author to write this book. It must have been painful.

I too am very impressed at this author`s courage in opening herself up to the rest of the world. I hope it will help others who are dealing with mental illness and bipolar disorder in particular. I want to thank the author for baring her soul and her "madness". This book is definitely on my personal reading list!

Carol - You have my deepest heartfelt thoughts in regard to the years of suffering on behalf of your son. I also have a friend, a women in her 60's that has struggled for years with a bipolar condition. She was able with therapy to know and realize the "triggers" that set off the mood swings. In fact, she has been able to manage her condition so well that she was able to get off the meds. May time provide peace for you.


I also appreciate this author and the fact her book enables a better understanding of a misable condition. When I do the readings, I feel like I have a window into her mind. This is excellent descriptive reading.

Yes-I agree about the triggers as my son is being treated for depression-and mixed mania/bipolar...he's a teen but is doing awesome now that he knows what sets him off...i send my prayers to you over your loss :(

Carol - I pray that you find peace and solace too.

Marya is an excellent writer. My heart has been touched by all the comments. I feel I am gaining insight into my mother's illness -manic depression - and who drank herself to death.

I just finished reading this book. I really feel for this poor woman because you hope it has a happy ending, but realize that she will most likely be struggling throughout life with Bipolar. I think I'll see what other reads she has.

I have been fascinated by your story. I am on the list to read the rest of it when our library's copy arrives. Your story has given me food for thought as I continue my own struggle with depression.

Ordered your book, read it in a day (hmmm) loved your description of a manic phase being akin to awaking one morning to find unwanted visitors on the sofa, how they won't leave, and make suggestions, and I thought, yep, that's it.

I suspect I'm on the continuum, but I don't swing as far as you. Mania has a certain appeal, a desire to work, so I get a lot done. Sometimes the focus of work itself seems to engender the phase. Downsides suck. I don't drink or do drugs. I do love diet coke, which I'm trying to quit drinking, you know, to show myself I'm in control.

Do you think that if you'd been diagnosed sooner, and on meds from the git-go that the disease would not have progressed?

Hi Marya! I finished reading your book, Madness and just picked up Wasted on my lunch hour today. I get a little annoyed when I read how people think your book is wonderful...Bipolar is anything but wonderful, as I'm sure you would agree. I have to readjust my thinking and try to understand that I think what they are trying to say is your style of writing is wonderful. You have a way of "connecting" with people. I believe that is because people, in general, all have some level of manic depression. As I was reading I was thinking, oh man, that's ME!; just not as severe.

I wish you well and I thank you for sharing your heart with us all!

PS: Thanks for pronouncing your name for us in the beginning!!