John chronicles many of his bipolar episode experiences, both in-patient and outpatient, in a raw honesty. He paints his experiences in several institutions, some good and some not so good. He provides insights into how he survived and was eventually discharged from each of them. He covers many of his inner subjective states while having an "episode" showing how they can be both exciting and destructive at the same time. He talks about his experiences in seeking work and stresses the importance of appropriate medication and meditation. A very honest personal insight into the mind of someone suffering from a mental illness. John relays his story with an edge of humor without diminishing the overall message. By outlining the problems and challenges that continue to exist for people suffering from a mental illness this book serves as an important resource to increase knowledge and awareness. Angela Adkins, Executive Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness, (NAMI DuPage, IL) ...a compelling account of bipolar manic depression vividly describing the illness and societal attitudes. It should be very reassuring for individuals who are struggling with a major mental illness. Joanne Schumacher, Masters of Science Education (teacher)