Driving to CLARINDA: A Song of Ascent

by Rosanne Bachman

An intimate and powerful memoir, Driving to Clarinda recounts one Iowafamily's incredible challenge in coming to terms with mental illness duringthe 1960s and 1970s, a time when precious little was known about bipolardisorder. Rosanne Bachman vividly describes the turmoil of her mother'sstruggle against the disease and shares the heartwarming bonds of love thatconnect one generation to the next.But at its core, Driving to Clarinda is the story of a child who finds her voicein the world by realizing that the only way to get past heartache is toconfront it straight on.Advance Praise for Driving to Clarinda"[Bachman] has a unique way of storytelling that moves you along with asimple rhythm and the self-deprecating humor so typical of Iowans. Thereis definitely value in telling this story."-Robert D. Ray, former governor of Iowa"Bachman manages to comment on the big issues of loyalty, prejudice,spirituality, trauma, and recovery through the eyes of a child and set us ona course of thinking about our own family and our own past. Anyone whocares for an ill or elderly family member should read this book. The littlechild who had no voice has a big one now."-Eboni Green, RN, MS, Caregiver Support Services, Omaha

156 pages, Paperback

First published September 11, 2007

Reviews

[Cheryl]

I know I have my own copy of this book -- I heard the author talk in Atlantic. Her sister was there too (and not so happy about the book about their mom.) Two young sisters were talking in the back of the room after the book talk -- they were discussing electric shock therapy -- "It's like a computer reset -- a zap and the fog clears!" I found that interesting.

After reading this true story, I searched the local Atlantic papers re: Adlyn Reimer. She often was mentioned, usually as officer of a group or hosting a gathering. She was a much beloved 6th grade teacher. Apparently the school recognized her great worth as they gave her the sick leave she needed to deal with her issues -- mentioned bipolar disorder, depression, schizo-affective disorder, and vascular dementia .. Two of her friends cut off their friendship after the 1980 hospitalization... Her daughter never knew the events that lead to the break with friends. PG. 62 -- Rocked by Sadie Brewer
picture. PG. 114-115 wish for a "normal" mom. pg. 128 discontinued meds frenetic, manic episodes of bipolar disorder. Pg. 129 drive to Clarinda. Pg. 132 Dr. John Fernandez, a new doctor in 1980, was lauded for his treatment. 15-20 years later, I heard that name as he treated students I worked with,

[Susan]

This is an amazing true story of a family growing up in rural Iowa in the 1960's and '70s with a mother who suffered from bipolar disease. The detailed story of the people and the place really made this an interesting book. I think the author was brave to write this story and hope that many people find this helpful in understanding the mental illness and perhaps their own lives.