"Neural Misfire" by Jeff Kazmierczak

Neural Misfire takes the reader inside the life - and mind - of Kevin Mortin, who has recently graduated from high school and is on his way to a prestigious university. Kevin thinks he has his life under control and knows where he's headed - a career in biochemistry.

But from the day he sets foot on campus, things start to go wrong. His roommates are not compatible. He begins to have difficulty making simple decisions. He is sure people are laughing at him. Soon he is cutting classes and having feverish episodes that keep him from functioning. He seeks help - but doesn't get what he really needs.

Kevin is having his first major depressive episode. When he rockets into mania, he feels better - too much better - and his behavior goes dangerously out of control.

The best thing about Neural Misfire is the insight it gives into the depressive and manic mind and behaviors of its protagonist. A good example occurs when Kevin has been committed and wants to convince the psychiatrist that he is well enough to be released. (Kevin's thoughts throughout the book are in italics.)

Kevin smiled, shook hands with the doctor, and saw him off down the hall.

Loser. I am in charge. Yes, go get me out of here. Because I told you to. Because I am smarter. Because you suck. I have to do everything myself. You wanted to lock me away. But I found a way out. And I'm getting out. And all you had better run and hide.

We are with Kevin from the onset of his symptoms to initial treatment. It's a disturbing but compelling roller-coaster ride, and readers who have experienced paralytic depression and/or grandiose, reckless and angry mania may well recognize themselves or find the book useful in helping others to understand their illnesses.

I do wish the book were better edited. There are spelling and grammar errors, as well as irritating small problems such as this one, which occurs right at the beginning. Each chapter has a date and time at the beginning. The prologue says it takes place on March 25. Chapter 1 then says: "Nine months earlier, August 6." But that's about seven and a half months earlier - not nine. Such small but noticeable mistakes, like referring to a person as if that character had already been introduced when in fact he shows up later, are distracting.

The author's preface reveals that the story is based on his own experiences. Mr. Kazmierczak is careful to point out, too, that "Neural Misfire is not presented as a universal manic-depressive experience." But if even some of Kevin's experiences or feelings are similar to some of yours, you may find this a good book to share with a loved one.

While both language and sexual content are appropriate to the topic, they make the book unsuitable for younger readers or the easily offended. But other mature readers who want or need more understanding of how the bipolar mind can act will find this book rewarding.

Three and a half stars.