Susan Sheehan (1) (1937–)

3.5 stars

This is a straightforward profile. There's not any analyzing from the author about what the subject, Carmen, did, that was right or wrong; it just states the facts and readers draw their own conclusions.

I found Carmen's attitude toward life in general to be a very typical poverty mindset - very shortsighted, a bit defeatist, lacking ambition. And for those in poverty, it's normal to be surrounded by others in the same situations, with all the same values, which is a dangerous place to be.

A few drawbacks:

It is very hands-off in the storytelling, presented without bias, mostly. This could be a good thing in some ways, but it lacked a fire, if you will, and that made the book more frustrating to get through.

There's profanity, and many sexual references, including child marriage/abuse, and drug abuse.

It's a look at the welfare system of the 1960s and 1970s, which is interesting to me, but I think most people will benefit from reading a more modern account to understand the current situation.

… (altro)

Clear a spot on your calendar because this book will completely absorb you for 48 hours! A writer follows the frustrating and jagged path of a schizophrenic woman through the New York mental health system over decades. Originally appearing as serial articles, the text was never given a vigorous re-edit, so the chronology is a little confusing. However, I think this enhances the merry-go-round heartbreak of this woman's life: institutional admissions, bad drug therapy, huffy exits, broken beginnings, failed ventures, and exasperated family. The family in this case is thankful to push for more openness about the nature and social responses to mental illness. If you have anyone in your life who ever struggled to stay mentally healthy for any reason, you should read this book.… (altro)