What the Man in the Moon Told Me: Living With Bipolar II A Memoir

by Frank Stanton

Frank Stanton was a man accustomed to dealing with dark depressions but his first experience with mania in 1998 led to an unexpected diagnosis of bipolar disorder type II. This began more than a decade long struggle for acceptance of his illness and compliance with its treatment. In his memoir, Stanton shares the sometimes harrowing and sometimes humorous details of his experiences as well as provides a wealth of information about bipolar disorder itself. An entertaining and informative resource for anyone wanting to know more about what it means to be bipolar.

Genres: Mental Health, Nonfiction, Biography

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 6, 2016

Reviews

[Clare Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent account which is very readable. It is entirely strange to read someone else's words which mirror your own innermost thoughts and feelings. It made me feel equally validated and vulnerable. Much of what the author describes are things that I am careful to deflect, defuse and disseminate when dealing with my own experiences and medical professionals. So it was amazing to read of someone else experiencing bipolar so similarly. Its 15 years since my first diagnosis which naturally I ignored and 7 since I was forced to confront bipolar in the psychiatric care system and yet this is the first book I have found to read written by someone like me. For that I offer the author my heartfelt thanks.

[Joe McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad I read this book

Such a well written, honest and riveting story of a life buffeted about by mental illness...Bipolar II specifically. Having struggled with much the same feelings and drastic mood swings since adolescence, my eyes were finally opened to a likely reason for my abnormalities. Separately, I thoroughly enjoyed Frank's great writing, brutal honesty and wry humor.

I highly recommend this book to anyone struggling with mental health issues, erratic mood swings, etc. And certainly as well to family, friends and co-workers concerned about someone's behavior.

And, hey...this is a great read no matter what. Fasten your seat belt and come aboard!

[T Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading for anyone with BiPolar illness

I’ve just been diagnosed and, while my symptoms are not as strong as the authors, I can relate to many of them. I’d especially recommend this book for friends and relatives of someone is is suffering. You are very important in spotting the signs and helping. Thank you for writing this important book.

[Madeleine · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the author wasn’t an AMAZING writer or anything, this book really takes you into what it’s like to live with what seems like an extreme case of bipolar II. I’ve been diagnosed with it in the past and this book really helped me analyze my own behaviors, especially since I’ve been questioning the diagnosis recently. His description of hypomania and depression really pulls you into his mind state and helps you understand what it’s like in a way that reading about hypomania and depression never will. I would recommend this book if you or anyone you know suffers with bipolar disorder or if you work with patients with a mental illness like bipolar. It’s also a very entertaining and fast read. I personally very much appreciate this book and hope others who read it do, too.

[Michael A Schuler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bipolar Hiding In Plain Sight

Very interesting but a bit rambling. To me, this is a story of a gentleman who is Bipolar 1. But what the heck, bipolar is bipolar. The difference between 1 and 2 is a matter of degree. The message that he delivers is relevant to both types. His story
underscores the fact that bipolar individuals and society remain in serious denial about the existence of mental illness, its severity and the need for treatment. It amazes me how much he, his family, and more so, his medical co-workers, were oblivious to the signs of his mental illness and his need for treatment. Perhaps the title should be: Bipolar Hiding In Plain Sight.

[Nurse Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the book and the way it is written ! It is a memoir generously given to anyone that wants to undrestand how bipolar disorder influences a persons life . In many pages it made me sad . If someone has bipolar disorder , it could make him more sad reading it , but it can be a great proof of how important is to accept medication and not stop them . Actually the book wouldn't exist if the writter hadn't stopped his medication ! For people who want to know what bipolar disorder is from the inside , this book is exactly what they want . Touching , sincere and authentic it travels you in a vulnerable but how really great mind !!

[Dezmond Rozek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really happy I found this book through a simple Google search. I identified with so much of what the author describes. He did a great job of really painting the picture of what is going on inside his body and mind. There were times of rambling but that is exactly what this disorder can do to you, so I found it authentic. I can’t help but to think that some the manic episodes he described sounded more like BP1.. Nonetheless I’m really happy to find something that I can share with my family to help them understand what it’s like. I hope the author sees this because I thank you very much!

[Frances Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is not the most spectacular author in terms of writing, but he is very spectacular at showing people what it really means to live with bipolar. If you're looking for Shakespeare, he is not it. If you are looking for a genuine, moving account of mental illness and how it affects someone and their loved ones, this book is for you.

If you have bipolar, this book can be both uplifting and terrifying. I highly suggest reading it if you have the energy to do so.

[♠ Jany ♠ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a raw and honest story about a man suffering from what I think today would easily be classified as Bipolar I- he went into psychosis and experienced hallucinations common with full mania, not hypomania. Regardless, the author's recollection of his highs and lows paints a very accurate picture of what this illness can take (and sometimes give) to a person. Great read if you are suffering from BP or love someone who is.

[Rachel]

I love reading peoples stories and had a great time reading his book. I personally was confused that he stated multiple times that he has bipolar 2 which is the less of the extreme

“I’m grateful that my own manias, or hypomanias, have been mild.”

His manias are not mild. This book shows that so I’m just confused why he keeps stating that.

nevertheless, the book was great, it was great to hear his story and learn the world from his perspective. :)

[Joseph Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! A detailed memoir that relates the experience so well!

I was captivated reading this very personal memoir by Frank’s detailed insights consistently conveyed with considerable narrative skill. Such a difficult subject requires a deft hand to avoid either a maudlin or clinical treatment. His account manages to maintain a (in)credible balance. Many many kudos.

[Alex Enahoro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best memoir I've read about Bipolar Disorder. It gets underneath the skin of the condition through a very witty, candid and insightful narration. I learned a lot about Bipolar Disorder and how it can impact individuals. The author of this book is very brave. I'm glad I read this. Highly recommended!

[Kim Dykes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks for being so frank, Frank!

I don't have Bipolar but was prescribed Lamictal for my epilepsy, it got me thinking that I knew nothing about Bipolar so I've been looking into it.
I truly appreciate the honesty and detail you have provided, it's been a hard but interesting read.
I wish you and your family all the best.

[Mary ALVARADO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of "What the Man in the Moon Told Me"

I really think this book digs into the horrible, rollercoaster effect of a person struggling with bipolar. Frank Stantons ,words are real. He knows this illness is brutal until you decide to start listening to your medical team and take responsibility for your illness and yourself.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

very well done

I would compare it with Wilfrid Sheed’s In Love with Daylight for descriptiveness of symptoms and humor. Very well written and entertaining and thoughtful. I’m not a psychiatrist, but the author’s symptoms sound to me much closer to bipolar one than bipolar two. But of course, these things are on a spectrum.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching

I absolutely loved this book!! I have bipolar 2, and sometimes I feel so alone in it. This book made me feel less alone. It’s so honest and genuine, I wish more people wrote like this. If you suffer from any mental illness, or maybe just loneliness…I highly recommend this memoir.

[Kathy Lozito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eyes wide shut are now wide open

He bared his soul, akin to taking one’s clothes off in public. He clearly felt shame which I think is partly still with him and probably will be for a long time. This book honors the three faces of bipolar illness.

[Tiffany Masters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realistic; frighteningly realistic

A very well-written and detailed account of the truth behind bipolar disorder. While it may not be relatable to those on the outside, it will at least give them a glimpse.

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredibly written and also really inspiring. I have recently been diagnosed with bipolar myself, and reading this book made me feel much less alone and a lot more hopeful for my future.

[Teresa Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book. He describes his struggles with bipolar really well. I understand what he is going through. His advice at the end is good, take your med, work with your doc and don't give up.

[Danielle Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read

Enjoyed the book. Could see parts of myself when I enjoyed because it made the book personal. Gained useful information.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating glimpse

As someone who lives with BP2 the author does a great job of capturing/offering insight into what it might be like for someone wanting to know.

[Aspen Lackland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This book helped me overcome my demons I am glad I came across this book and this will forever be in my library. Than you for sharing your story.

[Melinda Polet · Rating 5 out of 5]

relatable and enjoyable

I really enjoyed this book. Having bipolar myself I found it totally relatable. So glad he wrote it!
A beautiful memoir of bipolar.

[Shirley Knepp · Rating 5 out of 5]

captivating

I couldn’t stop reading ! It sounded like bipolar 1 though. Fully describes what mania and depression look like from inside.

[Roseann Gaylord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

Extremely well written and compelling book! One of the best memoirs I have come across, read this one! I hope the author writes more books!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate this book so much. There were so many metaphors that struck me hard. I think I will keep it forever (I'm not a book collector). I think I learned a lot of lessons for myself through the author's trials and tribulations.

One wonder I have is why bipolar type 2. The manias seem pretty severe so I would have guessed type 1. There was even some delusion.