Every year I buy the Page-a-day Book Lover's calendar. Every year I swear I'm going to take advantage of the recommendations. And what happens...every year I look at each day, think "hmm, that looks good" or "No way" and do nothing. Every January I thow out the previous year's pages to make way for the new ones. So I've decided, this is the year, and yes I know it's not over yet, that I read those books. I have 30+ recommendations saved on my Amazon list and another stack in a drawer. Here's to some new adventures.
"Hurry Down Sunshine" by Michael Greenberg caught me with the first sentance and made me cry with the last. On July 5th, 1996 at age 15 Greenberg's daughter "was struck mad". She experiences a psycotic break associated with a bipolar disorder. I found this book honest, sad, hard, and unflinching. The author never glosses over the truth or hides from the reality of the situation. The book is split into three parts. The events leading up to Sally being hospitalized, Sally's hospitalization, and Sally's return home. What, how, why are all questions he asks as he deals with this "new reality". He wonders if he should have seen something, been a better parent, is it his fault as he struggles to understand. Greenberg is also honest enough not to gloss up a "happy ending"This was a quick read for me. Partly because I didn't want to put it down and at 234 pages it wasn't very long. I liked this book. Due to the subject matter I wouldn't say I enjoyed it, but it made me think and I was still thinking about it after I was finished.
(originally posted 12/26/2011)
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