Mad House: Growing Up in the Shadow of Mentally Ill Siblings

First of all, I must say that I read this book cover to cover and rather quickly.It's a story worth remembering: an honest account.What brings me up a bit short on it is the abandonment of hope that permeates this narrative.One takes the tightrope over the blues. One tries not to be engulfed.Not too far back this summer was the story of the trash on Everest, never mind the dead bodies.Ginger Rogers-style, the Sherpas who were cleaning it all up, backwards, stopped to mention to some tv crewthat rich, driven people, their clients, in their insistence, in their obsession, were ruining the sacred mountain.This may have happened in Long Island at Clea Simon's house. Shocking tragedy. Wounded pride. Escapism.I've been there.For Clea's family, Harvard was the Way Out. Of embarrassing explanations. Of ostracism. Of stray laughter.Of shunning.But, big ol' Harvard is impervious: It's the Everest of social climbing and networking. A cliche.Ginger Rogers is making gingerbread for tonight's supper at Chautauqua. Good thing. Buddy's having a breakdown.Eleven generations worth. Not all effort is in vain.Not all service is demeaning.This review is dedicated to my darling sister.She made beds and kept old people comfortable for thirty-two years.Little people sometimes seemed to be under the bed.But, she kept her patients clean just the same. Function, just function.And persist.

I turn to Clea Simon to understand my own family. I read “Fatherless Women” and as she wrote in that book about the women and the loss of our fathers, it hurt to remember the circumstances under which I lost my own dad. But I read it for strength. It is important that others that traversed the most difficult roads before us.“Mad House” again put me in touch with hurting memories. My mother had episodes in which she would scream hateful things. She was bipolar; I was a difficult daughter who was often the victim of her mood swings.All families have losses and problems, but not all families have mental illnesses. We seemed so alone and isolated back in the days when I was growing up.I can’t say that after reading Clea Simon’s books that I understand better either the losses or the illnesses. But I am glad for her books. I know now that we who suffered through these chaotic episodes are not alone.Clea Simon is a good guide and friend. It’s important and comforting to read the words of those who have suffered some of what we have suffered. I kept stopping as I read this book to record memories and feelings in my journal.The section in last chapter about her decision to possibly reconnect with her sister is too long and unsatisfying. She did not come to a clear decision. I too have struggled with decisions about weather to reconnect with a lost sister. We go around in circles; the decision does not get made.

My older brother carries a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. I could easily relate to the author's family dynamics and the effect that her siblings' mental health conditions had on her family. This book combines the author's personal experiences juxtaposed with research and reports from others who have siblings diagnosed with a mental health condition.This book also helped me better understand my own family's dysfunction, why I relate to people and situations in particular ways, and it allowed me to forgive myself for some of the ways in which I treated my brother. I cannot recommend this book enough for anyone who has a member of their family diagnosed with a mental illness or provides family therapy. Reading this book helped me to gain insights into myself and into my family. It's a must read!

I bought this book in hopes of understanding the feelings that I have due to being a “well sibling.” We are often forgotten about or left out of the conversation when it comes to our mentally ill siblings and the effect they have on our life. This helped me see that I’m not the only one who feels resentment and has emotional baggage from dealing with this situation. You see this from the authors point of view, as well as other brothers & sisters that have lived through similar situations.

I actually didn't even finish reading it. I thought it was a story not an actual biography. But that was my fault because i didn't read the description all the way through. So the book may be very good for people that are looking for that.

This book worked as therapy for me. Having not share anything to anyone about my bipolar sister's condition and effects it has on the family, this book provided an outlet for all the mixed and confuse feelings that has been buried for decades. Wonderful book.

I could really relate to this book! I wish more like this had been written. So few people understand what it's like to have a mentally ill sibling. I hope someday to write my own account.

well written. helpful especially for someone with a mentally ill sibling. shared feelings of family members.

This personal account was a painful but fascinating read.