The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness

Can’t believe I just read this book in 2 days and it’s been in my Kindle e-reader unread for years.

I am close to someone with schizophrenia, and this book has helped me to see it more clearly from the inside, as well as the outside. This personal story gives understanding, as well as the knowledge that is to be found in technical books. I think people like me who are close to someone would find the book very valuable. People with schizophrenia might also find that it's enlightening and encouraging, while being starkly realistic. For people who have never come across schizophrenia, it will be an eye-opener.

From my experience, books written on the subject of Schizophrenia are well worth reading. I have suffered for ten years with the illness and so was on the search for a book that could be helpful to me. Elyn R. Saks manages to cover the beginnings and ongoing suffering in such a professional manner that this book crosses into the arena of the best seller. It is insightful, simply told and at times totally shocking. I consider this to be the best and most useful books on the subject and would recommend it to anyone who would be interested in a seriously good read.

Great book for people affected by schizophrenia

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.

Good enough to make me write this just so I could give it 5 stars. 5 more words required; there.

Having no knowledge of schizophrenia beyond what is depicted in the media, this was enlightening. And just in general, a very enjoyable read.

Excellent, thorough contribution to those who have had, or would like an insight to, experiences of mental illness. As someone who has battled depression and read numerous accounts of fellow sufferers, i've found Saks' the most enjoyable and comforting.

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.

統合失調症の米人女性が書いた自伝です。 著者のエリン・サクスさんがTEDでスピーチしているのを見て、興味が出てKindleでダウンロード購入しました。 英語版も素晴らしいですが、邦訳版も出て欲しいです。

Wow. What can I say? This book is such an excellent read that I recommend it to everyone and anyone who is interested in reading an autobiography about a Jewish woman who overcame a livelong battle with a mental illness only to emerge victorious and highly successful, helping countless people in the process. I recently bought this book after researching similar ones on Amazon about schizophrenia. I wanted to read about the mental illness and share it with someone who also wanted to read and discuss the same book together. I was given the task of choosing such a book. After reading many book reviews, this one had the most reviews, most positive reviews, and when I read the synopsis, I decided it was it. This was the book. This book was so hard to put down. I read it from cover to cover in a matter of a few days. It would have taken me a shorter time, had I had the time to sit down and read it all in one go. It was a real page turner, really well written, highly entertaining and informative, and beautifully crafted. The real events in her life dealing with schizophrenia are sad and terrifying, but it was something she suffered through and remembered clearly enough to retell it in highly descriptive detail, drawing the reader in with every battle. I especially loved the ending, with her recent academic accomplishments and accolades and of course, her wedding to her husband. The Center Cannot Hold was a comforting and thrilling read for me. Although I could not relate to much of her life and experiences, the book was moving and touching. I highly recommend Elyn Saks's book, The Center Cannot Hold to my parents, friends, family, and husband as well as to everyone in the general public. It is an excellent book that is well worth your time and money.

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.

Please translate for more langages. Im Brazilian! I hope my loved one can read it some day. Mais estudantes de psicologia, profissionais da saude, pessoas com essa doença mental e familiares poderia ter acesso. We can mourn and than acept our limits while reading. I were looking for some good reference. There it is! Hehe im very thankfull.