Book Review for Words With My Father by Lowell and Lukas Klessig
I received this book for free. This does not impact my review in any shape or form.
Words With My Father: A Bipolar Journey Through Turbulent Times, by Lowell and Lukas Klessig, is a memoir detailing the life of a man diagnosed with bipolar disorder who lived during America’s social revolutions. The book switches between Lowell and his son, Lukas; Lowell dives into his memories as he examines how his symptoms impacted him, while Lukas dissects said memories to better understand them.
This was an interesting read, to say the least. I enjoyed how seamlessly integrated Lowell’s symptoms were into his reality; it never occurred to him that mental health was a factor until the symptoms started getting worse. Even so, I liked how Lowell used those symptoms to his advantage; it might not have been the healthiest way to deal with them, but he managed to turn his diagnosis into an asset. True, he’s made mistakes along the way. Even so, he never allowed his diagnosis to define him. He was able to live a full live, whether that be fighting racial inequality, advocating for anti-war policies, or saving the environment, or even advising his children how to empower themselves. Like any other good human rights advocate, he became burnt out. Still, he managed to accomplish a lot, and it’s something Lukas clearly admires his father for.
That being said, Lukas reminds me a little of me. From the way he analyzes and turns his father’s stories into lessons, to the pompous tone that the younger generation could only have towards their elders, to even them bonding over how to manage their symptoms; I respect the father-son duo for it. Their relationship is something to behold. I’ve lost count how many clients who have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder have burned their bridges with their families and friends, so the fact that Lukas and Lowell could rely on each so much goes to show how much they care for one another. They both portray mania in a very realistic manner, and showcase just a snippet of what it means to live with bipolar disorder. Not everything is determined by a mental illness. Then again, not everything in life is perfect.
The memoir details a conversation between father and son. Even though Lukas tries to address us, the readers, I can’t help but picture him talking to his dad, trying to continue unfinished debates, fond reminisces, even the occasional banter here and there. The book might not be for everyone, but in my opinion, this is a perfect momento mori for a family who laughed together, and struggled together. As such, I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
