Losing Dad, Paranoid Schizophrenia

No drugs. No alcohol. So, how does a fifty-three-year-old develop schizophrenia? That’s the question puzzling Joseph’s family when his mind descends into madness, filled with grandiose delusions and paranoia. He roams the world as a self-proclaimed prophet of God-purportedly arrested in Israel, preached to 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 on the streets. Alone.

Winner of an IBPA Benjamin Franklin Silver Award in psychology and selected as an “Editor’s Pick” by BookLife, 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 glimpse into a world that will either feel hauntingly familiar or shocking.

The foreword by Xavier Amador, Ph.D., founder of the LEAP Institute and author of “I Am Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help!” explains the neurological condition of anosognosia.

The 10th Anniversary Edition includes supplemental materials: discussion of laws related to mental illness, exclusive family interviews, photographs, and expanded reading guide questions ideal for book clubs or classroom discussion. Through the study of lived experience, gain a deeper understanding of the impacts of one person’s mental illness on the entire family. While this is a standalone book, you can continue the journey with the sequel, Finding Dad, Paranoid Schizophrenia: An End to the Search.

EDITORIAL REVIEWS“hard-hitting, powerful … highly recommended.” D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review“Written with compassion, emotion, and insight … with a hard-won emphasis on healing and hope … with welcome attention paid to the rippling effects of mental illness.”-BookLife Reviews (Editor’s Pick)“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 uniquely powerful. deeply personal chronicle that will resonate with readers. Characterization is top-notch and intimate.”-BookLife Prize“will inspire and encourage loved ones not to give up hope even when getting help seems all but impossible.” Amy Raines for Readers’ Favorite (5-Star Review)

NATIONAL AWARD-WINNING BOOK

IBPA Benjamin Franklin Silver Award in Psychology
Readers’ Favorite Award Finalist in Non-Fiction – Grief/Hardship
Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize Quarter-Finalist Nonfiction Memoir

Author Biography

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