“ I’m a psych nurse, yet I learned so much from reading this book. Sonja’s perspective as a patient enlightened me. Immersing myself in the Wasden family’s painful, conflicted, courageous daily life broke my heart and heightened my awareness that mental illness impacts everyone regardless of race, socioeconomic status, religion...The amazing strength and unconditional love everyone in the “Wasden Tribe” shows is incredible. Thanks for exposing yourselves to help others understand and fight the mental illness stigma. ”

— John M.
Amazon Review

“ I was surprised at how compelling this story was. I read it in less than 24 hours because I found myself truly caught up in the honest journey of the whole Wasden family. I hope this story will help others who suffer with any mental disorder find ways to not just survive but thrive. I love the idea that our negative emotions lose power when we acknowledge and accept them and find a space where they can exist without dominating center stage of our life. ”

— Cheloye P.
Amazon Review

“ Wow. This was not what I thought. It was this beautiful balance of raw emotions and honesty without being preachy or sensationalist. She drew me in so deeply I could feel her logic and insanity as if it were logic. It brought me deep respect and understanding for all those who struggle ”

— R. Read
Amazon Review

“ This page-turning journey of illness, healing, and faith invites the reader into Sonja’s most private moments. The courageous and talented writing immediately pulls the reader into this vivid tale of love, dedication, and survival. ”

— Elizabeth W. Buko
English Teacher
Columbia, Missouri

“ A gripping and heartwarming story of pure grit, determination, and love. This story is a testament to one woman’s strength of will and devotion to her family. By the end, the reader almost feels like a member of the Wasden family, having been through so much with them. ”

— Andrea Stahr
Mother, Wife, Cancer Survivor
Portland, Oregon

“ Being immersed behind the real-life scenes of Sonja’s mental health issues really took me for a ride! I couldn’t put the book down! It was a page turner and an easy read. You come away feeling her pain and her victories. She shares her innermost self which brought me laughter, tears, joy, and love! Sonja is one of a kind, and so is this book! ”

— Brook Candland
Mother, Wife
Mesa, Arizona

“ A beautifully written view into mental illness that is rarely exposed. An intriguing, heart wrenching, and deeply inspiring story!!!! I will never be the same after reading...my compassion for the mentally ill and their families is unbounded. I am so grateful that Sonja and Racheal were brave enough to invite us into the very private struggles of mental illness. This book will bless many!! ”

— Scott Family
Amazon Review

“ If you want to read a book that HAS IT ALL (brilliant artistic expression, compelling story, and knowledge gained) then this is your book! A definite 5 stars! From the first page, I was completely hooked. I could not put it down. The first person perspective is so powerful. You feel as if you are right there watching the Wasden’s world unfold. Their family is full of courage, determination, faith, love and hope. Thanks for helping to increase my compassion and understanding of what a struggle it is to face mental illness day after day. I am beyond grateful that I read this book! ”

— TTP
Amazon Review

“ Brave beyond words! So grateful I read this book. The story is painfully honest, deep, painful but most importantly, hopeful. Sonja is an amazing woman/character in the book who will help many people have the strength and find hope as they navigate through mental health issues as she allows us into the deepest crevices of her mental health struggles. I recommend this to anyone who is touched in some way with mental illness which is everyone in some way either through personal struggles or through loved ones. This book is indeed a tapestry of love, courage, darkness and light. If more people were as open and honest about their struggles with mental health, perhaps there would be some real advancements in this critical but underserved area of medicine. ”

— Kimberlee M.
Amazon Review

“ We all know someone or have a family member with some type of mental illness. Through the years, I've wanted to better understand the struggle (knowing that I never really could). This heart-wrenching and heart-warming book gave me a look into the life of mental illness and it's impact on a beautiful family as nothing else has ... and it changed me. Thanks to Sonja Wasden for being vulnerable, courageous, and real. ”

— Brooke M.
Amazon Review

“ This book needs to be read by everyone. I have a brother in law who is bipolar and I feel I can now understand him better - Sonja does such a great job of describing what it's like to live with mental illness. I love that in the end, rather than being 'healed' from the outside, she learned to live with the illness, essentially healing herself from the inside out. ”

— Marie
Amazon Review

“ The author does a such a wonderful job describing the painful struggle of someone dealing with mental illness. You feel as though you are right there with Sonja as she comes to the awful realization of her illness and her experience as she comes to terms with it. This book helps the reader understand more fully the real and horrible pain that accompanies being bipolar. It is beautifully written and brings to light the very real struggle that some must face just to survive. This was one of the best, most compelling books I have read. ”

— Andrea S.
Amazon Review

“ So raw and open and intriguing. Thank you so much for this beautiful (and heart-wrenching) true story of your experience with mental illness. My eyes have been opened in a way they haven’t been before. I don’t give many books a five-star rating, but I had zero hesitation with this one. Couldn’t put it down. It’s a book where there’s an interesting story, yet the most amazing thing is that it’s true and that there are lessons for me all along the way. ”

— Heidi
Amazon Review

“ Highly recommend this book! The writing is captivating. It was hard to put down. I'm proud of Sonja for opening herself up to share her story, she truly is Brave! The stories shared really paint a picture and let us into her private life. I imagine it was difficult to let it out, I am personally grateful she did. Amazing! Must read. ”

— B. M.
Amazon Review

“ Wow. Heart-wrenching, honest, raw, and beautifully written. I deeply appreciate the courage it took to live this and to relive it to write about it. This book gave me greater understanding about bi-polar and how it affects family members. It was well written, I couldn't put it down once I started it. I look forward to more from the author. ”

— Ira D.
Amazon Review

“ I was hooked immediately. I thought this book was entertaining as well as inspiring and extremely well written! This book is easy to follow and one of the greatest love stories I've ever read. The relationship between the couple and the kids is one love. By the end of the book it becomes obvious that the kids have a unique amount of perspective and love for their mother. They could see her for who she really was and not just her illness. The story created such a vivid picture of mental illness that you walk away with compassion and understanding. ”

— Aarl H.
Amazon Review

“ Such a unique perspective of mental illness from the inside out... cowritten with her daughter who lived these impossible scenarios with her giving lucidity to otherwise forgotten moments. It is a short fast read but tears clouded my vision 12 times, as it hit close to home with relatable precision. ”

— M.W. Pro
Amazon Review

“ I just finished reading this book and every page of it was interesting and engaging. I found myself not being able to put it down at times. I have known many people who have a mental illness and something within this book opened a completely new understanding for me of the life these individuals live. I highly recommend reading it and cannot wait for the next books to come out! ”

— Cameron L.
Amazon Review

“ So grateful I read this book. It increased my compassion for those I know that suffer from mental illness, particularly bipolar. This book was brave. I am so impressed with the raw detail and amazed the authors took such a risk. This book will help so many. It has certainly given me new perspective. ”

— Leslie E.
Amazon Review

“ If you have ever suffered depression, this narrative strikes deeply into the hearts of those of us who have suffered and it is wonderful to read about someone who has shared the depths ”

— Lee
Amazon Review

“ The way this book is written it is like you are in and a part of the story. It was so captivating and intense that I couldn't stop reading. The journey of Sonja and her family had tears streaming down my face as I read. I will read this again and again. ”

— Jolyn R.
Amazon Review

“ An uncommonly well written book that openly chronicles the realities that accompany mental illness, and gives hope that an “impossible life can become a possible one”. I definitely recommend this book, and look forward to the author’s next work. ”

— Icarus H.
Amazon Review

“ I, like all of the other reviewers loved this book! So much insight, it will definitely leave a mark . ”

— Heather H.
Amazon Review

“ Powerful, heartbreaking, inspiring and much more all wrapped into one! This was the fastest I’ve ever read, less than 12 hours to be exact (and that included a break for a few hours of sleeping and a couple of hours at church). While An Impossible Life is a real life drama, it’s so much more than that and a must read. ”

— Robin M.
Amazon Review

“ This book is a powerful and enlightening glimpse into one woman’s personal struggle with mental illness. It truly opened my eyes. ”

— Adam H.
Amazon Review

“ This book was so eye opening to me. I had no idea people can live a life and struggle as much as Sonja did. This book was incredibly well written and so inspiring. ”

— Tracy
Amazon Review

“ Fantastic and searingly honest self portrait. Through another’s wrenching journey we can all be inspired, and this story will do it for you. ”

— Kathryn C.
Amazon Review

“ Sonja is candid about her disease and gives us a real life glimpse into her bipolar world. It's beautifully written by her daughter. You can feel her pain and also feel the fierce love she has for b her family. She is so brave and strong. ”

— Shannon P.
Amazon Review

“ An Impossible Life is an honest, raw, heart-breaking, inspiring, triumphant, complex, and unvarnished look at mental illness and how it affects the entire family. I couldn’t put it down, and I will never be the same. ”

— Jenny S.
Amazon Review

“ This is an amazing story and a must read for anyone who is personally struggling with bipolar disorder or has a family member or friend struggle with the disease. The raw honesty and artful prose tell a captivating true story that is a page turner. I read the entire book in one sitting from NYC to SFO. It will help you understand how people with this disorder struggle and the impact is has on their families and friends, and will provide some insights as to how we can all help one another address and overcome the challenges associated with this disease. ”

— Chris W.
Amazon Review

“ This book is beautifully written to describe the harrowing impact untreated mental illness has on a family. In spite of the dark subject matter the book is hopeful as Sonja continues to find help for illness. The loyalty and love are inspiring as they love her and try to help in spite of what was happening. I also learned a lot from reading this book. I highly recommend it. ”

— Faun H.
Amazon Review

“ A friend brought this book to me to read. I started and didn’t put it down. A very personal and real look into what mental illness looks like for the individual as well as the family. I believe everyone should read this book to gain understanding and sympathy towards those who suffer with mental illness. ”

— Joella S.
Amazon Review

“ This page-turning journey of illness, healing, and faith invites the reader into Sonja’s most private moments. The courageous and talented writing immediately pulls the reader into this vivid tale of love, dedication, and survival. ”

— Elizabeth B.
Amazon Review

“ This book is beautifully written. The author tells an enthralling story; raw, honest, heartbreaking—but also hopeful. I loved reading it and it has stayed with me ever since I finished it. ”

— Lindsay
Amazon Review

“ This book is truly amazing. I couldn't put it down! It's a personal narrative that I found very relatable. Especially for today's day and age, it is needed to be said! I am thankful for it. Read it! You won't be sorry! ”

— Rebekah K.
Amazon Review