The author opens her her mind and emotions to the reader. Her descriptions of mania and depression are so vivid. She gets to the heart of experiences relating to mental illness - both positive and negative. She has the vocabulary and intelligence to convey the scientific aspects of the disease. However, what makes this book special is that the professional discussion and analysis can be found on the same page as the intense emotional experiences, because they are both a part of the author.

It is difficult to call this book "entertaining" because of the gravity of the subject matter. I'm not sure what it says for any of us to call a memoir "entertaining". Regardless, this book is well written, smart and incredibly informative. I understand my father MUCH better after having read this--he was diagnosed with bi-polar last year and I've struggled to understand what he's going through. As a writer myself, I have difficulty reading poorly-written work and I have to give high kudos to Kay Jamison and her ability to create a beautiful prose with such a difficult subject. What a brave, remarkable and talented woman.

Excellent book to help understand those suffering from a mental illness. It definitely opened my mind...a good thing!

This is a riveting read, I hardly could put it down--on a misunderstood chemical imbalance that some 1-2 to more percent of people suffer from. Until you've seen it, until you've learned to understand it isn't a choice people make--but one that they are driven to--you won't understand. Kay does a fabulous job of pulling the reader into the head of every person, a person who is bipolar. This allows the reader to either sympathize or empathize (depending on your situation) with not only Kay, but family and friends--who we love but don't 'get'. Worth the cost, and as was told to me by psychologists and MDs...a classic. Unfortunately asking about the "entertainment value" a bit sick, unless you are into illnessness. But then, a one size fits all rating is like that.

Well written and compelling look at manic depressive illness and one woman who not only survived but thrived. A brave, honest and compelling read.

It can in the mail real fast and on time and the book was great.

If you ARE BiPolar or are close to someone who IS, this book is a must-have!!! My partner was diagnosed BiPolar 2 years ago, and I've been researching the disease every since. NOWHERE else have I found the quality and quantity of information that is included in this book. I recommend it VERY, VERY HIGHLY!!!!