Finding Alice

This well written fairytale left me longing that it reflected real life.

At first, it's horrifying to contemplate the fall into schizophrenia. Finding Alice accurately depicts the fear and injustice of this illness, which strikes its victims typically in their 20's, after a normal life with a stable mental health history. The book delves into the situations those with schizophrenia often find themselves, facing inadequate, and often horrifying treatment at a facility or a life on the streets. Through the eyes of Alice, we see a terrifying world seemingly filled with insurmountable obstacles. Imagined or not... the reader can understand how difficult it is to live in such an alarming and intimidating world.But unlike the stories of many schizophrenics, this is a hopeful tale that explores not only the terrifying aspects of our world and mental health treatment. It also expresses how people can (and do change), how kind souls are out there, and how progressive, empathetic, and understanding treatment can give back life to those with schizophrenia.This is an important book for those who suffer this disease, know someone who does, or works with them. It's also a brilliant, heart-breaking, but hopeful story for anyone looking for an interesting read.

Finding Alice is that book that I always turn to when I start dealing with my depersonalization issues. Walking through the fall of a mental illness with Alice, her journey through it, and her revelation of learning how to deal with it is one of the most amazing things a book has ever done for me. Many Christians have a problem with putting a bandaid answer to those who deal with mental illness; this book shows the journey of a person in a way that one would hope could enlighten their eyes. For those of us who have dealt with mental health issues, it is a journey of hope that starts with a downfall. Every time I get to a place where I feel my illness starting to take a hold, there are not many resources that I can turn to, but this is one of them. Thank you Melody Carlson for writing this book.

Melody Carlson never disappoints her readers. This was a difficult book to read as I watched the protagonist descend into schizophrenia. I worked in psychiatric hospitals for many years and dealt with patients whose whole world began to crumble around them. They no longer had control over their thoughts and actions.The treatment modality that finally made a difference for Alice was unique. I think having patients who only want to participate in their in their journey to wellness was brilliant. It showed the general public that living with schizophrenia is not an automatic sentence to a wasted life.Melody Carlson is a consummate storyteller. She approaches her subjects after a great amount of research that allows her characters to be as real as you and me. I believe that is a sign of a good writer, her characters come to life and her readers get to share that life.

I’m not sure what I was expecting when I started this book but was somewhat surprised as I got pulled into the story. I have never known anyone suffering from schizophrenia but I have known some suffering from other mental or emotional trauma. It was very enlightening to learn more about the journey and the way the thought process becomes so confused and the thinking so jumbled. All in all, I found this to be a wonderful read which handled a very difficult topic in compassionate manner. Alice’s story is the story of many.

Carlson addresses mental illness in a way that immerses the reader and writes her protagonist with care. I also love that I get to see the journey from start to finish. The ending is also happy, conveying the message that there is hope for those who struggle with the same problem.

I found the narrative to be an insightful depiction of what must go on in the mind of a person who has schizophrenia. The ongoing elaboration of the thought processes became tedious at times. It was hard to believe the story had taken place in the course of one year. I would recommend the book as a glance into mental illness.

Such a good book - I have a whole new appreciation for mental disease and how it affects people. Honestly, it is an eye opener and you are drawn in to the story so easily.I was recommended this book by a friend and am so glad I read it. Could not put it down, felt it was entertaining and enlightening.

Found this book by accident by putting in a wrong title but so pleased I did. What a hugely engaging and satisfying read. Once started I couldn't put it down. A lovely story, fascinating subject and well written. Perhaps a little too neatly sown up at times but it was a lovely read and had a delightful positive ending. Thoroughly enjoyed.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable read with lots of interesting insights to the schizophrenic mindset. It is well written and engaging.

I was recommended this book to read and I thought ok I'll give a go. I loved this book! I read it in 3 days flat, I just couldn't put it down and since then I have been recommending it to everyone, that includes my dentist! Do not worry about some comments saying it's a religious book, religion is in there as a main theme but I'm not religious and it didn't bother me.

I know its a serious illness but too long a story and not one of MelodyNot one of Melody Carlson best. Not a story I liked reading