Official Review: Searching for Normal by Karen Meadows

[pantera]

Thank you for a thorough review of this book. It sounds really good as a revealing insight about mental illness, which is becoming a serious issue in our society. Too many resources have been taken from the mental illness treatment system. Unfortunately it has resulted in more "criminalization" of psychological damage and a lot of people who were previously getting help are thrown out on the streets where they are often criminalized for being homeless. It is a shameful trend that we should all take more time to learn about and try to change.

I will be putting this book on my "have to read" list, but I am grateful you have given a heads up about the fact that its not a "light" read. Your summary was excellent and I liked the fact that you told us that no spoiler alerts were necessary because the suicide was not toward the end, or the focal point for the story.

I find it very brave of any author to open themselves up, sharing a painful experience with the world and knowing that some will judge them for it (unfortunately).

Thanks again, happy reading!

[crediblereading2]

Many persons discriminate against mentally challenged persons because of fear. I think the stigma will be reduced if it is taught in schools, churches, and communities how to react to it in a more sensitive manner.

[Yoli García]

Definitely not a light read but it is important. I agree that the mental health system needs to improve. Thanks for the excellent review!

[Mercelle]

This is such a poignant read. Mental illness and depression are often dismissed, leaving many victims to suffer in silence. I like that the author tried on more than one occasion to get Sadie the help that she needed.

[kandscreeley]

Mental illness does seem to be a growing issue in our society--or, perhaps, I'm just becoming more aware of it. I'm grateful to the author for sharing her story with us. It will surely help the reader to reach a greater understanding and empathy for the victim, especially through the excerpts written by Sadie herself. I appreciate that she included resources as well. I'm filing this away for a day when I can handle the emotion of such a book. Thanks for another great review!

There would definitely be quite a bit of emotion in this book, so I understand having to wait to read it until you are ready. Thanks for commenting!

[kandscreeley]

Thank you for a thorough review of this book. It sounds really good as a revealing insight about mental illness, which is becoming a serious issue in our society. Too many resources have been taken from the mental illness treatment system. Unfortunately it has resulted in more "criminalization" of psychological damage and a lot of people who were previously getting help are thrown out on the streets where they are often criminalized for being homeless. It is a shameful trend that we should all take more time to learn about and try to change.

I will be putting this book on my "have to read" list, but I am grateful you have given a heads up about the fact that its not a "light" read. Your summary was excellent and I liked the fact that you told us that no spoiler alerts were necessary because the suicide was not toward the end, or the focal point for the story.

I find it very brave of any author to open themselves up, sharing a painful experience with the world and knowing that some will judge them for it (unfortunately).

Thanks again, happy reading!

I and the author would agree with you about the resources taken away. I do hope that you get a chance to read this one. Thanks!

[kandscreeley]

Many persons discriminate against mentally challenged persons because of fear. I think the stigma will be reduced if it is taught in schools, churches, and communities how to react to it in a more sensitive manner.

I think we all need some training as to how to deal with those with mental illness and help stop suicide. Thanks!

[kandscreeley]

Definitely not a light read but it is important. I agree that the mental health system needs to improve. Thanks for the excellent review!

Thanks for your comment and reading my review!

[kandscreeley]

This is such a poignant read. Mental illness and depression are often dismissed, leaving many victims to suffer in silence. I like that the author tried on more than one occasion to get Sadie the help that she needed.

Thanks for commenting Mercy. The author and her husband tried numerous times to help Sadie, but so much of mental health is a guessing game. You can't take a blood test and figure out if you are depressed or bipolar or manic or whatever. So it's hard to get the right treatment in that case!

[Dolor]

Sad to hear the story of this book that ended in suicide. On the other hand, it gives the readers glimpses of possibilities to have better communication with their children and to make sure to check some symptoms of mental illness and depression.This is worth giving attention when we saw a sudden change in our children's behaviour, their sudden withdrawal, and if they keep on staying alone or isolate themselves. An appointment to a psychologist doesn't cost too much.

I know I feel down sometimes but thanks God, suicide has never been an option on my mind. Thanks for the detailed review.

[kandscreeley]

Sad to hear the story of this book that ended in suicide. On the other hand, it gives the readers glimpses of possibilities to have better communication with their children and to make sure to check some symptoms of mental illness and depression.This is worth giving attention when we saw a sudden change in our children's behaviour, their sudden withdrawal, and if they keep on staying alone or isolate themselves. An appointment to a psychologist doesn't cost too much.

I know I feel down sometimes but thanks God, suicide has never been an option on my mind. Thanks for the detailed review.

Suicide is such a senseless thing, but yet for some, it's their only way out. It's really sad. Thanks for your comment!

[bookowlie]

Excellent review. I am sure writing the book was cathartic for Sadie's mother. I like that she took the time to research statistics about suicide and depression. I find it difficult to read books about suicide, even though this one sounds heartfelt and sensitively written.

[BriennaiJ]

This book is sad, but it is definitely an important read. I wish that more people with mental illness were able to receive treatment. However, with the amount of un-qualified/un-helpful therapists out there, many won't even seek it. I hope that this story will start to inform people about what kind of crisis we are in as human beings.

[Manang Muyang]

If even the most advanced society and economy cannot properly support its mentally ill, how much worse could it be for the poorer nations? The stigma of mental illness continues to add to the sufferer's pain and loneliness. I feel for Sadie (and those who care for her) and all those in the same boat.

But what is normal? Surely, the title is revealing.

Thanks for the heartfelt review, Kandscreeley!

[kandscreeley]

Excellent review. I am sure writing the book was cathartic for Sadie's mother. I like that she took the time to research statistics about suicide and depression. I find it difficult to read books about suicide, even though this one sounds heartfelt and sensitively written.

It was very emotional especially since you get to see how talented Sadie was. It's heartbreaking she died so young.