Review of Teetering On A Tightrope

[Brendan Donaghy]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Teetering On A Tightrope" by Steven W Wilson.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Teetering on a Tightrope: My Bipolar Journey is a memoir by Steven W. Wilson. The author’s childhood in Delaware, Ohio was uneventful up until he was nine years old. He was just ‘a normal kid having fun.’ (p2) Then, he was sexually abused by a stranger in the restroom of his local cinema and his life changed. He had his first episode of depression in his fourth-grade year. From that point on, his life was a constant battle with poor mental health. He was diagnosed with type 2 bipolar disorder as an adult. This is the memoir of a seventy-three-year-old man looking back at his struggles with the illness and the impact it has had on his life.

The book throws up some interesting questions. For example, this reader immediately jumped to the conclusion that the author’s mental health problems all stemmed from his traumatic experience as a child. However, it becomes clear that poor mental health is deeply ingrained in his family. His mother suffered from deep depression for most of her life, his brother Tommy experienced similar problems and the author’s three daughters developed mental health issues, too. Is it something that can be passed on through our DNA? It’s a question the author asks himself at different points in the book.

I enjoyed the author’s clearly written sentences that carry the reader along through his story. He is honest about other people and himself. I also liked how he gives his tale a societal and historical context by mentioning what’s happening in the world at large, such as the Vietnam War, racial segregation in public spaces and the changes in men’s fashions in the 1970s. These references are dropped into the narrative, but they are never allowed to overshadow the main protagonist, namely bipolar disorder.

While I appreciated how the author tells his story, I still found this book a hard read. The author’s entire life has been a struggle with bipolar disorder, and he’s had some very dark times. While he’s also had some happier periods and lighter moments, the dominant tone of the narrative is a sombre one. I finished reading it feeling a bit flat.

I am awarding this book four out of five stars. It has been professionally edited, and I found fewer than a handful of minor errors. I am deducting one star because I’d have liked to have heard more about the positive, happier times that the author mentions. This, I think, would have provided some contrast to the hard experiences and made the book a more rounded read. The book discusses sexual relationships and issues arising from poor mental health, including suicide ideation. I would, therefore, recommend it to adults who have an interest in learning more about bipolar disorder, not from a clinical perspective, but through the eyes of someone who has struggled with it all his life.

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Teetering On A Tightrope
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[Charles Ashinze]

It is intriguing reading about the mental health struggles from the perspective of one who experienced it. The author had a very challenging life starting from the sexual assault. It baffles me how people can be very cruel.

[Akash_Singh]

This book is very good for reading about how to survive a child who suffer from sexual assault and change their life from depression. i enjoyed this book but also worried about present human thinking.i given 4 out of 5.

[Arabiu Abdul]

Such an outstanding review. Reading it on the factor of family Genes to bipolar disorder gives me questions to note out to read the book. Because I was intrigued by the Reviewer review. Teetering On A Tightrope by Steven W Wilson all the way.

[Brittany Arendse]

The perspective of someone suffering with bipolar or any other mental health issue is extremely valuable in todays society. Normalizing mental health talk is such an important part of life. Well done on #BOTD

[Leen282]

Already the review of this book impacts my mood, it is indeed a very dark topic and I would have a very hard time reading about suicide ideation as a consequence of poor mental health. It is good the author shares his struggles and his thoughts, and perhaps one day I may feel like I am up for reading such a book, but right now I feel like the book would be too dark for me.

[Asma Aisha Ansari]

Wilson's journey from childhood trauma to a bipolar diagnosis in "Teetering on a Tightrope" paints a poignant picture. I'm eager to delve into the complexities of inherited struggles and societal influences in this well-written memoir by Steven W Wilson.

[Aida Nuria Montenegro Jerez]

Teetering on a Tightrope: My Bipolar Journey by Steven W. Wilson is a story of self-improvement that will undoubtedly leave anyone who reads it, to say the least, heartbroken. Abuse, parental detachment, and a long history of psychiatric and psychological problems flood this magnificent drama, which is as hard as life itself.

[Maria Lepre]

I've read the free sample on Amazon Kindle, and I would like to quote one sencence that is so important to me:
"If only my father had shown me respect and love, I might have escaped many of my demons."

This is a story, but not any story. Everyone needs to be shown respect and love. I'll keep reading this book, with its simplicity it strikes the feelings to the core.

[raymond kasyoka]

"Teetering on a Tightrope" when a perpetrator abuse a young child makes him grow in depression, struggles and mental health, it was a sad story indeed but with more thinking from the author. i love the book

[Aaron Joseph Maupin]

Yes, the review is helpful, providing insights into "Teetering on a Tightrope: My Bipolar Journey" and discussing the author's struggles with bipolar disorder. The review is sufficient in conveying the reviewer's thoughts and addressing key aspects of the book. It may motivate individuals interested in learning about bipolar disorder to consider buying the book. From the reviewer's perspective, the book appears to be a valuable addition to anyone's library who wants to understand bipolar disorder through a personal lens.

[Sharmayne Sara]

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and review "Teetering on a Tightrope: My Bipolar Journey." I truly appreciate your thoughtful insights and reflections on my memoir.

I'm glad to hear that you found my writing clear and appreciated the honesty in portraying both myself and those around me. Your observation about the intergenerational aspect of mental health struggles in my family is keenly noted. Indeed, it raises important questions about the nature of mental health and its potential hereditary components. I wanted to shed light on the complexity of mental health, and I'm pleased to see that it sparked some intriguing reflections for you.

Your mention of the societal and historical context I incorporated into the narrative is reassuring. I aimed to anchor my personal journey within a broader framework to highlight the interconnectedness of individual struggles with larger societal shifts. It's heartening to know that this aspect resonated with you.

I also appreciate your honesty in acknowledging the difficulty of the read due to the somber tone. Mental health battles are undoubtedly challenging, and I wanted to convey the raw reality of those experiences. Your suggestion regarding more emphasis on positive, happier moments is duly noted. Striking a balance between the struggles and the triumphs is a delicate task, and your feedback will undoubtedly help me refine my storytelling in the future.

I'm grateful for the four-star rating and understand your rationale for deducting one star. Your consideration of potential readers, especially adults interested in gaining insight into bipolar disorder through a personal lens, is valuable information for prospective readers.

Once again, thank you for your time, careful consideration, and constructive feedback. I'm grateful for your engagement with my memoir, and I hope it contributes to a broader understanding of mental health.

Best regards,
Steven W. Wilson

[Chitra Ayengar]

A thoughtful review. I agree with the reviewer that the author should have added some happy moments of his life in the narrative to make it less heavy from the reader's perspective. The book will provide a useful insight into the hardships faced by those struggling with mental illness.

[NetMassimo]

A memoir about bipolar disorder told by a man who struggled throughout almost his entire life with it. An inside view of the consequences of such a disorder that can offer a first-hand idea of what it means to live with mental issues. Thank you for your great review!

[M Ali 11]

Circle of Innocents: It Must Remain Unbroken by author Ravi Subramanian is a gripping thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The novel follows the story of a group of young students who are part of a prestigious school . The story revolves around the mysterious disappearance of one of their classmates, and the subsequent investigation that ensues.

The author has done an excellent job of creating a complex and multi-layered plot that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. The characters are well-developed, and their motivations are explored in depth, making them feel like real people rather than mere caricatures.

The writing style is crisp and engaging, with a fast-paced narrative that keeps the reader hooked. The author's use of descriptive language adds to the overall atmosphere of the story, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience.

One of the standout features of this novel is the way it explores themes of corruption, power, and morality in contemporary Indian society. The author does not shy away from tackling sensitive issues, such as child abuse and sexual exploitation, and presents them in a thought-provoking and nuanced way.

Overall, Circle of Innocents: It Must Remain Unbroken is a must-read for fans of thrillers and crime fiction. It is a well-crafted and entertaining novel that will leave readers wanting more from this talented author. Highly recommended!