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Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse
This wasn’t my life to begin with. It wasn’t my body either.
I inherited both, and more, from Mouse.
Mouse created me. She had created another life when she was four so she knew how. That’s what people with Dissociative Identity Disorder do.
You see, terrible things happened to Mouse when she was very young, so she decided to simply stop growing up when she was eight. Her body aged but she didn’t. At eleven, when something even more despicable happened, Mouse froze herself in time, leaving her life, body, and name to me. Mouse remains an afraid and damaged young girl, living in The Deep inside of us. But don’t worry, she isn’t alone.
My name is Jade and I am an alternate personality – the main personality but an alternate nonetheless. I live in this body with Mouse and the other alters: Peter, Neil, Jane, Zen, Nancy, Ray, and Lucy. For over twenty years there had been no more splitting, no one new. Then Anne came along, making alter number ten.
This book is the first part of our journey integrating Anne into her new life. It was her idea to write about it and both our ideas to dedicate this book to Mouse …
Our Frozen Mouse – the author of us all.
http://www.inhousebookstore.com.au/in...
I inherited both, and more, from Mouse.
Mouse created me. She had created another life when she was four so she knew how. That’s what people with Dissociative Identity Disorder do.
You see, terrible things happened to Mouse when she was very young, so she decided to simply stop growing up when she was eight. Her body aged but she didn’t. At eleven, when something even more despicable happened, Mouse froze herself in time, leaving her life, body, and name to me. Mouse remains an afraid and damaged young girl, living in The Deep inside of us. But don’t worry, she isn’t alone.
My name is Jade and I am an alternate personality – the main personality but an alternate nonetheless. I live in this body with Mouse and the other alters: Peter, Neil, Jane, Zen, Nancy, Ray, and Lucy. For over twenty years there had been no more splitting, no one new. Then Anne came along, making alter number ten.
This book is the first part of our journey integrating Anne into her new life. It was her idea to write about it and both our ideas to dedicate this book to Mouse …
Our Frozen Mouse – the author of us all.
http://www.inhousebookstore.com.au/in...
274 pages, Paperback
Published February 22, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 5, 2018
"Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse" opened up a whole new world for me - the world(s) of someone living with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). This story is primarily told by two persons, with others making appearances along the way. This unique and amazing work evokes every possible emotion a human can feel. Some passages are not the easiest to read, but others are infused with a wry and gritty humour. Well done to author, A.J. Mouse, who has opened up her heart and soul to produce this roller-coaster of a ride.
March 8, 2017
This book is amazing and unique opportunity to gain an understanding of what it is like to live with Dissociative Identity Disorder. Something true and real to be valued amidst all the Hollywood bastardisation of mental illness.
The story is delivered in such an engaging way that keeps you hooked as Anna and Jade take you along for the ride.
The story is delivered in such an engaging way that keeps you hooked as Anna and Jade take you along for the ride.
August 27, 2017
Such a powerful and intriguing novel. The more that Dissociative Identity Disorder (D.I.D) is talked about, the more questions I have.
The brain is so mysterious and we have learnt very little about how it works (just the basics really) and we have a long way to go before we know it all.
It seems when some of us are faced with unbearable trauma, the brain splinters to protect itself so that it can survive, forming alters, each has their own reason for being and their own story.
Thank you for sharing your story and helping to take the stigma associated with D.I.D away.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The brain is so mysterious and we have learnt very little about how it works (just the basics really) and we have a long way to go before we know it all.
It seems when some of us are faced with unbearable trauma, the brain splinters to protect itself so that it can survive, forming alters, each has their own reason for being and their own story.
Thank you for sharing your story and helping to take the stigma associated with D.I.D away.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
October 13, 2017
I knew I was going to review this book and within the first few chapters, I knew it was going to be 5-stars. The thing is how to review it; this stirred emotions in me that range from sadness to anger to wonder and on to happiness. There is a lot in this book, and being only 276 pages, all I can say is wow!
Being a fictional (fantasy) writer, I can appreciate the different feel of this book. As it wasn't written by one person but many, which in turn did not detract from the flow and beauty of this wonderfully written book.
I want to write more, but I have nothing left to write. This has become one of my favourite books of all time!
All I can say is thank you, Jade, Anne, Peter, Neil, Jane, Nancy, Zen, Ray, Lucy and most of all Mouse for creating this moving book and sharing your story.
Being a fictional (fantasy) writer, I can appreciate the different feel of this book. As it wasn't written by one person but many, which in turn did not detract from the flow and beauty of this wonderfully written book.
I want to write more, but I have nothing left to write. This has become one of my favourite books of all time!
All I can say is thank you, Jade, Anne, Peter, Neil, Jane, Nancy, Zen, Ray, Lucy and most of all Mouse for creating this moving book and sharing your story.
August 11, 2017
Unless you have it, Dissociative Identity Disorder (previously referred to as Multiple Personality Disorder) probably isn’t what you think it is.
Disclaimer #1: I received a free paperback copy of this book so that I could write a 100% honest review.
Disclaimer #2: I wouldn’t have chosen to review a book with this subject matter on Examining the Odd if the authors hadn’t contacted me. I don’t feel that it’s right to present this book as ‘strange’ in the way that I would talk about a weird fiction novel or surreal fantasy adventure. Having said that, this book is strange, surreal, weird and unlike anything I’ve read before.
Disclaimer #3: This is the first time I’ve reviewed a book about real, living people and I sincerely hope I do not offend any of them.
Seventeen of the chapters in Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse are written by Anne, the newest identity to come along in over twenty years. She’s an adult woman suddenly ‘born’ into a new body which she shares with strangers.
Anne decides to document her journey, aided by Jade (the ‘main’ personality) to help herself to understand her new life. Jade fills in the gaps, authoring alternating chapters, and we also get sneak peeks of the others through emails, notes and stories. Anne and Jade have very different personalities, as well as separate writing styles, so the book stays clear throughout.
The personalities as a whole have a good job and a nice house, they’re married, have a son (who sounds incredible), a dog and a cat. They drive a car, make food, do chores, etc. In other words, they’re probably not like any fictional character that you may have come across in books or films about those with DID. But they’re probably nothing like you either.
Potential readers may think that this is a book for those with DID, or for their friends/relatives, but I think that this is a book for all. It’s like reading an excellent piece of fiction, bolstered by the fact that you know it’s all true.
You know when you’re watching a film based on a true story and every so often you turn to the person you’re watching it with and say “bloody hell, this actually happened!”? Yeah, it’s like that.
I would be very interested to read reviews of this book written by others who have DID. I don’t necessarily feel as though I learned a huge amount about the disorder through reading this book, but I did learn more about the different ways that people cope with stress, trauma, abuse and depression.
It’s an excellent reminder that no two people react in the same way to difficult situations, and in turn, no two people will deal with the aftermath in the same way either. I found myself reacting to the reactions of the different personalities, rather than just accepting that that’s how they deal with situation/person ‘x’. That’s ok when I’m reading the book, but I would never dream of confronting someone about their reaction (unless it put themselves or others in danger).
The body which houses the personalities is a 50 year old female, but it contains a little girl, a man, a lion and seven very different women, all born at separate times over the last two to 50 years! During the book, I felt that I got to know a few of them really well.
Jade and Anne are pretty normal women, with Jade being the more feisty of the two! I was a little disappointed when the book ended and I still felt that I didn’t really know Peter, the male (human, not lion/man) personality.
I would be over the moon to discover that some of the other personalities had decided to write additional chapters, or even books! But, the book has shown me enough to know that a couple of them would never even entertain the idea.
However, I would certainly buy Zen’s self-help book, read Nancy’s blog rants and watch Ray’s practical joke YouTube channel if they existed! I wonder if Anne plans to write more in the future as she gets to know the others better. Hint-hint.
This book deserves to be shared, talked about and read by thousands. It’s funny, heart-breaking, very strange and non-stop engrossing. It’s a bold statement, but reading this book sort of feels like you’re the eleventh member of the body. This is a compliment to Anne in particular as she manages to portray what should be an unimaginable scenario to anyone who may be reading the book. Yes, she’s confused, angry and upset, but she also has a new life to get on with.
I would like to thank Anne and Jade for sharing, not just their story of DID, but also of their experience of coping with abuse, depression and attempted suicide. Yes, it will make readers cry, feel sick and possibly even give them nightmares, but I think it’s wonderful that someone can share experiences like this and help others through the process.
Jade and Anne don’t sugar-coat and they’re not embarrassed to say what they have to say. I’d love to spend some time with them if they didn’t live on the other side of the world!
The cover was created by Neil, one of the personalities: a sort of lion-man with the voice of Liam Neeson. I think I got some strange looks on the bus with it as it probably looked as though I was reading a children’s book. Don’t let it put you off – I completely recommend this book to all.
https://examiningtheodd.com/2017/04/2...
Disclaimer #1: I received a free paperback copy of this book so that I could write a 100% honest review.
Disclaimer #2: I wouldn’t have chosen to review a book with this subject matter on Examining the Odd if the authors hadn’t contacted me. I don’t feel that it’s right to present this book as ‘strange’ in the way that I would talk about a weird fiction novel or surreal fantasy adventure. Having said that, this book is strange, surreal, weird and unlike anything I’ve read before.
Disclaimer #3: This is the first time I’ve reviewed a book about real, living people and I sincerely hope I do not offend any of them.
Seventeen of the chapters in Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse are written by Anne, the newest identity to come along in over twenty years. She’s an adult woman suddenly ‘born’ into a new body which she shares with strangers.
Anne decides to document her journey, aided by Jade (the ‘main’ personality) to help herself to understand her new life. Jade fills in the gaps, authoring alternating chapters, and we also get sneak peeks of the others through emails, notes and stories. Anne and Jade have very different personalities, as well as separate writing styles, so the book stays clear throughout.
The personalities as a whole have a good job and a nice house, they’re married, have a son (who sounds incredible), a dog and a cat. They drive a car, make food, do chores, etc. In other words, they’re probably not like any fictional character that you may have come across in books or films about those with DID. But they’re probably nothing like you either.
Potential readers may think that this is a book for those with DID, or for their friends/relatives, but I think that this is a book for all. It’s like reading an excellent piece of fiction, bolstered by the fact that you know it’s all true.
You know when you’re watching a film based on a true story and every so often you turn to the person you’re watching it with and say “bloody hell, this actually happened!”? Yeah, it’s like that.
I would be very interested to read reviews of this book written by others who have DID. I don’t necessarily feel as though I learned a huge amount about the disorder through reading this book, but I did learn more about the different ways that people cope with stress, trauma, abuse and depression.
It’s an excellent reminder that no two people react in the same way to difficult situations, and in turn, no two people will deal with the aftermath in the same way either. I found myself reacting to the reactions of the different personalities, rather than just accepting that that’s how they deal with situation/person ‘x’. That’s ok when I’m reading the book, but I would never dream of confronting someone about their reaction (unless it put themselves or others in danger).
The body which houses the personalities is a 50 year old female, but it contains a little girl, a man, a lion and seven very different women, all born at separate times over the last two to 50 years! During the book, I felt that I got to know a few of them really well.
Jade and Anne are pretty normal women, with Jade being the more feisty of the two! I was a little disappointed when the book ended and I still felt that I didn’t really know Peter, the male (human, not lion/man) personality.
I would be over the moon to discover that some of the other personalities had decided to write additional chapters, or even books! But, the book has shown me enough to know that a couple of them would never even entertain the idea.
However, I would certainly buy Zen’s self-help book, read Nancy’s blog rants and watch Ray’s practical joke YouTube channel if they existed! I wonder if Anne plans to write more in the future as she gets to know the others better. Hint-hint.
This book deserves to be shared, talked about and read by thousands. It’s funny, heart-breaking, very strange and non-stop engrossing. It’s a bold statement, but reading this book sort of feels like you’re the eleventh member of the body. This is a compliment to Anne in particular as she manages to portray what should be an unimaginable scenario to anyone who may be reading the book. Yes, she’s confused, angry and upset, but she also has a new life to get on with.
I would like to thank Anne and Jade for sharing, not just their story of DID, but also of their experience of coping with abuse, depression and attempted suicide. Yes, it will make readers cry, feel sick and possibly even give them nightmares, but I think it’s wonderful that someone can share experiences like this and help others through the process.
Jade and Anne don’t sugar-coat and they’re not embarrassed to say what they have to say. I’d love to spend some time with them if they didn’t live on the other side of the world!
The cover was created by Neil, one of the personalities: a sort of lion-man with the voice of Liam Neeson. I think I got some strange looks on the bus with it as it probably looked as though I was reading a children’s book. Don’t let it put you off – I completely recommend this book to all.
https://examiningtheodd.com/2017/04/2...
March 11, 2018
I must say that before I started reading this I was unsure of what to expect. I didn't read anything about the book before starting. I just opened the book - or swiped from right to left on my tab - and started reading. After completing the first chapter I turned to my wife beside me and said, "You have to read this book, it is amazing."
From then on, AJ Mouse continued on in the same vein to produce an amazing book.
Now for the grit. The book is assembled from two perspectives and the insight that these two perspectives offer is unique. The writing style is fairly similar, more one person with two disparate viewpoints, that is trying to reconcile them. I thoroughly enjoyed watching one of the main characters explore the unique position that she was placed in and the other trying in vain at some points to explain to her what is going on. I enjoyed how each of the different characters appears, each feeling very relatable and yet distinct, from each other.
I would love to see a conclusion to the story, forgiveness or revenge, would really be appreciated. I understand that the writer would like to write more about the book so I am hoping for a satisfactory end.
I credit the author with great gumption to tackle this problem, it is well written and truly evocative - if this is an autobiography 'I am so sorry.'
Overall, the book felt like a whirlwind, one minute I am laughing along with the writers humour next I am saddened and then I am disgusted- all within one chapter. I craved the end of the chapters so that I could rest from the emotional rollercoaster that AJ Mouse put me through.
Truly fantastic. 6/5
From then on, AJ Mouse continued on in the same vein to produce an amazing book.
Now for the grit. The book is assembled from two perspectives and the insight that these two perspectives offer is unique. The writing style is fairly similar, more one person with two disparate viewpoints, that is trying to reconcile them. I thoroughly enjoyed watching one of the main characters explore the unique position that she was placed in and the other trying in vain at some points to explain to her what is going on. I enjoyed how each of the different characters appears, each feeling very relatable and yet distinct, from each other.
I would love to see a conclusion to the story, forgiveness or revenge, would really be appreciated. I understand that the writer would like to write more about the book so I am hoping for a satisfactory end.
I credit the author with great gumption to tackle this problem, it is well written and truly evocative - if this is an autobiography 'I am so sorry.'
Overall, the book felt like a whirlwind, one minute I am laughing along with the writers humour next I am saddened and then I am disgusted- all within one chapter. I craved the end of the chapters so that I could rest from the emotional rollercoaster that AJ Mouse put me through.
Truly fantastic. 6/5
September 3, 2017
What I loved about this book was the authors' sense of humour! People often laugh in difficult times and A.J.s continual sarcasm and bluntness to lighten her own burden is highly entertaining and made me chuckle on numerous occasions.
Beneath this lighthearted joviality though, there is a brilliant, incidental conglomerate of text which helps you to truly understand DID from the inside - from the points of view of the various alters. Observing them engage with each other while they problem solved on a daily basis, made me feel like I made a whole bunch of new friends. I doubt a fiction written about the condition could ever be so informative or engaging as this true account was...
Be aware, if you have experienced past abuses yourself, some parts may be difficult to read - not necessarily the descriptions of events, but the head-speak that naturally accompanies it as one strives to cope and carry on. You may hear echoes of your own voice... This deep, deep core of the story, combined with the intermittent humour makes for quite the roller-coaster ride for your emotions!
Quite simply, this is an amaaaaazing book.
Beneath this lighthearted joviality though, there is a brilliant, incidental conglomerate of text which helps you to truly understand DID from the inside - from the points of view of the various alters. Observing them engage with each other while they problem solved on a daily basis, made me feel like I made a whole bunch of new friends. I doubt a fiction written about the condition could ever be so informative or engaging as this true account was...
Be aware, if you have experienced past abuses yourself, some parts may be difficult to read - not necessarily the descriptions of events, but the head-speak that naturally accompanies it as one strives to cope and carry on. You may hear echoes of your own voice... This deep, deep core of the story, combined with the intermittent humour makes for quite the roller-coaster ride for your emotions!
Quite simply, this is an amaaaaazing book.
August 30, 2017
I doubt anyone could read this book and not be challenged emotionally by it. It deserves to be a best seller! Before reading, Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse, I had decided on an hour a night until done, but after starting I was compelled to put my life on hold for the next two days! And although I will say I loved it I will also say I hated it. I hated it so much at times I couldn’t stop crying but I could not stop reading, (well once, just long enough to feed and hug my children). AJ mouse you and your family are the most amazing- brave people I could ever hope to meet. Your sense of humour kept a smile on my face and hope in my heart.
July 16, 2017
What, we get to rate our own book? That's bizarre. Technically, although I am one of the ten personalities I didn't have a hand in writing this book! Anne and Jade did well. Nancy
April 20, 2018
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse: Part 1 is a biography written by A.J. Mouse. The author is a forty-eight-year-old woman who has Dissociative Identity Disorder or DID. Her DID started while she was quite young, in response to the ongoing and brutal sexual abuse she was subjected to as a young child. The original personality, Mouse, formed new personalities to help her survive her ordeal. Neal, a leonine and fierce defender, was her safety net, a calming presence who could become quite terrifying if Mouse felt threatened. Nancy, pragmatic and cold, kept them all surviving in the everyday world, despite their DID. Jade was one of the oldest of the personalities, the one who took on that name when Mouse decided she no longer wanted to come outside for very long and wanted to be known as Mouse. Mouse stayed hidden in The Deep most of the time. She had never grown up and was still the tortured frightened child who had been told she was ugly and unlovable and treated oh, so badly. When Roger, the husband of Lucy, called her a name that triggered those feelings anew, Anne was born in response. Mouse seemed to have distinct reasons for bringing Anne and her automatic take-charge attitude into existence. Anne instantly started a regime of diet and walks designed to help shed the extra weight, and she seemed surprisingly comfortable to being one of ten personalities within one body. Anne was also determined to resolve the issue of the Monster and bring him to justice.
A.J. Mouse’s Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse: Part 1 answered a lot of questions I’ve always had about multiple personality disorder. Mouse’s biography was, quite bluntly, a mind-blowing and welcome dose of reality. I loved reading Anne and Jade’s correspondence and marvelled at how the personalities in Mouse’s world had become a family who, for the most part, work so brilliantly together to survive and protect their Mouse. Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse is beautifully written, and it reads like the most taut and compelling fictional thriller you’ll come across. What happened to Mouse, and who is the Monster that the personalities will most assuredly encounter some day? How do they handle the day-to-day complexities of work and other social obligations? Is there something wrong with those who have DID or is it just another way our marvelous minds have for making us our best and brightest? Anne and Jade and the other personalities you’ll meet have a lot to say about these and other issues, and I’m so glad to have gotten to meet each one of Mouse’s tightly-knit and supportive family. I love reading biographies and have read and reviewed quite a few -- this has to be one of my all-time favorites. I am most definitely looking forward to reading Part 2. Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse: Part 1 is most highly recommended.
Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse: Part 1 is a biography written by A.J. Mouse. The author is a forty-eight-year-old woman who has Dissociative Identity Disorder or DID. Her DID started while she was quite young, in response to the ongoing and brutal sexual abuse she was subjected to as a young child. The original personality, Mouse, formed new personalities to help her survive her ordeal. Neal, a leonine and fierce defender, was her safety net, a calming presence who could become quite terrifying if Mouse felt threatened. Nancy, pragmatic and cold, kept them all surviving in the everyday world, despite their DID. Jade was one of the oldest of the personalities, the one who took on that name when Mouse decided she no longer wanted to come outside for very long and wanted to be known as Mouse. Mouse stayed hidden in The Deep most of the time. She had never grown up and was still the tortured frightened child who had been told she was ugly and unlovable and treated oh, so badly. When Roger, the husband of Lucy, called her a name that triggered those feelings anew, Anne was born in response. Mouse seemed to have distinct reasons for bringing Anne and her automatic take-charge attitude into existence. Anne instantly started a regime of diet and walks designed to help shed the extra weight, and she seemed surprisingly comfortable to being one of ten personalities within one body. Anne was also determined to resolve the issue of the Monster and bring him to justice.
A.J. Mouse’s Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse: Part 1 answered a lot of questions I’ve always had about multiple personality disorder. Mouse’s biography was, quite bluntly, a mind-blowing and welcome dose of reality. I loved reading Anne and Jade’s correspondence and marvelled at how the personalities in Mouse’s world had become a family who, for the most part, work so brilliantly together to survive and protect their Mouse. Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse is beautifully written, and it reads like the most taut and compelling fictional thriller you’ll come across. What happened to Mouse, and who is the Monster that the personalities will most assuredly encounter some day? How do they handle the day-to-day complexities of work and other social obligations? Is there something wrong with those who have DID or is it just another way our marvelous minds have for making us our best and brightest? Anne and Jade and the other personalities you’ll meet have a lot to say about these and other issues, and I’m so glad to have gotten to meet each one of Mouse’s tightly-knit and supportive family. I love reading biographies and have read and reviewed quite a few -- this has to be one of my all-time favorites. I am most definitely looking forward to reading Part 2. Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse: Part 1 is most highly recommended.
April 19, 2018
A quote from the character Ray, “An outsider, a hippie, and a psychopath walk into a bar…” perfectly captures the essence of this remarkable work of autobiographical fiction; “Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse” by A.J. Mouse. Mouse (through Jade) has written a fascinating tale, told in first person narrative by two of the ten personalities that live within the physical body of Mouse. Jade is the primary alternate personality and it’s through her eyes the story begins as she welcomes personality number ten, Anne. Jade provides familial background and history to help Anne integrate, while Anne struggles to accept her “birth.” Anne, a psychologist, is perceived as the person necessary to finally tackle and destroy The Monster that created the Dissociative Identity Disorder within Mouse many years earlier.
Conceiving a story of this type, establishing the concept and presentation is a challenging undertaking. But who better to tell the story than the afflicted person, Mouse, through her alternate personalities, Jade and Anne? Writing that story in a cohesive and entertaining manner that keeps the reader involved in an environment of multiple characters with different dialogue and story line is an achievement few can match. Mouse’s obvious knowledge of DID, technical writing skills and imagination have produced a masterpiece far and away more interesting, captivating, and delectable than the only other book I’ve read in this genre, the 1973 true story of “Sybil.” Mouse expertly mixes humor, anger, love, and hate that will create empathy and / or sympathy to all readers. Written as fiction, “Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse,” is an autobiography that highlights, in some cases, the results of a sexually abused childhood. This story is remarkable, entertaining, and educating and I recommend it as one of those, "if you only read one book this year, read this one."
Conceiving a story of this type, establishing the concept and presentation is a challenging undertaking. But who better to tell the story than the afflicted person, Mouse, through her alternate personalities, Jade and Anne? Writing that story in a cohesive and entertaining manner that keeps the reader involved in an environment of multiple characters with different dialogue and story line is an achievement few can match. Mouse’s obvious knowledge of DID, technical writing skills and imagination have produced a masterpiece far and away more interesting, captivating, and delectable than the only other book I’ve read in this genre, the 1973 true story of “Sybil.” Mouse expertly mixes humor, anger, love, and hate that will create empathy and / or sympathy to all readers. Written as fiction, “Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse,” is an autobiography that highlights, in some cases, the results of a sexually abused childhood. This story is remarkable, entertaining, and educating and I recommend it as one of those, "if you only read one book this year, read this one."
January 4, 2018
I'm not sure where to start. Firstly if you haven't read It, read it. This amazing journey made me cry, laugh, giggle, and so many times admire Anne/Jade's pure tenacity.
I could relate to the individual feelings of all alternatives that we've been introduced to.
I just wanted to scoop Mouse up and cuddle, protect her, love her, make it better.
As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse this really hit home for me.
I could totally understand and see how each alternate we have met so far was "born" and the need for survival and the way each copes collectively and independently to function on a daily basis.
Your personal achievements, your assets, raising such as amazing, loving,beautiful, kind hearted son is an absolute credit to you (all). .
You haven't given up you've continued to fight.
Not an easy task at all.
I could not put this down. I had too, I had to work. I finished it the 2nd night after I got it.
Easy to read, humorous, blunt, gut wrenching, a sheer vulnerability, tear jerking and brutally honest.
Tackles the stuff society not dare to talk about. I do believe time will reveal all!!
I loved this book so much!! When is the next one and 3rd one coming ?
Seriously hoping there is so many more.
Thank you A J Mouse for allowing us to be part of your journey.
For all of us now on this journey with you we can't wait for Book 2..
Truly inspirational!!! Eye opening and beautiful 😊
I could relate to the individual feelings of all alternatives that we've been introduced to.
I just wanted to scoop Mouse up and cuddle, protect her, love her, make it better.
As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse this really hit home for me.
I could totally understand and see how each alternate we have met so far was "born" and the need for survival and the way each copes collectively and independently to function on a daily basis.
Your personal achievements, your assets, raising such as amazing, loving,beautiful, kind hearted son is an absolute credit to you (all). .
You haven't given up you've continued to fight.
Not an easy task at all.
I could not put this down. I had too, I had to work. I finished it the 2nd night after I got it.
Easy to read, humorous, blunt, gut wrenching, a sheer vulnerability, tear jerking and brutally honest.
Tackles the stuff society not dare to talk about. I do believe time will reveal all!!
I loved this book so much!! When is the next one and 3rd one coming ?
Seriously hoping there is so many more.
Thank you A J Mouse for allowing us to be part of your journey.
For all of us now on this journey with you we can't wait for Book 2..
Truly inspirational!!! Eye opening and beautiful 😊
April 19, 2018
Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse is the most intriguing and courageous memoir I’ve ever read. Jade has Dissociative Personality Disorder. She is not the body’s original personality. Mouse is, but Mouse stopped growing when she was 11 years old so Jade—the survivor—was born and given the body’s name. For years, Jade and the other eight alternative personalities have learned to blend in with society and co-exist in peace. Then Anne is born. There’s something different about Anne as she seems incapable of sensing and hearing the others at first, except for Jade. With Jade’s guidance, Anne needs to meet the other alters and uncover the purpose for which Mouse created her.
Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse is an important book on Mental Health as it exposes the truth about living with Dissociative Identity Disorder. This being one of the more wildly misunderstood mental health issues makes it prone to sensationalism and harsh judgement. Both Anne and Jade illuminate the fallacies surrounding DID while discussing the intricacies in a manner that makes it easy to understand. I was deeply touched by the sense of fellowship between Jade, Anne, Peter, and the other alters, and their intense love and desire to protect Mouse. The abuse inflicted on Mouse is heart shattering, rage inducing, and the only part of this book that I struggled to wrap my head around. "Monster" is an apt moniker as any creature who perpetrates such violations cannot be considered human in any way except appearance. I applaud Anna and Jade for having the courage to write their story, and Mouse for finding a way to survive such horrors. Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse is unique in many aspects and notable for the way it simultaneously broadens the mind and imprints its story on the heart. This is an amazing book.
Reviewed for Reader's Favorite
Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse is an important book on Mental Health as it exposes the truth about living with Dissociative Identity Disorder. This being one of the more wildly misunderstood mental health issues makes it prone to sensationalism and harsh judgement. Both Anne and Jade illuminate the fallacies surrounding DID while discussing the intricacies in a manner that makes it easy to understand. I was deeply touched by the sense of fellowship between Jade, Anne, Peter, and the other alters, and their intense love and desire to protect Mouse. The abuse inflicted on Mouse is heart shattering, rage inducing, and the only part of this book that I struggled to wrap my head around. "Monster" is an apt moniker as any creature who perpetrates such violations cannot be considered human in any way except appearance. I applaud Anna and Jade for having the courage to write their story, and Mouse for finding a way to survive such horrors. Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse is unique in many aspects and notable for the way it simultaneously broadens the mind and imprints its story on the heart. This is an amazing book.
Reviewed for Reader's Favorite
April 19, 2018
Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse: Book One by AJ Mouse is a memoir written by someone with DID or Disassociate Identity Disorder, or what used to known as Multiple Personality Disorder or Split Personality, and is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Since the book is written by a woman who suffers from DID, obviously the book is written from multiple perspectives and is literally written in the voice of two of the many personalities existing in one body. The book starts off simply with an introduction by Jade and Anne and, between the two of them, they introduce us to the several other personalities, including someone they call the Mouse, who is still a small, frightened, shy young girl dealing with the trauma of early life abuse. The book details what it is like to live with this disorder or mental illness, what day to day life is like, how the personalities interact and co-exist with each other, and how someone with this disorder manages to deal with the external world.
Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse is a fascinating read. I have read a few books on Disassociate Identity Disorder before, but since the disorder is fairly rare and little understood, I welcomed the opportunity to read a memoir about this. AJ Mouse writes in a genuine, heartfelt manner that cannot fail to evoke sympathy as well as respect. The story of abuse in the past, which is what triggers this disorder and allows the personality to “split,” is tragic and difficult to read about. I hope a book like this goes a long way towards making people understand that those who suffer from this disorder are not dangerous or crazy or bad, but instead are just human beings with a mental illness who deserve compassion and acceptance. The writing style is very engaging and also humorous at times, and so the book is certainly not heavy all the time. This book is a must-read for everyone!
Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse is a fascinating read. I have read a few books on Disassociate Identity Disorder before, but since the disorder is fairly rare and little understood, I welcomed the opportunity to read a memoir about this. AJ Mouse writes in a genuine, heartfelt manner that cannot fail to evoke sympathy as well as respect. The story of abuse in the past, which is what triggers this disorder and allows the personality to “split,” is tragic and difficult to read about. I hope a book like this goes a long way towards making people understand that those who suffer from this disorder are not dangerous or crazy or bad, but instead are just human beings with a mental illness who deserve compassion and acceptance. The writing style is very engaging and also humorous at times, and so the book is certainly not heavy all the time. This book is a must-read for everyone!
April 20, 2018
Reviewed by Sefina Hawke for Readers' Favorite
Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse (Book One) by AJ Mouse is a non-fiction biography that would appeal most to an audience made up of a mix of mature young adults and adults who have an interest in Dissociative Identity Disorder, and who do not mind the use of explicit language, mentions of childhood abuse, and suicidal ideation. The book is about a woman who has Dissociative Identity Disorder and has lived with it for most of her life. The personalities for a long time were Jade, Peter, Neil, Jane, Zen, Nancy, Ray, and Lucy. However, everything changes when a negative remark from their husband led to a new personality by the name of Anne being created. Will the personalities be able to successfully integrate Anne or will they fail with disastrous results?
Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse (Book One) by AJ Mouse is a well written book that I greatly enjoyed as a psychology graduate. I have read and studied Dissociative Identity Disorder in college, but I never read anything written by a person with the condition. I found that I not only learned a lot about Dissociative Identity Disorder from the perspective of the personalities that have the condition, but that I also found the book to be an enjoyable read. The authors did a wonderful job in sharing their story in an open and honest manner while also keeping their writing styles interesting to an audience. I personally liked the way that the authors made the book have the feeling of a story to it instead of a textbook feel. Overall, I feel that this book is a necessary read for anyone even considering working in the mental health field, and I plan on reading book two when it becomes available!
Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse (Book One) by AJ Mouse is a non-fiction biography that would appeal most to an audience made up of a mix of mature young adults and adults who have an interest in Dissociative Identity Disorder, and who do not mind the use of explicit language, mentions of childhood abuse, and suicidal ideation. The book is about a woman who has Dissociative Identity Disorder and has lived with it for most of her life. The personalities for a long time were Jade, Peter, Neil, Jane, Zen, Nancy, Ray, and Lucy. However, everything changes when a negative remark from their husband led to a new personality by the name of Anne being created. Will the personalities be able to successfully integrate Anne or will they fail with disastrous results?
Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse (Book One) by AJ Mouse is a well written book that I greatly enjoyed as a psychology graduate. I have read and studied Dissociative Identity Disorder in college, but I never read anything written by a person with the condition. I found that I not only learned a lot about Dissociative Identity Disorder from the perspective of the personalities that have the condition, but that I also found the book to be an enjoyable read. The authors did a wonderful job in sharing their story in an open and honest manner while also keeping their writing styles interesting to an audience. I personally liked the way that the authors made the book have the feeling of a story to it instead of a textbook feel. Overall, I feel that this book is a necessary read for anyone even considering working in the mental health field, and I plan on reading book two when it becomes available!
March 9, 2018
I received Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse as a review copy. Oftentimes I read the blurb after checking the cover. This time I dived in without reading the blurb.
Oops!
Instead of a book of poetry or a version of Watership Down, as I interpreted the cover, I found myself in the murky (and sometimes) confusing consciousness of multiple personalities trapped in the same mind. And no! I'm not criticising the cover because it forms an important part of the story. But more on that later.
The premise fascinates me. It's an adventure story packed with drama, but this is a very real story as many people with Dissociative Identity Disorder will tell you. I found the book well written, better than most Indie books I read, and it's powerful - keeping me turning pages as I follow the efforts of Zen, Peter, Neil, Jane, Nancy, Ray, Lucy, and Jade help their fellow personality Mouse who created them. This is all so they can navigate through life with a semblance of functioning normality, something some conventional treatments for mental illnesses fail to achieve.
Some people battle to operate a household, be a good parent, or keep a job. This story shows the ultimate battle: mastering yourself when you are ten different personalities.
That brings me back to the cover and its importance. You can never judge a book by its cover. Neither can you judge a person you meet in life until you know their full story.
Thank you for sharing your story, AJ Mouse.
Oops!
Instead of a book of poetry or a version of Watership Down, as I interpreted the cover, I found myself in the murky (and sometimes) confusing consciousness of multiple personalities trapped in the same mind. And no! I'm not criticising the cover because it forms an important part of the story. But more on that later.
The premise fascinates me. It's an adventure story packed with drama, but this is a very real story as many people with Dissociative Identity Disorder will tell you. I found the book well written, better than most Indie books I read, and it's powerful - keeping me turning pages as I follow the efforts of Zen, Peter, Neil, Jane, Nancy, Ray, Lucy, and Jade help their fellow personality Mouse who created them. This is all so they can navigate through life with a semblance of functioning normality, something some conventional treatments for mental illnesses fail to achieve.
Some people battle to operate a household, be a good parent, or keep a job. This story shows the ultimate battle: mastering yourself when you are ten different personalities.
That brings me back to the cover and its importance. You can never judge a book by its cover. Neither can you judge a person you meet in life until you know their full story.
Thank you for sharing your story, AJ Mouse.
October 26, 2017
'Alternative to a Frozen Mouse' by AJ Mouse may be the most fascinating book I have ever read. Going into the book, I knew very little about Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) , so this memoir was so enlightening. DID is not just something that you see in the movies, it is happening to real people that are living with it everyday. It was particularly uplifiting as I was expecting Jade (the primary personality) and her alters (other personalities) to live a really troubled life with endless struggles. In actual fact, Jade has a wonderful love for her family, which her alters share. She isn't a dangerous person, with a psychopathic murderer, just dying to escape.
The author showed real strength writing this book, supported by alter 'Anne' who takes on a therapist role, perhaps to help Jade – and the rest of us too – to understand and accept herself. So well-written, so full of feeling and emotion, and so honest. It really is a triumph of a book that is sure to stay with you.
The author showed real strength writing this book, supported by alter 'Anne' who takes on a therapist role, perhaps to help Jade – and the rest of us too – to understand and accept herself. So well-written, so full of feeling and emotion, and so honest. It really is a triumph of a book that is sure to stay with you.
March 5, 2018
A must read, but be prepared for the emotions you will experience. Brilliant book!
I wish I could give it a minimum of 10 - or even 50 stars.
I applaud the author for sharing this. Many years ago - so many that the disorder did not have a name, a patient was admitted to the hospital where I was a psychiatric nursing sister. Psychiatry had no acceptance for this 'condition' but a very skilled psychologist did. I think I only met three of the alters but the psychologist had conversations with most.
As I journeyed through the book with these people, I shared their roller-coaster ride. I laughed at the humor, cried, became angry - and prayed for ALL people who have this condition.
Yes, some bits resonated with deep hurts in me, but I never had to endure what the first person, or the alter they had to banish did.
In spite of everything, this is a book of hope.
I wish I could give it a minimum of 10 - or even 50 stars.
I applaud the author for sharing this. Many years ago - so many that the disorder did not have a name, a patient was admitted to the hospital where I was a psychiatric nursing sister. Psychiatry had no acceptance for this 'condition' but a very skilled psychologist did. I think I only met three of the alters but the psychologist had conversations with most.
As I journeyed through the book with these people, I shared their roller-coaster ride. I laughed at the humor, cried, became angry - and prayed for ALL people who have this condition.
Yes, some bits resonated with deep hurts in me, but I never had to endure what the first person, or the alter they had to banish did.
In spite of everything, this is a book of hope.
November 3, 2017
Wonderful book. Such an insightful look at life from someones with DID; a moving and devastating and funny memoir that was at once horrible and beautiful. Such a life is far from what I personally could ever imagine, but the story, told mostly in a dual narrative from two of the main personalities, Jade and Anne, is courageous in its honesty. It wasn't the easiest read (due to the content alone, it's perfectly readable), but it's definitely one that I won't forget. With Anne, Jade, Neil and Nancy leading the charge, the Monster is going down. As a whole, the author is inspirational. And I especially loved the Acknowledgements from Nancy. She's a stone-cold legend.
October 4, 2017
What an exceptional book!
Confronting and honest Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse opens up the world of Dissociative Identity Order (D.I.D) to the uninitiated. At times I felt quite emotional reading this book. I empathised with the pain and frustration of the alters, recognising their united front in protecting little Mouse, who created them after terrible abuse, just so she could survive in the world.
Thank you for sharing your story A.J. Mouse, it really opened my eyes (and heart) to D.I.D.
Confronting and honest Alternatives to a Frozen Mouse opens up the world of Dissociative Identity Order (D.I.D) to the uninitiated. At times I felt quite emotional reading this book. I empathised with the pain and frustration of the alters, recognising their united front in protecting little Mouse, who created them after terrible abuse, just so she could survive in the world.
Thank you for sharing your story A.J. Mouse, it really opened my eyes (and heart) to D.I.D.
March 5, 2018
What a Brlliantly Brave Biography.
This book affected me profoundly. It gripped my attention from the very first page. I love and admire every single alternate - especially Nancy. I would like to give each and every one of you a star. You are amazing. Please write on.
This book affected me profoundly. It gripped my attention from the very first page. I love and admire every single alternate - especially Nancy. I would like to give each and every one of you a star. You are amazing. Please write on.
December 25, 2017
I have read many books over my lifetime but this story is like no other and takes you on a journey into the depths of Dissociative Identity Disorder in the most unexpected way. I simply could not put the book down I wanted to know more about all the alternate personalities, as I did I realised that they were becoming real to me. Each alter became a separate identity and expanded my thinking. I love each one of them for the role they play in making the life of Mouse bearable. The story takes us into a place which for most of us is a no-go zone. For me, I learned so much about a condition that is so real for many people. I experienced every emotion possible reading Alternatives to A Frozen Mouse, laughing and crying often but always enjoying every single word and wanting more! Congratulations A.J.Mouse.
February 28, 2018
Courageous, inspiring and heart felt. I couldn’t put Alternative To A Frozen Mouse down. The author easily guides you through each personality and build on each as the story unfolded.
September 4, 2017
When I first started reading this book (as part of a book club), I really didn't know what to expect. It is also not the type of book I would generally read, but once I started, I couldn't stop. I found I experienced a range of emotions with this book, but was always wanting to know more and what happened next. I was left with a few unanswered questions, but certainly look forward to reading more.
September 5, 2017
An honest and page turning book about mental illness (i will not give it away) with no sugar coating anything this book was a compelling read that forces you to turn each page to find out what happens next. Beautifully written
March 24, 2018
Well written, powerful account of the reality experienced by one body and many personalities. Parts of this book are difficult reading but the voices are authentic. A real page turner that I just couldn't put down.
July 19, 2017
I enjoyed reading this book very much.
The mind, and the fields of energy and vibration fascinate me. I have studied the eternal life and how it comes back again and again to the earthly plane for what I call 'The Great Earth Adventure'.
Studies have shown, prior to our incarnations, we choose much of the life we will live to obtain spiritual/personal growth, so I was left with the question, " Are the alter personalities a split of the original spirit of the soul of Mouse; to allow her to survive and grow and fulfil her destiny; or did other spirits agree prior to incarnating, to come into the same body to help the soul of mouse to fulfil her destiny?"
DID is a field about which so little is known. This book opens the floodgate to information that is real and not sensationalised; to bring awareness and real knowledge to the general public. It can only help us all to understand this condition and realise the people who suffer with DID are just the same as us- all trying to do the best we can. In her bid to overcome trauma so great, the Universal mind has given Mouse options of death or DID in order for her soul to survive. A wonderful story of survival under the most tragic circumstances.
The mind, and the fields of energy and vibration fascinate me. I have studied the eternal life and how it comes back again and again to the earthly plane for what I call 'The Great Earth Adventure'.
Studies have shown, prior to our incarnations, we choose much of the life we will live to obtain spiritual/personal growth, so I was left with the question, " Are the alter personalities a split of the original spirit of the soul of Mouse; to allow her to survive and grow and fulfil her destiny; or did other spirits agree prior to incarnating, to come into the same body to help the soul of mouse to fulfil her destiny?"
DID is a field about which so little is known. This book opens the floodgate to information that is real and not sensationalised; to bring awareness and real knowledge to the general public. It can only help us all to understand this condition and realise the people who suffer with DID are just the same as us- all trying to do the best we can. In her bid to overcome trauma so great, the Universal mind has given Mouse options of death or DID in order for her soul to survive. A wonderful story of survival under the most tragic circumstances.
June 11, 2018
Now this isn't your regular every-day book — it's complicated. Well it's complicated for Jade, Anne, Nancy and a few other folk.
Having Dissociative Identity Disorder means a bunch of people are running around in your head, which may be bad enough, but sometimes they don't see eye to eye.
So settle down with this read, pay attention and see how someone who feels she (or he) is part of a small crowd copes with an unhappy past, troubled present, but maybe a glimmer of an emerging and possibly hopeful future.
Having Dissociative Identity Disorder means a bunch of people are running around in your head, which may be bad enough, but sometimes they don't see eye to eye.
So settle down with this read, pay attention and see how someone who feels she (or he) is part of a small crowd copes with an unhappy past, troubled present, but maybe a glimmer of an emerging and possibly hopeful future.
January 30, 2020
Great insight into DID. However in some areas the author stumbled with flow hence making it difficult to follow.
May 3, 2022
Great book. And I feel greatly educated. Thank you.
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