Review of Step Into My World Of Schizophrenia

Fazzier · Post by **Fazzier** » 21 Jun 2021, 04:08

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Step Into My World Of Schizophrenia" by Sakimah N. Coleman.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Step Into My World of Schizophrenia is a gripping, informative memoir written by Sakimah Coleman, taking us through her battle with paranoid schizophrenia. Born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey, and just like many of us, the author had big dreams. One of them was to help people, and to get an opportunity to help many people, she wanted to become a nurse. Unfortunately, this had to be deferred until a later date due to the onset of her illness. So, in sharing this story, the author hopes to create awareness and enable readers to learn some facts about mental illnesses, most of which she did not know before becoming sick and has taken a better part of her struggle with the mental illness to learn. I greatly enjoyed this book, and at the end of this journey, I learned a lot that changed my perspective on mental illnesses.

I also liked how well the author executed this book. She begins by narrating her childhood life, growing up in Trenton, NJ. Due to this, readers get to know how her life was before she was inflicted with mental illness. Readers also get to witness how she first started to develop the symptoms, the journey toward her diagnosis, and the emotional farewell to her pre-schizophrenic life. Now the life she was used to was gone, and she was ushered into the world that was only real to her, a world whose inhabitants are stereotypically labeled as “crazy.” But she did not give up the hope of ever becoming well again. This book has been adapted from the journals she has been writing throughout this journey, and they appear just as she first wrote them. They are raw, unfiltered, and contain some of her embarrassing moments, but she decided to share them anyway, all with the desire to help people to witness mental illness from the eyes of the one suffering from it. The vivid, transparent journals enhanced my appreciation of this informative book.

My favorite aspect of this book was that the author not only teaches about paranoid schizophrenia but also other types of mental illnesses. Readers will learn more about bipolar disorders, depression, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), among others. Apart from the lessons on the other mental illnesses, I also liked the author's trust and strong belief in God, and this played a pivotal role in her recovery process as readers will see.

All in all, I didn't find anything to dislike about this book. It seems to have been professionally edited since I found just some minor errors, most of which were not distracting. However, due to their number, I am deducting a star to award Step Into My World of Schizophrenia by Sakimah Coleman 3 out of 4 stars. Otherwise, I would have given it a perfect rating.

To people suffering from or whose relatives are suffering from mental illness, I highly recommend this. I also believe that anyone should read this book since mental illness affects all of us in one way or another; the only difference is the degree of its effect. On the other hand, the author makes references to the Bible and has incorporated some Bible verses. I believe nonreligious and open-minded readers from other religions can enjoy it as well without being affected by such.

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Step Into My World Of Schizophrenia
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GYRO · Post by **GYRO** » 27 Jun 2021, 10:29

One of my cousins suffered from anxiety disorder, I'll be sure to check out this book. Great review!

The frant1c reader · Post by **The frant1c reader** » 27 Jun 2021, 14:51

It's sad when people suffering from mental illnesses are just labelled as crazy or stigmatized when in real what they really need is people's help and support in their hardship against these illnesses. This book could be a good initiative in educating people about mental illnesses. Thank you for such a well written review!

Kristy Khem · Post by **Kristy Khem** » 27 Jun 2021, 18:22

Great review! This book seems very emotional as it deals with a sensitive topic. I have always heard about schizophrenia but I don't know much about it. Perhaps, I will check this one out since you rated it well.

Dartemis · Post by **Dartemis** » 27 Jun 2021, 18:33

I’m glad that mental health/illnesses are being touched upon more frequently these past few years. This book sounds like it has some good points to share involving these topics. Thank you for your informative review.

Chukwuebuka Ifedigbo · Post by **Chukwuebuka Ifedigbo** » 28 Jun 2021, 03:32

At all times, we must be grateful for the life we have. So many people are battling with life-threatening diseases and life does not give them an equal playing ground to chase their dreams. Regardless, I love this book and hope the author heals soon.

WADonnelly · Post by **WADonnelly** » 28 Jun 2021, 12:20

This sounds like a great book and one that many people could do with reading. it is annoying that there were so many errors as it can detract from the great content. Great review!

Lou Brane · Post by **Lou Brane** » 29 Jun 2021, 00:12

This review was really informative and shared some insight into the book! I'm happy to know the book shared some personal perspectives of mental illness.

Antara Sengupta · Post by **Antara Sengupta** » 30 Jun 2021, 11:22

Wow

I really loved your review. It was so interesting to know that the author who suffered from such a intent mental illness and then wrote a book based on her perspective. It is surely something I have never come across. It will sure help people suffering with it. Thanks for your review.

Post by **Lauren Hanna** » 30 Jun 2021, 14:14

I enjoyed your review, it was very interesting. It takes a lot of courage to be as open as the author was and share her journey as a paranoid schizophrenic. I look forward to reading this book and learning more about this mental illness.