Broken Whole: A California Tale of Craziness, Creativity and Chaos

Broken Whole by Keith Adams describes the phenomenology of bipolar illness. Keith Adams has the gift of language to describe psychological states. Depression is the "grey mark that both preceded the violent hues and, in part, precipitated them (p. 24)." He notes that "unrelieved depression has a corrosive effect on your cognition (p.41);" it is "an insidious worm which can eat away, sight unseen, at the base of a relationship (p.42)." Further, depression "effortlessly knocks down your defenses, and you become vulnerable and prickly (p. 46)." Most of Broken Whole is focused on a long episode of mania. Keith Adams was an observer/scribe to his manic experience. In mania, he says, "I was to pursue many dreams...I walked out of my house believing I'd uncovered something that could both cause major changes in the world economy and make me and all of my friends and family rich beyond comparison. I sincerely believed I was the most intelligent person who'd ever lived (p. 47). In a state where money is meaningless, sleep is unnecessary, and anything is possible, Keith wandered in and out of jail, through a psychiatric facility, and, amazingly, continued to believe in his monogamous relationship with his partner. I have been treating bipolar disorder for 25 years and have listened to the stories of depression and mania. Keith Adams has captured the essence of both states. This is important reading for patients, families and friends of those suffering from this illness. In addition, Broken Whole is essential reading for clinicians and academicians to reach a greater understanding of the subjective experience of this disorder.

Broken Whole: A California Tale Of Craziness, Creativity And Chaos "Broken Whole" is a naked view into the mind of a man who has gone to hell and made it back. And in the telling, author Keith Adams pulled this reader in, his honesty refreshing and endearing. For example, in a situation with which I could certainly identify, but would have hated to admit, he writes: "In retrospect, I now know that the manic brain makes strange cognitive errors. For instance, I could be filling in a web-form, and get all bent out of shape because there was no submit button. I might even call someone up on the phone and yell at them. Then either I'd sheepishly notice myself, belatedly, or have somebody else point out to me, the big green button in the corner of the screen saying `Continue.'" In short, Broken Whole is a book for those of us who have felt discombobulated at the very least, and broken at times ourselves. Ina Hillebrandt, Author, "Pawprints," "How to Write Your Memoirs...Fun Prompts to Make Writing...and Reading...Your Life Stories a Pleasure!," "Pawprints...The Student Prints" curriculum guide to Pawprints Literacy Plus(tm), and other books, and Writing Coach, Editor/ Publisher, Pawpress

Broken Whole is a case study of one man's fall into bipolar disorder. Keith Adams takes us on his wild ride and through one particular manic episode, we witness his mood swings, his destructive buying sprees, four nights of no sleep because of the chaos raging through his brain, and the crisis that brought it all to a head. What might have been a book filled with self-pity is instead an honest, witty account of the toll this disease takes on those with bipolar disorder and on those who love them. This is a wonderful book, I recommend it. Idelle Davidson Coauthor, Your Brain After Chemo: A Practical Guide to Lifting the Fog and Getting Back Your Focus [...]

This is not just another book about mental disease and the wildness that surrounds it. This is one man's search for himself and those that help him find him along the way. Adams' gets you hooked from the start. Amazing tales of what happens when mania is out of control, and the compasion that you find and don't find in LA. I found this book impossible to put down, even at the most uncomfortable points. And the love between the author and his partner gave me hope that love can conquer all regardless of the destruction one can cause. What I found most fascinating was that you actually hear the voice of mania in this book, in Adam's prose. The descriptions of mania found here are in the first person as they happened, as the author includes passages from his blog written during the most manic of times. This voice, spoken about often in books, can be FELT in this book. You begin to see, if not completely understand, the jumble of millions of thoughts colliding with each other, each idea trying to take hold and competing with the next. And each idea stranger and more incredible, yet I could almost (almost) see some reason to them. I enjoyed this book immensely. I too, have suffered bouts of bi-polar (mild in my case, and under control with medication) so this book rang true. I struggle with who I am daily -- me or a jumble of pills. Adams' takes this head on.

Broken Whole is probably the most entertaining account of mania you've ever read, certainly that I've ever read. Adams' account of his struggles leading up to, during, and after a major manic episode are eloquently detailed, heartening and more than occasionally hilarious. He invites the reader to accompany him as the real-life drama (that is, his real life) unfolds, from tender and forthright highlights of childhood, adolescent and early adulthood, with early mental health challenges, to an aftermath of uncertain friendships and restored commitment with a courageous, unwavering partner. The fury and frenetic energy of mania is captured candidly, from the author's messianic ideations to violent encounters with law enforcement officers. Compassion is found in unlikely individuals and moments, and found painfully lacking at many opportunities. Adams is a smart, gifted writer, and like all good writers, shows faith in the intelligence and sensitivity of his readers. The book broadens in scope appropriately to ask the reader to consider such familiar themes - to those who have their own mental health issues - as the quest to do something meaningful with your life, the horrors of ongoing depression, the question of what it means to suddenly find yourself described with the "c" word: "crazy." The thing that made me think the most is his discussion of how can you really know your own personality. A person with bipolar disorder may be the most engaging, outgoing, (dangerously) self-confident person imaginable, then weeks or even days later, a withdrawn, sad, and self-isolating individual. Which is the "real" or "true" personality? Both. At points, Broken Whole is uncomfortable to read. But, ultimately, the book's message is inspirational. We're each responsible for our life, for "keeping it together" and for putting it back together in the wake of emotional catastrophe. Along the way, help is available and found in sometimes amazing places and people. Dean Whitehead Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health