Overview

No drugs. No alcohol. So, how does a fifty-three-year-old develop schizophrenia? That question puzzles Joseph's family when his mind descends into madness, filled with delusions and paranoia. He roams the world as a self-proclaimed prophet-of-God-purportedly arrested in Israel, advised the Mafioso in Italy, and hailed as a prophet in Africa. When he returns to the United States, he faces down drug dealers and prostitutes while homeless, then disappears. His wife and three kids race to find answers before he slips away forever. Their biggest fear-he will die a faceless stranger. Alone. Winner of a Benjamin Franklin Silver Award in psychology, Losing Dad, Paranoid Schizophrenia: A Family's Search for Hope is a compelling true story told through multiple perspectives-the children, spouse, and patient. It offers a rare glimpse into a world that will either feel hauntingly familiar or shocking. The foreword written by Dr. Xavier Amador, Founder, LEAP Institute and author, I am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help! explains the neurological condition of anosognosia. This 10th Anniversary Edition has rearranged formatting for improved readability, revisions, and additional supplemental materials, which include updated discussion of laws related to mental illness, family interviews, photographs, resources, and expanded reading guide questions ideal for book clubs, classroom discussion, or professional education to better understand the impact of severe mental illness, both as experienced by family caregivers and the community. Well-suited for use in Psychopathology courses to understand schizophrenia through the study of lived experience.

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9780986247132

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Reviews

"""LaPera recounts the harrowing tale of her father's descent into mental illness and her family's quest to help him in a direct, no-holds-barred approach that invites readers into the situation. Together, author and reader embark on the highs and lows of Joseph's journey, tugging away at a wide range of emotions. LaPera is a talented writer, able to convincingly characterize her father's mental illness and provoke frustration, compassion, and feelings of impotence in readers, similar to the emotions experienced by the author herself. While mental illness and complicated familial relationships are frequently explored in memoir, LaPera offers a uniquely powerful. deeply personal chronicle that will resonate with readers. Characterization is top-notch and intimate, particularly her well-rounded, resonating portrayal of LaPera's father."" -BookLife Prize ""Most memoirs about schizophrenia focus on youth. Few document the special trials that can come from an onset in one's fifties, when home and family are set. . . . Families who struggle with similar circumstances will find Amanda LaPera's descriptions hard-hitting, powerful, and familiar. . . . discusses many subjects not typically seen in memoirs about families and mental illness. . . . The result is an eye-opening, important discussion that holds many implications for book club readers, psychology groups, support services for families of mentally ill individuals, and the general reading public. . . . This is why Losing Dad, Paranoid Schizophrenia is highly recommended not just for specialty collections or discussion groups, but for general-interest audiences and libraries who need to be more aware of the circumstances, struggles, and social and community systems involved in late-age mental illness."" -D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review ""In this touching memoir. . . . readers are immersed into LaPera's firsthand account of the effects mental illness has not only on the diagnosed individual but all those who love him. . . . Written with compassion, emotion, and insight, LaPera tells her father's story as only someone with first-hand knowledge of witnessing the life-altering effects of mental illness, all with a hard-won emphasis on healing and hope. . . . gripping, touching account. . . . offers a visceral, often heart-rending portrait chronicle, with welcome attention paid to the rippling effects of mental illness. Readers will be emotionally affected by this story that contributes much that's wise and healthy to the ongoing conversation."" -BookLife Reviews (Editor's Pick) ""I highly recommend Losing Dad both as an educational tool and as a heartfelt tale. Beautifully woven between the facts are the feelings. . . . shows that behind every severe mental illness there is a human being."" -Xavier Amador, Ph.D., Founder, LEAP Institute, Author, I am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help ""Stories of heartache and loss are plentiful, but a true tale which makes the reader feel like a friendly ear on the other side of the table...sticks to the ribs."" -Ellen Eldridge, Target Audience Magazine ""A writer of depth and tender sensibilities, Amanda has a gift of telling a story with a powerful quiet that lingers."" -Alicia Winski, Founder, Editor-In-Chief at Nightwing Publications"

"""Written with compassion, emotion, and insight, ... with a hard-won emphasis on healing and hope, ... it offers a visceral, often heart-rending portrait chronicle, with welcome attention paid to the rippling effects of mental illness.""-- BookLife Reviews (Editor's Pick) ""The astounding patience, compassion, love, commitment to family, and willpower LaPera has shown while coping with such an issue is remarkable. I recommend Losing Dad, Paranoid Schizophrenia to anyone who faces mental illness or knows someone who does. This book will inspire and encourage loved ones not to give up hope even when getting help seems all but impossible.""-- Amy Raines for Readers' Favorite (Five-Star Review) ""I highly recommend 'Losing Dad' both as an educational tool and as a heartfelt tale. Beautifully woven between the facts are the feelings... shows that behind every severe mental illness there is a human being.""-- Xavier Amador, Ph.D., Founder, LEAP Institute, Author, I am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help ""A gripping story of fear and loss-of a search for hope-and of love.""- Five-Star Review by Patricia Reding for Readers' Favorite ""Stories of heartache and loss are plentiful, but a true tale which makes the reader feel like a friendly ear on the other side of the table...sticks to the ribs.""- Ellen Eldridge, Target Audience Magazine ""A writer of depth and tender sensibilities, Amanda has a gift of telling a story with a powerful quiet that lingers. A talented writer and a marvelous personality.""- Alicia Winski, Founder, Editor-In-Chief at Nightwing Publications"

Author Information

Amanda LaPera is a passionate advocate for individuals and families dealing with severe mental illness, due in part to her own family's experience. For ten years, she served on the Board of Directors for the National Alliance for Mental Illness, Orange County Affiliate (NAMI-OC). When she is not teaching English in California, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones and furry friends. In addition to reading and writing, she finds joy in music, art, and nature, which she learned from her dad. Amanda is available for both in-person and virtual speaking engagements. Visit her website for more information: www.amandalapera.com Dr. Xavier Amador, Founder of LEAP Institute and Author, I am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help! (Vida Press 2012) www.LEAPinstitute.org

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