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More than the Madness: A Memoir
There is MORE than the MADNESS
This book gives readers a glimpse into the life of someone living with bipolar disorder. It’s not a clinical book filled with facts and figures, but a book of humanity.
Spanning childhood to early adult, through stories of abuse, being bullied, experimentation with drugs and alcohol, inpatient stays on psych wards, a night in jail, his college days in the fraternity, hitchhiking across America, and his time in a third world country, John gives the reader a personal and up-close look into his life as a manic depressive. The stories are sad, shocking, and at times funny as he shares his antics while at his most manic and delusional.
Throughout his journey, John also struggles with his faith in God. More than the Madness is a testament of one man’s journey to grow closer to God while gaining a better understanding of himself.
John wrote his story to help educate others on mental illness and remove some of the stigma associated with it. It is his hope that readers will get to know the person behind the diagnosis; take away the labels and meet someone's son, friend, and husband. See that there is More Than the Madness.
This book gives readers a glimpse into the life of someone living with bipolar disorder. It’s not a clinical book filled with facts and figures, but a book of humanity.
Spanning childhood to early adult, through stories of abuse, being bullied, experimentation with drugs and alcohol, inpatient stays on psych wards, a night in jail, his college days in the fraternity, hitchhiking across America, and his time in a third world country, John gives the reader a personal and up-close look into his life as a manic depressive. The stories are sad, shocking, and at times funny as he shares his antics while at his most manic and delusional.
Throughout his journey, John also struggles with his faith in God. More than the Madness is a testament of one man’s journey to grow closer to God while gaining a better understanding of himself.
John wrote his story to help educate others on mental illness and remove some of the stigma associated with it. It is his hope that readers will get to know the person behind the diagnosis; take away the labels and meet someone's son, friend, and husband. See that there is More Than the Madness.
- GenresMemoir
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2016
3 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 2, 2017
Such a gripping and emotional read : definitely a rollercoaster of emotions .
' Spanning childhood to early adult, through stories of abuse, being bullied, experimentation with drugs and alcohol, inpatient stays on psych wards, a night in jail, his college days in the fraternity, hitchhiking across America, and his time in a third world country, John gives the reader a personal and up-close look into his life as a manic depressive. The stories are sad, shocking, and at times funny as he shares his antics while at his most manic and delusional. '
People should read this kind of memoirs , maybe they will have an insight to understanding more bipolar depression and hopefully change the way they treat others ( bullying , negative/mean comments etc..).
Very eye-opening. I highly recommend this book because scientific articles and journals on mental ilness are never enough .
' Spanning childhood to early adult, through stories of abuse, being bullied, experimentation with drugs and alcohol, inpatient stays on psych wards, a night in jail, his college days in the fraternity, hitchhiking across America, and his time in a third world country, John gives the reader a personal and up-close look into his life as a manic depressive. The stories are sad, shocking, and at times funny as he shares his antics while at his most manic and delusional. '
People should read this kind of memoirs , maybe they will have an insight to understanding more bipolar depression and hopefully change the way they treat others ( bullying , negative/mean comments etc..).
Very eye-opening. I highly recommend this book because scientific articles and journals on mental ilness are never enough .
June 2, 2017
Audiobook Review
3.5 Stars
John Kaniecki's story starts at early childhood. The author takes us through his childhood and into young adulthood, when he is finally diagnosed as Manic Depressive during his college years. The author reveals some of his more erratic moments that occur during some of his most extreme manic phases. This story was eye opening, especially concerning mental healthcare. I've known for a long time the system fails many, and some of the acts revealed by the author, the way he and fellow patients were treated, was absolutely appalling. I can't understand how someone who goes into any part of a medical field, where they have to actually care for patients, can be so uncaring and abusive.
The story was good, but it was slow in places. We learn a lot about the author's childhood and his journey on his way to finding God, but I wish the story had focused more on his struggle, instead of religion, which I wasn't expecting. It's told with humor and while enjoyable, I think I was under the impression this would be a much darker and grittier read. As it's written it's actually on the lighter side, compared to others stories I've read on this subject matter.
As for the narration, I didn't particularly care for the narrator. It was hard to take him seriously and I found his voice to be distracting. He sort of sounded like a game show announcer and frankly, I just wasn't feeling it throughout the story. All in all, this was an enjoyable story. Recommendable, but I'd stick with the ebook or paperback.
**Audible code provided to me by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
3.5 Stars
John Kaniecki's story starts at early childhood. The author takes us through his childhood and into young adulthood, when he is finally diagnosed as Manic Depressive during his college years. The author reveals some of his more erratic moments that occur during some of his most extreme manic phases. This story was eye opening, especially concerning mental healthcare. I've known for a long time the system fails many, and some of the acts revealed by the author, the way he and fellow patients were treated, was absolutely appalling. I can't understand how someone who goes into any part of a medical field, where they have to actually care for patients, can be so uncaring and abusive.
The story was good, but it was slow in places. We learn a lot about the author's childhood and his journey on his way to finding God, but I wish the story had focused more on his struggle, instead of religion, which I wasn't expecting. It's told with humor and while enjoyable, I think I was under the impression this would be a much darker and grittier read. As it's written it's actually on the lighter side, compared to others stories I've read on this subject matter.
As for the narration, I didn't particularly care for the narrator. It was hard to take him seriously and I found his voice to be distracting. He sort of sounded like a game show announcer and frankly, I just wasn't feeling it throughout the story. All in all, this was an enjoyable story. Recommendable, but I'd stick with the ebook or paperback.
**Audible code provided to me by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
May 25, 2017
John is a talented writer whose memoir invokes many emotions in the reader. By sharing an insiders view of what life is like living with a mental health disorder, he draws the reader in and they leave changed by the experience.
June 25, 2017
This book was an emotional insight on a mental illness that effects those who have it in different ways. Bipolar disorder is a mental illness I’m familiar with, as it has affected people I love. It’s often hard to understand the chemical imbalance without having it yourself, and I think Kaniecki did a beautiful job of just telling his story and how it affected him. The simple way Kaniecki tells readers about growing up reinforces the reality that is mental illness: it can affect anyone.
Sometimes the story jumped around a lot, but I wasn’t too concerned since life lessons can happen in a nonlinear way. The memoir not only told the story of the author, but also the people in his life. I really loved all the connections Kaniecki brought into the story. The mixture of influences in his life really made readers understand how different everyone is, but how they can impact your lives in significant ways no matter what the chemicals in their brains are doing. The memoir also covers what it was like to be in a psychiatric hospital, and how they’re not all the same. I think this work says a lot about how people should view mental illness and how those with mental illness can be understood.
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
Sometimes the story jumped around a lot, but I wasn’t too concerned since life lessons can happen in a nonlinear way. The memoir not only told the story of the author, but also the people in his life. I really loved all the connections Kaniecki brought into the story. The mixture of influences in his life really made readers understand how different everyone is, but how they can impact your lives in significant ways no matter what the chemicals in their brains are doing. The memoir also covers what it was like to be in a psychiatric hospital, and how they’re not all the same. I think this work says a lot about how people should view mental illness and how those with mental illness can be understood.
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
January 29, 2017
I'm not usually into non-fiction, but I really enjoyed this book! As a former psychology major, I found it particularly interesting to hear firsthand from someone living with bipolar disorder. Some of John's experiences were very shocking, especially his tales of being institutionalized - it's very different reading about them in a psych book vs reading about someone's experiences in one. Very eye opening. I recommend everyone read this. You'll come away with a much better understanding of mental illnesses and the people living with them.
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
March 1, 2017
In his introduction, Kaniecki informs the reader that this is not a book filled with scientific data or specific explanations. He explains that it’s focused on the human side of bipolar disorder, that it’s about getting inside his head so we can all understand his experiences better. And he follows through on that promise.
Starting out in the very hospital where he was diagnosed and advancing through a variety of different settings and stories, Kaniecki bares his soul on the page. He takes the audience inside of that hospital with him; he shows us around his childhood haunts. Expertly, he speaks of seemingly unrelated moments, and then weaves them into the overarching story of his battle with mental illness.
It’s an incredibly interesting read, simultaneously portraying one man’s life story and his battle with bipolar disorder. It’s also an important one; in few other places can you find a book so informative and honest about mental illness. Throughout the novel, Kaniecki stresses acceptance and implies that ignorance is its greatest enemy.The best way to combat ignorance is through knowledge and understanding, which resonates in his novel.
More Than the Madness is a read that I would highly recommend to anyone. It’s an important book that bravely and critically combats the stigma associated with mental illness with a hardy helping of heart.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I am not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
Starting out in the very hospital where he was diagnosed and advancing through a variety of different settings and stories, Kaniecki bares his soul on the page. He takes the audience inside of that hospital with him; he shows us around his childhood haunts. Expertly, he speaks of seemingly unrelated moments, and then weaves them into the overarching story of his battle with mental illness.
It’s an incredibly interesting read, simultaneously portraying one man’s life story and his battle with bipolar disorder. It’s also an important one; in few other places can you find a book so informative and honest about mental illness. Throughout the novel, Kaniecki stresses acceptance and implies that ignorance is its greatest enemy.The best way to combat ignorance is through knowledge and understanding, which resonates in his novel.
More Than the Madness is a read that I would highly recommend to anyone. It’s an important book that bravely and critically combats the stigma associated with mental illness with a hardy helping of heart.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I am not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
February 11, 2017
Inspiring. Hopeful. Thought-Provoking.
To be honest, nonfiction is not my go-to genre. Most of my nonfiction reading material came from reading textbooks in college. But through reading this memoir, I have come to appreciate nonfiction stories, especially ones with a large impact. There is a lot of material and detail in this memoir, and reading it cover to cover will take some time and deep reflection. Memoirs like this are crucial to helping society to grow and understand what others go through. At times the material was difficult to read in imagining what the author went through, and realizing that the events were real, but it was worth it to continue and learn more about bipolar depression.
More than the Madness gives readers a glimpse into understanding what people with mental illness experience throughout their lives. As the author mentions, it’s sometimes hard for people to accept mental illness as an illness because it’s not often outwardly displayed or easy to comprehend. John Kaniecki delivers a book packed with emotion that has altered my view of mental illness and nonfiction works in general. I felt as if I were in the same room as John as he retold stories of his past.
I would recommend this memoir to anyone who is looking to gain a new perspective in life and learn more about a topic that is not often discussed in society today.
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
To be honest, nonfiction is not my go-to genre. Most of my nonfiction reading material came from reading textbooks in college. But through reading this memoir, I have come to appreciate nonfiction stories, especially ones with a large impact. There is a lot of material and detail in this memoir, and reading it cover to cover will take some time and deep reflection. Memoirs like this are crucial to helping society to grow and understand what others go through. At times the material was difficult to read in imagining what the author went through, and realizing that the events were real, but it was worth it to continue and learn more about bipolar depression.
More than the Madness gives readers a glimpse into understanding what people with mental illness experience throughout their lives. As the author mentions, it’s sometimes hard for people to accept mental illness as an illness because it’s not often outwardly displayed or easy to comprehend. John Kaniecki delivers a book packed with emotion that has altered my view of mental illness and nonfiction works in general. I felt as if I were in the same room as John as he retold stories of his past.
I would recommend this memoir to anyone who is looking to gain a new perspective in life and learn more about a topic that is not often discussed in society today.
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
November 3, 2016
Kaniecki’s memoir is a glimpse into the life of someone suffering with mental illness. He pulls us along as he explains his upbringing and stories from his life, the good and the bad.
I found this work to be a nice insight to understanding bipolar depression- you can read all the scientific journals, interviews and articles you want to, but you will never understand the illnesses in the same way until you get ahold of firsthand experience. It’s easy to have a sense of disconnect with something you don’t fully understand or find frightening, and Kaniecki’s memoir eliminates this by using experiences and thoughts to create a connection with his audience and highlight his spiritual journey. I recommend this memoir.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I am not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
I found this work to be a nice insight to understanding bipolar depression- you can read all the scientific journals, interviews and articles you want to, but you will never understand the illnesses in the same way until you get ahold of firsthand experience. It’s easy to have a sense of disconnect with something you don’t fully understand or find frightening, and Kaniecki’s memoir eliminates this by using experiences and thoughts to create a connection with his audience and highlight his spiritual journey. I recommend this memoir.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I am not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
November 9, 2016
I’ve known many people who suffer from various forms of mental illness, and I deal with anxiety myself. Mental illness is not as “visible” as a physical illness like asthma or a broken leg, which leads many to dismiss its validity. This is why writing like Kaniecki’s is so important: when people gain a better understanding of mental illness, they can show true compassion for those in their lives who deal with it. Kaniecki’s memoir delivers that understanding and places the reader into the shoes of someone whose experiences have carried him to myriad different places and people. This book moves beyond mental illness to reveal a person who’s ultimately led an extraordinary life.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
November 12, 2016
More than the Madness describes one man's experience living with bipolar depression, and the struggles he faces along his journey. The stories are extremely personal and detailed. I found them to be rather heart-wrenching at times. The way Kaniecki writes provided insights into the life a person with a mental illness. I had never considered certain things before reading this memoir, and I believe after reading it, I am much more informed and considerate of those individuals with mental illnesses. I would recommend this book to honestly anyone looking for a good memoir to sink their teeth into.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. I was not obliged to give a positive review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. I was not obliged to give a positive review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews