“ There are certain stories that touch you – for me, this was one of them. It is raw, honest, and a beautiful story of hope and love. These words left a mark on my heart, and this story is one of my most sacred and special I’ve ever done. ”

— Dr. Tara Narula
CBS This Morning Correspondent
New York

“ In this raw debut, Siddoway collaborates with her mother, Sonja, to shine a light on Sonja’s mental illness and the determination of the human spirit in the face of painful and daunting challenges... Sonja’s despairing yet hopeful story unveils the inner turmoil of mental illness and recovery. ”

— Publishers Weekly

“ A debut memoir recounts a woman’s harrowing struggle with mental illness. “I may have put in the hours to write this story, but she put in the years and lived it,” Siddoway remarks in the authors’ notes about her mother, Wasden......This is an elegantly written memoir that lays bare the progression of mental illness......the power of this story is that it allows readers to enter the mind of an individual suffering from a mental health disorder and begin to understand her thoughts and actions. This erudite book could prove insightful for patients, caretakers, and therapists alike. Illuminating, impactful writing about coping with mental illness. ”

— Kirkus Review

“ I love true stories, particularly true stories about women who make it through difficulties in life. This one is the BEST I'VE EVER READ! Not one chapter bored me, not sentence made me want to just skip ahead, I had to read it all, I had to know everything. It didn't feel at all as though I was digging into someone's personal business that was none of mine. It was shared so freely and lovingly, it was shared without judgement, and thus received without judgement. It gave me hope. Thank you Sonja, I know this had to be difficult. Rachael...bravo! You are an excellent writer!! ”

— Amazon Customer

“ 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 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

“ 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