THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD Paperback – 12 August 2008

Insightful look into the mind of a schizophrenic

There are some kind of highlightings in some of the pages. Little annoying.

I chose this book as an example for my tesi (not sure of what the translation might be), but i could not even imagine how important it might have become for me. It was an incredibile journey, i cried and i was filled with joy for every beautiful and well deserved happiness she encontuer. I will love to write about her book, i will encourage my friend and collegues to read it, and i m sure i will think about a lot about it in my life. I am gratefull for the decision to write down the details about her journey because i think is the most effective way to, at least, start to understand how hard it might be and how much stigma there is to overcome. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

By far the best book. I‘ve ever read. A very touching and relatable story about living with an mental illness. A must read for any schizophrenic out there.

Elyn Saks has written a beautiful , moving and astonishing account of living with a mental illness. I was blown away by her immense courage, versatility and spirit. At times, I felt so angry on her behalf about the way she was treated by mental health professionals, especially with regard to the cruel and repressive treatment that was employed during her two admissions to American psychiatric hospitals. I was absolutely appalled by her description. I wasn't very impressed by the treatment she received in the UK system either, but at least it was not brutal. And yet, despite all this, and also three life threatening physical illnesses, Elyn has not just survived, but thrived. Her achievements are phenomenal and I was impressed by the way she has used her intelligence and legal abilities to improve the American mental health system for others. Elyn also describes some of the many friends she has made, and she is clearly a wonderful person who inspires others. I was so glad the book ended with an account of happiness and fulfilment on all levels. I would recommend this book to anyone, and particularly to psychiatrists and therapists. The act of writing this inspiring book was one of enormous courage. Towards the end a psychiatrist asks: Elyn, do you want to become known as the schizophrenic with a job? I would say this is the wrong question. To me, Elyn Saks is an amazing person and law professor who also happens to have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, who has still achieved a phenomenal amount and made the world a better place through her work and through her presence.

Modifica a visão do senso comum de doenças mentais.

One of the best books i have read on the subjet. Elyn is an exceptional writer and storyteller. I highly reccomemd this book to anyone wanting to better understand mental illness.