Don't Call Me Crazy! I'm Just in Love with God

by Swiyyah Nadirah Woodard

Librarian Note: Alternate Title & Cover Edition for ISBN-10: 0988945703 / ISBN-13: 9780988945708.

Nothing will stop Anika from marrying the love of her life, not even paranoid schizophrenia. You don’t want to miss this spiritual journey filled with inspiration and power. This book is insightful and perceptive. Inspired by a true story. Few people consider the God factor in mental health. Join Anika and journey with her as she receives revelations from God while on her walk to overcome mental illness.

Genres: Romance, Love Story

228 pages, Paperback

First published January 22, 2007

About the author

Swiyyah Nadirah Woodard was selected as a Bay News 9 Everyday Hero, which was seen by two million viewers, for publishing a book and teaching the community about her own battle with mental illness. She was hospitalized six times and misdiagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. Her first book, "Don't Call Me Crazy! I'm Just in Love," became required and suggested reading in Reading, Writing, Abnormal Psychology, and General Psychology classes at a four year Institution.

She was born in the housing projects of Saint Petersburg, FL. Her father left when she was three so she was raised in a single parent home. At the age of five she was
molested by her eight year old brother. She later started school. She had slurred speech and didn't care to make friends so she was bullied by her peers. At the age of eight, she wanted to kill herself because a girl wanted to fight her. She looked in the medicine cabinet for medication. Thank God, she couldn't find any.

As a teenager she was physically abused by her step dad. The abuse was so severe, God blocked it from her memory. At the age of 20 the brother that molested her committed suicide, which was devastating to her and the entire family. Swiyyah has always viewed herself as normal. She never received any disciplinary problems in school, made good grades, and receive her BA degree in Psychology from the University of South Florida.

When the doctors misdiagnosed her with the most debilitating mental disorder known in mental health, paranoid schizophrenia, she denied it. She questioned their expertise. She refused to take medication. She was then hospitalized six times. Her family took a picture of her at her worst and that's when she knew she needed help. She has been taking medication now for ten years without a relapse.

She is now a published author and a National Inspirational Speaker. Her first book is entitled, “Don't Call Me Crazy! I'm just in Love,” and is inspired by her true story.

She was raised Muslim and the revelations she received from God didn't make any since until she meet her Christian husband 14 years after her first relapse.

Please contact Swiyyah to book speaking engagements, life coaching, author and speaker coaching, radio and TV interviews, or to purchase her books at 727-495-3217, swiyyahnm@yahoo.com.

Reviews

[Lubov Leonova · Rating 4 out of 5]

How normal are we?

This is the question Anika constantly asks herself as her story unfolds. She is a regular woman who has multiple dreams but never dares to go further in her life than having a boyfriend and endless studying. However, her life takes an unexpected twist that pushes her to action.

I loved the story idea. It is focused on character development and contains a wise amount of theory on psychology as Anka is studying. She tries to use her knowledge in real life, and it often does not work as she expects.

As for the writing style, I found it a bit confusing because of often shifts in point of view in dialogues.

Overall, the story is worth reading because of its unique genre!

[Dee Cherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good informative read on mental illness. Anika's dialog & interactions helped provide mindful insight on this subject. I did find it amazing she was able to remain in school throughout this ordeal. Although this story was focused on Anika, there were times when the title could have shifted to other characters. I commend Mosi for following his heart rather than listening to his mother--for he & Anika's love was genuine. I would like to thank Swiyyah Woodward for sharing such a touching story.

[Billy Fetzner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Masterpiece of Emotion

"Don't Call Me Crazy! I'm Just in Love: A Contemporary Black Woman’s Fiction is an absolute gem that had me hooked from the very first page. Swiyyah Woodard masterfully weaves a tale that not only explores the complexities of love, spirituality, and mental health but does so with an authenticity that is both refreshing and deeply moving. Anika Muhammad is brilliantly crafted, and Woodard's portrayal of her struggles with trust, love, and mental illness is nothing short of remarkable. From the whirlwind romance to the spiritual awakening, every twist and turn in Anika's journey feels like a genuine exploration of the human soul. Woodard's prose is crisp, the characters are vividly brought to life, and the narrative unfolds with a perfect balance of tension and emotion.

I really enjoyed the scene where Anika encounters the dragon-like apparition, I was captivated by the seamless blend of reality and metaphor. Woodard's ability to create such vivid imagery adds a layer of depth to Anika's internal struggles, making the reading experience not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. The book's urban setting and adventures contribute to the overall immersive quality of the narrative. As a reader, I found myself completely engrossed in Anika's world, laughing and crying along with her.

What struck me the most about Don't Call Me Crazy! is the sincere and respectful portrayal of mental health. Anika's journey is not merely a backdrop; it's an integral part of the story, adding layers of complexity and urgency to her pursuit of love and self-acceptance. Woodard handles this delicate subject matter with the nuance it deserves, highlighting that Anika is not defined by her illness but is a woman striving to live her best life despite it.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Don't Call Me Crazy! I'm Just in Love to anyone seeking a powerful and inspirational read. If you appreciate stories that delve into the intricacies of the human experience, this book is a must-read. Woodard's storytelling is not only entertaining but also serves as a reflection on love, spirituality, and the resilience of the human spirit. I recommend it to fans of contemporary Black women's fiction and anyone who enjoys a narrative that challenges and uplifts the soul. Don't miss the chance to dive into this captivating journey—it's a literary experience that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page."

[Stevie Hostetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!

**Review: "Don't Call Me Crazy! I'm Just in Love" - An Urban Love Triangle Full of Drama**

"Don't Call Me Crazy! I'm Just in Love" by 2,640 is a compelling urban romance that dives deep into the complexities of love, loyalty, and the often chaotic nature of relationships. The story is centered around a love triangle that is as unpredictable as it is engaging, drawing readers into a world where emotions run high and decisions carry significant weight.

The characters are vividly portrayed, each with their own distinct personalities and flaws that make them relatable and real. The protagonist's journey through the turbulent waters of love is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, showcasing the raw and unfiltered aspects of modern relationships.

2,640's writing style is sharp and evocative, capturing the essence of urban life and the intense emotions that accompany a love triangle. The dialogue is authentic, and the narrative pacing keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages to discover the next twist in the tale.

What sets this book apart is its honest depiction of the struggles and triumphs that come with being in love in a bustling urban environment. The drama is intense but never feels overdone, striking a perfect balance between sensational and believable.

Overall, "Don't Call Me Crazy! I'm Just in Love" is a must-read for fans of urban romance and drama. It's a story that will keep you hooked from start to finish, leaving you contemplating the complexities of love long after you've turned the last page.

[Sherri Geisler Locke · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't as enthralled with this book as others seem to be. As a person who has mental health issues myself I found it annoying to have certain terms over used and even misused in my opinion. The book will give you great insight into what happens in the mind of people with schizophrenia and other mental health issues. It does need some serious proofreading and editing. Some of the book is so chaotic that I might recommend it to someone who needs to understand how my brain works when I can't find the right words. I'm just not one hundred percent sure I would, just might.

[Abdul · Rating 4 out of 5]

A genuine and powerful read

Don't Call Me Crazy! I'm Just in Love by Swiyyah Woodard isn't just a drama or another love story, it's an inspirational journey of a woman caught in a love triangle while dealing with mental illness.

Woodard, drawing from her own life experiences, adds authenticity to the contemporary romance and deepens the raw emotional struggles of the protagonist.

Don't Call Me Crazy! Is the kind of read that pulls you away from everyday life and into a world that’s intense, spiritual, and full of surprises.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covers a lot of important topics. The stigma of mental health and taking medication. How relationship go through ups and downs. How abuse isn't acceptable. It was very interesting how story unfolded and I like how it had information on mental health and methods that can help people such as music therapy. I also liked how Anika stood up for herself when the therapist was asking her to work beyond her capabilities. She prevented harm to her clients.

[Lori Colwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique love triangle

“Don’t Call Me Crazy! I’m Just in Love” is a unique story about a woman that finds herself entangled in a relationship with two men while dealing with mental health. It started out slow, but unraveled to reveal an authentic experience as she described her delusions and a progression of her mental struggles. Recommended for readers that enjoy real life drama.

[Mark Sneed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read about schizophrenia and love

The author has a lot to say in this book. There are a bunch of topics she covers in a book that is based on a true story and borders on a memoir more than a fictional story. Be prepared to read about someone battling with mental health problems. The two sides of the main character are expressed in her choice of men. There is the man she has grown up with, the one she seems to trust and the one that seems to genuinely care for her. But this is a completely contradictory story as the author battles mental health issues and finds herself attracted to a smooth talking man she doesn’t know. The main character is trying to make career and emotional decisions while trying to understand why her life seems to be spinning out of control. Interesting ideas. The problem for me is that the story is all over the place. This is an ambitious project. For some the sheer idea of a woman trying to decide her career path would hold their attention. But the author decided to push and add the mental health aspect. Along with the syntax issues I found the read abrupt and filled with odd grammatical errors. A good edit would benefit this book.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many truly do not know what it's like to live with this battle, unless you're living it. This is an absolutely wonderful read! There is so much behind the cover of this book that you don't want to miss!

[Ankith Hardageri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story of Anita

This is a love story of anika and is very entertaining.The story revolving around how she in love with a guy for 8 years and another person tries to make her in fall in love with him and the full shebang. You’ll love it.

[Matthew Scigousky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Done!

So not my cup of tea but I can appreciate the creativity and story line. If you like this type of book you will definitely enjoy it!

[Alexis Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cozy read

Don't Call Me Crazy is a great book. The main character has to chose between two men. What a love triangle. This book is a page turner, a tear jerker, and great book.

[Nikkia Chante’ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn’t finish this book. It was something about the way it read that I just couldn’t connect with.

[John Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful

Don’t Call Me Crazy is inspirational, has a satisfying ending, with twists and turns along the way. Must read for fiction lovers.

[Barbara Tsipouras · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the author herself has got the diagnosis schizophrenia this is indeed some insight in a disturbed mind, but the story would need some serious editing and proofreading.
The ending is disappointing because it leaves you with a cliffhanger, something I really hate. I dn't see why she couldn't put the whole story within one book (they're not too thick).
The book was labeled as christian. It is somehow spiritual, but it isn't christian.
At some points the author shows her extraordinary talent. Perhaps she's trying too much at once: a love-story, a history of feminism in religion, explaining halluzinations as visions from an other realm, abuse in relationsships.....

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started this book thinking it was a fluffy romance, a palate cleanser after the heavy previous book I read. Spoiler, it isn’t. I was send a complementary ebook from voracious readers in return for an honest review. I think the blurb wasn’t quite as clear as it is on goodreads about the contents of the book. It is interesting and while I’m struggling to read it right now (I’m half way through and am going to put it down for a while) I may well pick it up again at a later date. I struggled with the subject matter and the third person way it is written, however if you are interested in mental health issues and want a book that’s deeper than a fluffy romance, give it a go.

[Pamela Johnston Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful

This book is a true story based on the author's life of being diagnosed and living with schizophrenia. Mental illness is a very taboo subject that people just don't talk about. This could be due to being embarrassed or the fear of being labeled. It could also be due to the lack of knowledge about the subject. I commend the author for having the courage to tell her story in hopes that it will help others to get a better understanding of schizophrenia and that it is possible to function and live a normal life with proper education, training, and medications.

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was a complicated book and it took me a while to understand what was happening. Before requesting the book I googled the author so had an idea what the book was about.

It was a very interesting read and made me think.

The writing style is different and sometimes hard to follow but I think that reflects the subject matter so I just went with it

I was given an advance copy by Voracious readers in return for a fair and honest review which I have done.

[Crystal Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story.

This was a great read of a true story. Swiyyah Woodard did an amazing job shedding light on mental illness. This story was such an eye opener and provided some clarity into what a person might endure who has paranoia and doubt. Anika struggles with trust, reality and herself. Thank you Swiyyah for that. I look forward to book 2.

[Onyxx The Authoress]

Love...love...love this book!
The story was told in such a way that you feel a kinship with the characters. I was enthralled with the story from the moment I picked the book up. Powerful story about overcoming life's unexpected obstacles.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This was an okay book . But I can't really say I enjoyed it. I found the characters hard to get to know/empathise with. It seemed disjointed in places but that could be because of the nature of the story.

[Carlos mutua · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love vs mental problem

Amazing how mental health can truly affect ones social life..look at the case of Anika although there is an handsome wanting her, her condition seem to cloud her from seeing positivity of the situation.

[William Ringold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's not a clone, it is its own thing and follows its own style. The language choices are different. appropriate, but different. Tough topic handled well, I get the feeling there are some layers to this that would require a second reading.

[Joshua Easton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartbreaking

The insight to mental illness has never been as visceral as shared in this novel. author Woodard shares a point of view that many fictional accounts rarely give from the pic of the party suffering from the malady. Have to follow up in the next book.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Stars

This book was very informative. I learn so much about different mental illness. Thank you I understand it a little better

[Gloria Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

This book put me through so many different emotions also while teaching me the differences about mental health and illnesses. I can't wait to read Part 2

[Khara Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mental illness is real

This was a great display of a person struggling with mental illness. I would recommend to anyone interested in the topic.

[Shawna Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing

Very different writing style which was nice. Mental illness awareness was nicely tied in. Relatable main character and realistic dialogue. 👍

[Pat Carlson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't read this if you want an ending.

So disappointed!!
There is no ending to this book, you have to buy the second part. Was a good story, but I feel forced into buying the second book...and that's not going to happen!