She’s Not Herself: A psychotherapist’s journey into and beyond her mother’s mental illness
On the surface, her childhood seemed normal—even idyllic. Linda grew up in the iconic immigrant community of Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, with her parents and a gifted older brother. But she spent her days at home alone with a mother who suffered major bouts of depression, and was either manic (at her best) or violent (at her worst). But all they told young Linda was, “Your mother…she’s not herself.”
Years later, as an adult psychotherapist, the author looks back in an effort to understand her mother’s mental illness and the effects of multi-generational traumas. She’s Not Herself (4.3 stars, 94 reviews) is a brilliant account of life with a mentally ill family member, told with the wisdom of a seasoned psychotherapist. The original “trauma” of this family—the mother’s immigration to the United States during World War I—is a particularly compelling saga of heartbreak and survival that will resonate with descendants of many immigrants. “An honest and compelling story by a brave and gifted writer.” Wally Lamb, author of She’s Come Undone and I Know This Much Is True.
She’s Not Herself is published by Dream of Things, an indie publisher that focuses on high quality memoirs. Other memoirs from Dream of Things include:
Everything I Never Wanted to Be by Dina Kucera (4.6 Stars, 279 Reviews, 99 cents): “How come people who have experienced such trauma write so well? So raw and funny that it almost makes me want to have horrible things happen to me so my writing will improve.” Joel Stein, Time Magazine columnist
Betty’s Child by Don Dempsey (4.6 Stars, 215 Reviews, 99 cents): In the tradition of Frank McCourt and Angela’s Ashes, this is the true story of one boy’s ordeals with poverty, violence, religion, and physical and mental abuse as he attempts to come of age with only his street smarts and sense of humor to guide him. “Heartrending and humorous.” Kirkus Reviews
Swimming with Maya by Eleanor Vincent (4.5 Stars, 213 Reviews, 99 cents): Demonstrates the remarkable process of healing after the traumatic death of a loved one. “Vincent’s poignant decision to donate Maya’s organs will resonate with even hard-boiled readers.” Booklist
Leaving the Hall Light On by Madeline Sharples (4.4 Stars, 211 Reviews, 99 cents): A mother’s story of living with her son’s bipolar disorder and surviving his suicide. “A moving read of tragedy, trying to prevent it, and coping with life after.” Midwest Book Review
Any Road Will Take You There by David W. Berner (4.8 Stars, 39 Reviews): In the spirit of Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, a middle-age father takes his sons, his best friend and the reader on a five-thousand-mile road trip to rekindle his spirit. Hoffer Award Grand Prize Finalist.
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