Calling all parents! Moms! Dads! This is a book you just simply must read. As a matter of fact, this book written by Diane Berger with the help of her sister, Lisa, is a fantastic resource for anyone whose life has been touched by the harsh realities of manic-depression.

This is a true story about one family's struggle. It is written by the mother of a young man who was swept into the tempest of manic-depression in his early college years. It takes you through the myriad of twists and turns of this storm. It takes you from the first appearance of symptoms through their trials and heartaches, through their accomplishments and setbacks, to the peaceful calm of relative stability and hope for the future.

One of the outstanding features of this book is the format in which it has been written. Each chapter of the family's experience is followed by a chapter of relevant facts and information. The first chapter introduces the family and portrays their first experience with manic behavior. The subsequent chapter presents an overview of manic depression including information such as definitions, symptoms and causes. When Mark begins medications and faces the side-effects, the next chapter contains an overview of drug classifications, specific medications and side-effects as well as information about other choices such as electro-convulsive therapy. As the reality of Mark's illness continues to plague the family, the following chapter reviews therapies and medical professionals. Following the family's difficult experience with Mark's involuntary hospitalization, the book examines various types of hospitals and treatment facilities. The last chapter of facts presents some of the twists of manic-depression such as suicide and follows Diane's understanding of how truly tentative well-being will be for Mark. The book closes on Diane's ringing note of hope and love for her son.

The concise, easy to understand information makes this an invaluable resource. The raw emotion and honesty herald the fact we are not alone in this struggle. This book has been a favorite of mine since I first read it. I couldn't even begin to tell you the number of times I've pulled it from my bookshelves to look up some fact or tidbit and I have recommended it to many a friend and acquaintance.

Reviewed by Kimberly Bailey