Neural Misfire: A True Story of Manic-Depression

Rating:
Summary: The Myth of Madness
Review: I happen to have the honor of knowing the author, although in limited contact only. Each time I speak with him, he never fails to hold my attention. It is his outlook, perceptions, and energy that captivate me. When he told me he wrote a book that was autobiographical, I was fascinated. He seemed hesitant at first to discuss it's subject matter, but when he saw my interest and enthusiam, he could not contain his need to open his world up to me and invite me to experience a part of it with him. So I purchased the book and began. It starts out with a flash of an all too grim reality of the effect this illness has on one's personality and mood, and how it can hurt and sometimes destroy not only the inflicted but any family and friends involved: the tornado and it's path. And so we begin with a young man trying to discover his identity. He quickly discovers his homosexuality, and accepts this with ease. He seems to exist effortlessly: the calm before the storm. When he begins college, each day brings a new struggle, challenge, adventure. He becomes very uncomfortable with himself, although he has no idea why. The less people understand him, the more superior he feels. This begins his rapid spiralling descent through misery and despair. He can not seem to get along with anyone, including his roommates. He soon finds himself bouncing in and out of institutions, each time learning how to deceive his way out of each one. He intimidates and threatens everyone who loves, supports, and believes in him. He is finally tricked into entering a hospital and begins taking medication in order to control his emotions, his temper, and his life: the storm subsides. This book is an emotional roller coaster. You can't help but just want one person to hear his cry for help, yet all the while you want to knock some sense into him. I really enjoyed reading this book. I always find it fascinating to see life through another person's eyes, and have the opportunity to live someone elses's life, and hopefully walk away with a better understanding...maybe even a greater appreciation for what we each have in our own selves. I am very anxious to sit down with Jeff and discuss the his experiences, and continue the story where the book leaves off... I do recommend this to anyone who knows someone who is suffering from manic depression..or has it themselves. I came away with a much better understanding, and a realization that manic depression is more common than we may think. I'm sure that writing this book was as therapuetic as it was inspiring.! Remember Jeff, you are not alone!

Rating:
Summary: Save your money!
Review: I have recently been researching bipolar disorder, trying to obtain as much information as possible, including personal experiences, like Pattie Duke's "A Perfect Madness" which was written not only to educate, but to entertain to some degree.

This book did neither. The writer tells his thoughts while going through manic and depressive states, including filthy language and homosexual desires. This didn't add to the story in any way.

Furthermore, the writer's experiences include his relationship with his parents, hospitalization, and treatment. Mr.Kazmierczak doesn't give us closure on any of these issues. For example, does he repair relationships or not, does medication work, did treatment work, etc.

This book is poorly written, leaving anyone looking for solutions without any,it offers up no hope for anyone suffering from this disorder, and it doesn't give proper closure to situations brought up by the author. Not worth the time or money that this book cost.

Rating:
Summary: JUST PLAIN BAD WRITING. . .
Review: Jeff has written in unusual memoir about his struggle with bipolar disorder. It's unusual because the style of writing and method of storytelling are both a bit eccentric- this is fine with me but some readers may have a problem with it. I'm a sucker for memoirs and find that they provide insight into mental illness that no textbook will ever capture. Furthermore, I find that every mental illness memoir author has a unique contribution to make. With these two points in mind, I'd recommend this memoir to anyone suffering from bipolar disorder. Avery Z. Conner, author of "Fevers of the Mind".

Rating:
Summary: An unusual memoir
Review: Jeff has written in unusual memoir about his struggle with bipolar disorder. It's unusual because the style of writing and method of storytelling are both a bit eccentric- this is fine with me but some readers may have a problem with it. I'm a sucker for memoirs and find that they provide insight into mental illness that no textbook will ever capture. Furthermore, I find that every mental illness memoir author has a unique contribution to make. With these two points in mind, I'd recommend this memoir to anyone suffering from bipolar disorder. Avery Z. Conner, author of "Fevers of the Mind".

Rating:
Summary: Neural Misfire
Review: Jeff Kazmierczak has written a startling, reality based novel that will knock your socks off...He shares the tortured, ravaging and challenging mood swings that suddenly emerged in his freshman year of college. He also shares the impact this had on his bewildered, but supportive family.

The other complication in his life, being gay, eventually proves to be manageable and actually rewarding, due to his intelligent, tenacious personality. This also adds to a very powerful read.

Anyone who cares about someone with bipolar illness or sho is in a therapy role should absolutely read this. Although this book is at times difficult, it is well worth the time...

Rating:
Summary: JUST PLAIN BAD WRITING. . .
Review: Kazmierczak's account of his bipolar disorder had such potential, but it's so badly written that it's not even worth discussing.

It should have at least been ghost written by someone else -- perhaps then he could have told his story with other people desperately seeking stories of manic depression.

Rating:
Summary: Neural Misfire
Review: Wanted to say i read the book and found it very outstanding. I have to give the author credit for writing such a book, It really open my eyes towards mental illness.