Sandy's Gift: Walking with the Light

William Dunn

4.50 · Rating details · 2 ratings · 2 reviews

1996 the U.S. House of Representatives and President Bill Clinton passed a law today known as "HIPAA."

Sandy's Gift is an intimate and shocking true story that tells of the plight in which this law places American families with members afflicted by mental illness. ...more

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Published March 27th 2016 by Cedar Forge Press

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Mar 15, 2017 Angela Thompson rated it really liked it

Reviewing a Memoir is a Little Difficult. A memoir isn't a work of fiction with neatly concluded plots or well rounded characters to love or hate. Memoirs are personal. Memoirs are real. Memoirs are often written in a somewhat inconsistent manner--jumping from memories to memories or grouping events without regard to forming a "flow" for the reader. The author jumps around a bit through the early stages of the book as he takes readers through the early years of his relationship with his wife and Reviewing a Memoir is a Little Difficult. A memoir isn't a work of fiction with neatly concluded plots or well rounded characters to love or hate. Memoirs are personal. Memoirs are real. Memoirs are often written in a somewhat inconsistent manner--jumping from memories to memories or grouping events without regard to forming a "flow" for the reader. The author jumps around a bit through the early stages of the book as he takes readers through the early years of his relationship with his wife and their family's ups and downs with "day to day" living. He illustrates his average, usual family with school and work activities, family vacations, holidays, home repairs, etc. Then, he settles into a more chronological storytelling style as his wife's illness began to affect those "average family activities". Dunn's writing style is a little dry--though well formed--without a lot of emotion until moments of frustration and anger--and some peace--surfaced later in the book.

The author needed to tell Sandy's story. So often, when someone suffers from a mental illness--outsiders cast quick blame toward the family for missing the signs or for "not doing anything" to help the sufferer. Sandy's story didn't occur in some rural, isolated area. It didn't occur decades ago. It happened recently--and in an area with modern health facilities and mental health programs. The author was put into a helpless position by a horribly, flawed system as he sought help for his family. And he is not alone. This memoir shines a light onto Sandy's story with the hope that increased awareness and realistic dialogue may prevent another family from suffering the pain of Sandy and her family.

Would I recommend Sandy's Gift? Sandy's story should not have unfolded as it did. This memoir tells a frustratingly sad story. If you enjoy memoirs--and have an interest in the mental health "system"--and in mental health awareness--I would recommend this book.

I received a copy of the book from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own--and I was not required to post here. ...more

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Mar 23, 2017 Jessica rated it it was amazing

Till death do they part

The ultimate promised to love, in sickness and till death do they part is what I have learned from reading this book. It is a very long book but it is worth to read from the first until the last page. Goodness gracious, it is such a beautiful love story of happiness, sorrow and justice.

I am awe of Bill who is also my favorite character from this book. He is the ultimate husband of all time. This man has everything that every single women should dream of. He is not only wo ...more

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