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The Flawed Ones - A Story of Mental Illness, Addiction and Love
After leaving behind a trail of drug-addled destruction, Jay finds himself confined to the walls of a psychiatric hospital. He is now compelled to confront his actions, his issues, and the past that led him to such downhill spiral. But what surprisingly affects him most are the people that he becomes surrounded by; people with considerable deficiencies that will shed some light on the things that truly matter in life.
“The Flawed Ones” is a thorough examination of the struggles of mental illness, depression, addiction, and the effects they have on the human condition. Most importantly, it proves that physical and mental shortcomings do not necessarily define who we truly are inside- that the heart is, in fact, untouched by our “flaws”, and that love will always prevail above all.
“The Flawed Ones” is a thorough examination of the struggles of mental illness, depression, addiction, and the effects they have on the human condition. Most importantly, it proves that physical and mental shortcomings do not necessarily define who we truly are inside- that the heart is, in fact, untouched by our “flaws”, and that love will always prevail above all.
230 pages, Paperback
Published November 2, 2017
1 person is currently reading
385 people want to read
About the author
Jay Chirino
6 books28 followersMental health advocate and author of The Flawed Ones, a story of mental illness, addiction and love. You can download free at theflawedones.com
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 22, 2017
The Flawed Ones by Jay Chirino is an amazing personal story that takes your breath away. Jey Rodriquez is an only child that grew up by two over protecting parents. This kind of parenting did not allow him to develop the proper social skills that are needed to survive in a harsh society.
He was bullied at school and ridiculed. He did not have the opportunity to grieve his grandfather death properly. All these had a mental and emotional impact on Jay. At the tender age of nine, he already developed a severe depression.
Growing up he developed a love for alcoholic beverages. It was his way of fitting in with the rest of the guys. Without realizing it, it turned into a full-blown addiction. His girlfriend at the time urged him to see a doctor about his problem.
The doctor prescribed him Xanax, and that was downhill for Jay. He started mixing Xanax and alcohol, and that created an even deeper and more dangerous addiction. At some point, his life was only how to acquire the magic orange pills.
His addiction cost him the loss of the love of his life and the worsening of his relationship with his parents.
The book is written primarily I think to help him understand what happened to him in the past and what is going on with him ten years after his addiction. It is commendable that the author has ten years of sobriety under his belt.
I really connected with the author's problem because I was a nicotine addict myself and one of the reasons I write books about how to quit smoking and also articles at my blog is to help people and also help my self better understand what happened to me.
Furthermore, the writer wrote the book as a way of paying his respects to the people he met while was going treatment. It is a way of saying thank you to them and that they are not forgotten by him.
Also, the message of the book aims towards people that are having an addiction and also to the individuals who support and stick by their loved ones that are under drug dependencies.
The book's beautiful story starts with Jay's admission to the hospital after trying to kill himself. The book, for the most part, is an excellent monologue of the author. It gives you a realistic picture of what he went through while he was hospitalized for his addiction.
His descriptions of the situation he was in and the people he met there are constructed in such a way that it keeps your interest and your curiosity high.
The description of his dreams and hallucinations while in treatment, his sessions with his doctor are very entertaining and informational.
I especially liked the conversation he had with the clock on the wall of the mental wing he was in. I found that very funny. The most important item I got from the book for me was that you could see step by step of the way a drug addict thinks and behaves. Then you can observe how with the aid of medicine and counseling the drug addict thinking is replaced by a healthy individual who desires to get better and also dreams of getting back into the society as a useful member, both to himself and to the people around him.
It's a story with a happy end, and I really enjoyed reading it. If you have addiction problems, or you had, or you are a person that wants to help a friend with dependencies issues then this book is for you. It will give you hope, and it will show you that you are not alone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
He was bullied at school and ridiculed. He did not have the opportunity to grieve his grandfather death properly. All these had a mental and emotional impact on Jay. At the tender age of nine, he already developed a severe depression.
Growing up he developed a love for alcoholic beverages. It was his way of fitting in with the rest of the guys. Without realizing it, it turned into a full-blown addiction. His girlfriend at the time urged him to see a doctor about his problem.
The doctor prescribed him Xanax, and that was downhill for Jay. He started mixing Xanax and alcohol, and that created an even deeper and more dangerous addiction. At some point, his life was only how to acquire the magic orange pills.
His addiction cost him the loss of the love of his life and the worsening of his relationship with his parents.
The book is written primarily I think to help him understand what happened to him in the past and what is going on with him ten years after his addiction. It is commendable that the author has ten years of sobriety under his belt.
I really connected with the author's problem because I was a nicotine addict myself and one of the reasons I write books about how to quit smoking and also articles at my blog is to help people and also help my self better understand what happened to me.
Furthermore, the writer wrote the book as a way of paying his respects to the people he met while was going treatment. It is a way of saying thank you to them and that they are not forgotten by him.
Also, the message of the book aims towards people that are having an addiction and also to the individuals who support and stick by their loved ones that are under drug dependencies.
The book's beautiful story starts with Jay's admission to the hospital after trying to kill himself. The book, for the most part, is an excellent monologue of the author. It gives you a realistic picture of what he went through while he was hospitalized for his addiction.
His descriptions of the situation he was in and the people he met there are constructed in such a way that it keeps your interest and your curiosity high.
The description of his dreams and hallucinations while in treatment, his sessions with his doctor are very entertaining and informational.
I especially liked the conversation he had with the clock on the wall of the mental wing he was in. I found that very funny. The most important item I got from the book for me was that you could see step by step of the way a drug addict thinks and behaves. Then you can observe how with the aid of medicine and counseling the drug addict thinking is replaced by a healthy individual who desires to get better and also dreams of getting back into the society as a useful member, both to himself and to the people around him.
It's a story with a happy end, and I really enjoyed reading it. If you have addiction problems, or you had, or you are a person that wants to help a friend with dependencies issues then this book is for you. It will give you hope, and it will show you that you are not alone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2017
The Flawed Ones by Jay Chirino is a story that will suck you into its difficult, touching story about people affected by addiction, depression who end up having to spend time in a mental institution. It is inspired by the author’s experiences but leaves one to hope that everyone gets the deserved attention from the authorities.
Jay finds himself inside a mental institution after battling depression since the age of 9 which led him to alcoholism and addiction, later on in life. While struggling with his demons and hurting his loved ones in the process, Jay is left behind by his parents to recover. Lonely at first, Jay finds friendly company among other inmates and also finds opening up to his doctor, quite helpful. The story is not only about the history of his addiction but also about how he finds comfort in the company that surrounds him, all with apparent flaws in them.
Well, I have to say I have never read a book like this before. I don’t know exactly what prompted me to say yes to review this book when the author asked me but I do not regret it one bit! It is such a heart touching tale of Jay who struggles all his life and finally realizes his true meaning. This story goes to show how vulnerable people are to depression and addiction. The author especially stresses the point that no matter how bleak the situation seems, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. The title is an ode to those with ‘flaws’ that doesn’t make them lesser or invaluable in any way.
I will be frank, the book left me teary eyed. I was moved by the experiences described and was left wondering how strong these people actually are to overcome a huge block such as this. Respect!
A few lines from the book that sums up the entire experience:
“even the most flawed individuals can have amazing hearts, and can influence your life in ways you thought impossible. They taught me that we are all flawed in different ways, and the smallest variations of our imperfections make us remarkably unique and incredibly special.”
It is a special book with an even special message and I suggest you do not miss out on it!
Jay finds himself inside a mental institution after battling depression since the age of 9 which led him to alcoholism and addiction, later on in life. While struggling with his demons and hurting his loved ones in the process, Jay is left behind by his parents to recover. Lonely at first, Jay finds friendly company among other inmates and also finds opening up to his doctor, quite helpful. The story is not only about the history of his addiction but also about how he finds comfort in the company that surrounds him, all with apparent flaws in them.
Well, I have to say I have never read a book like this before. I don’t know exactly what prompted me to say yes to review this book when the author asked me but I do not regret it one bit! It is such a heart touching tale of Jay who struggles all his life and finally realizes his true meaning. This story goes to show how vulnerable people are to depression and addiction. The author especially stresses the point that no matter how bleak the situation seems, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. The title is an ode to those with ‘flaws’ that doesn’t make them lesser or invaluable in any way.
I will be frank, the book left me teary eyed. I was moved by the experiences described and was left wondering how strong these people actually are to overcome a huge block such as this. Respect!
A few lines from the book that sums up the entire experience:
“even the most flawed individuals can have amazing hearts, and can influence your life in ways you thought impossible. They taught me that we are all flawed in different ways, and the smallest variations of our imperfections make us remarkably unique and incredibly special.”
It is a special book with an even special message and I suggest you do not miss out on it!
August 30, 2017
Blog Rating - 4.5/5
The Flawed Ones by Jay Chirino is a very interesting book on a subject that is not only sensitive but also taboo for many people – mental illness.
The beauty of this book lies in the fact that it not only concentrates on the mental illness but it also tells us about what lies beyond the dark face of the illness itself. This book is a highly compelling and a very intelligent book.
The writing is good and it complimented the story quite well. The descriptions were painfully realistic and I was able to connect to the lead character’s angst. Reading this book made all the situations Jay had to go through, feel very… intimate and real.
The starting of the book was simple yet powerful and good. Even the Author's Note was really good. As the story progressed I found myself unable to put the book down. It was gripping on an emotional level and that is where this book impressed me.
I'd recommend this book to everyone who likes reading as we all, from time to time, have or will come across people and/or situations where this kind of intense familiarity in regards to mental illness might prove very helpful. If you don't want to read this book for entertaining purpose then read it for the sake of awareness.
You can also read this review at The Reading Bud
The Flawed Ones by Jay Chirino is a very interesting book on a subject that is not only sensitive but also taboo for many people – mental illness.
The beauty of this book lies in the fact that it not only concentrates on the mental illness but it also tells us about what lies beyond the dark face of the illness itself. This book is a highly compelling and a very intelligent book.
The writing is good and it complimented the story quite well. The descriptions were painfully realistic and I was able to connect to the lead character’s angst. Reading this book made all the situations Jay had to go through, feel very… intimate and real.
The starting of the book was simple yet powerful and good. Even the Author's Note was really good. As the story progressed I found myself unable to put the book down. It was gripping on an emotional level and that is where this book impressed me.
I'd recommend this book to everyone who likes reading as we all, from time to time, have or will come across people and/or situations where this kind of intense familiarity in regards to mental illness might prove very helpful. If you don't want to read this book for entertaining purpose then read it for the sake of awareness.
You can also read this review at The Reading Bud
February 9, 2018
I received a copy of this novel via the author in exchange for an honest review.
DNF for me folks. First one ever. I made it about 50% of the way through because I kept telling myself it would get better.
It was a good idea, I will give him that, it was just lacking the wow factor. It was lacking the part of the story that keeps you reading. It felt like a biography or a recount of events, not fiction based on real life. It wasn't my cup of tea, not saying it won't be yours, but it wasn't mine.
DNF for me folks. First one ever. I made it about 50% of the way through because I kept telling myself it would get better.
It was a good idea, I will give him that, it was just lacking the wow factor. It was lacking the part of the story that keeps you reading. It felt like a biography or a recount of events, not fiction based on real life. It wasn't my cup of tea, not saying it won't be yours, but it wasn't mine.
November 27, 2017
We can never be defined by our shortcomings or the conditions we live in but, we can certainly fight and believe that love always conquers all. Our hearts are not touched by our flaws, and that is what this book teaches us. Mental illness, depression, addiction and the effects of it all can easily cloud our judgments and have us make the wrong decisions, however, once Jay confronts them all, that is when his life takes a turn. The people around him are his influential backbone and shed the necessary insightful perspective he needs to rebuild his life.
The book not only raises awareness towards the subject matter but it also provides an eye-opening realization for the ones that have no idea what people with mental illness go through. Addiction is something most people suffer from. The author provides much heartfelt backstory to what causes his downfall. Once he loses the love over his unstable lifestyle, he changes things around. The turning point then becomes his light and what transpires to be this beautiful book of celebrating life.
I found the book to be written with much care, and it took me on a delightful emotional journey. I recommend this book to people who wish to know how it feels to be surrounded by so much darkness and how to overcome it.
The literature was easy to understand and to follow. The concept and content were well connected smoothly, causing the reader to remain intrigued and interested. I believe everything happens for a reason and this book is one of those you really don’t wish to miss reading.
The book not only raises awareness towards the subject matter but it also provides an eye-opening realization for the ones that have no idea what people with mental illness go through. Addiction is something most people suffer from. The author provides much heartfelt backstory to what causes his downfall. Once he loses the love over his unstable lifestyle, he changes things around. The turning point then becomes his light and what transpires to be this beautiful book of celebrating life.
I found the book to be written with much care, and it took me on a delightful emotional journey. I recommend this book to people who wish to know how it feels to be surrounded by so much darkness and how to overcome it.
The literature was easy to understand and to follow. The concept and content were well connected smoothly, causing the reader to remain intrigued and interested. I believe everything happens for a reason and this book is one of those you really don’t wish to miss reading.
August 30, 2017
Blog Rating - 4.5/5
The Flawed Ones by Jay Chirino is a very interesting book on a subject that is not only sensitive but also taboo for many people – mental illness.
The beauty of this book lies in the fact that it not only concentrates on the mental illness but it also tells us about what lies beyond the dark face of the illness itself. This book is a highly compelling and a very intelligent book.
The writing is good and it complimented the story quite well. The descriptions were painfully realistic and I was able to connect to the lead character’s angst. Reading this book made all the situations Jay had to go through, feel very… intimate and real...
Read the full review here: The Reading Bud
The Flawed Ones by Jay Chirino is a very interesting book on a subject that is not only sensitive but also taboo for many people – mental illness.
The beauty of this book lies in the fact that it not only concentrates on the mental illness but it also tells us about what lies beyond the dark face of the illness itself. This book is a highly compelling and a very intelligent book.
The writing is good and it complimented the story quite well. The descriptions were painfully realistic and I was able to connect to the lead character’s angst. Reading this book made all the situations Jay had to go through, feel very… intimate and real...
Read the full review here: The Reading Bud
January 26, 2018
*I received this book in an exchange for an honest review*
“Everyone deserves a change…”-Bob, from The Flawed Ones
This book took so much courage to write. The Flawed Ones- A Story of Mental Illness, Addiction, and Love by Jay Chirino is a book that dives deep into the core of mental illness. The author is a Mental Health Advocate and has even experienced some of these things himself. The book is centered around Jay who gets admitted to a psychiatric hospital after serious issues with drugs, depression and suicidal thoughts. The story goes through every detail about his stay there.
The first step is to detox of the drugs he is on. He goes through withdrawals. The next is meeting with a therapist. When he meets the therapist, he has built up walls. It takes time for him to open up and be honest and get to the root of his addiction and emotions. During his stay, he meets several other patients in the hospital. Many are battling similar issues. However, there are some who have been through significant abuse and hardship. Jay builds relationships with many of these people and it helps him realize he is not alone. The one who had the greatest impression on him is Bob. Bob made him really get to the root of his emotions and gave him hope. Towards the end, Jay makes a significant recovery and opens up to those around him, including his therapist. However, he knows the journey is not at an end.
One of the things that really impacted me in this story is how deep the author goes when talking about mental illness. He really breaks down walls and really helps the reader understand or at least get a glimpse of mental illness. I think this is great. Even today there is still so much judgment and skeptics regarding mental health. By talking about it and writing about it, the author is breaking barriers.
There are a few technical issues regarding the structure of the novel. Sometimes when the chapters started I was not aware who was talking, which occasionally caused confusion. There were also a few grammar issues. However, that did not detract from my enjoyment of the novel. The content of the novel was powerful and informative. I really commend the author for taking on such an important topic to help others understand mental illness and addiction.
“Everyone deserves a change…”-Bob, from The Flawed Ones
This book took so much courage to write. The Flawed Ones- A Story of Mental Illness, Addiction, and Love by Jay Chirino is a book that dives deep into the core of mental illness. The author is a Mental Health Advocate and has even experienced some of these things himself. The book is centered around Jay who gets admitted to a psychiatric hospital after serious issues with drugs, depression and suicidal thoughts. The story goes through every detail about his stay there.
The first step is to detox of the drugs he is on. He goes through withdrawals. The next is meeting with a therapist. When he meets the therapist, he has built up walls. It takes time for him to open up and be honest and get to the root of his addiction and emotions. During his stay, he meets several other patients in the hospital. Many are battling similar issues. However, there are some who have been through significant abuse and hardship. Jay builds relationships with many of these people and it helps him realize he is not alone. The one who had the greatest impression on him is Bob. Bob made him really get to the root of his emotions and gave him hope. Towards the end, Jay makes a significant recovery and opens up to those around him, including his therapist. However, he knows the journey is not at an end.
One of the things that really impacted me in this story is how deep the author goes when talking about mental illness. He really breaks down walls and really helps the reader understand or at least get a glimpse of mental illness. I think this is great. Even today there is still so much judgment and skeptics regarding mental health. By talking about it and writing about it, the author is breaking barriers.
There are a few technical issues regarding the structure of the novel. Sometimes when the chapters started I was not aware who was talking, which occasionally caused confusion. There were also a few grammar issues. However, that did not detract from my enjoyment of the novel. The content of the novel was powerful and informative. I really commend the author for taking on such an important topic to help others understand mental illness and addiction.
August 19, 2017
Jay has landed in a psychiatric ward. Years of drinking and drug use bring him to this breaking point, but luckily not the end. In fact, more than one voice on the ward reminds him that this is an opportunity. He has potential. He has love inside him, love that isn’t destroyed, that can enlist to rebuild what he broke down in other relationships. He sees himself in others around him, in Devon’s smile he sees hope, in Callie’s cynicism he sees what he needs to overcome, in Bob, a faith that remains despite doubt, in Jerry, friendliness, and in Tara, innocence. These characters are reflections of himself as well as whole in themselves. In their company he’s able, finally, to tell his story, to share what it is he wants to accomplish, that for so long seemed impossible. With their accompaniment, he beats the broken clock staring at him throughout the book - he gets to go home. And now, we get to listen, too. Whether or not we have gone through similar struggles, this read will give insight into the human condition, that which is common to us all. With Jay’s empathy and candor, not to mention his poetic turns of phrase, I am inspired to mold beauty out of tragedy (180), watch sunsets, and never give up. Thank you, Jay, for sharing.
November 1, 2017
Bravo!
Enter the world of mental illness and the challenges that one faces when having a debilitating mental illness. Bravo to Chirino for sharing the story. This story takes on the journey of the challenges of mental illness compiled with addiction, which leads to a downward tail spin which never seems to end. It's a well written experience of survival and challenges, within the confines of a hospital, and confrontation of a past that is regrettable and forgettable. I enjoyed the story and felt drawn into. This story should be shared, so read it and share it with others.
August 23, 2019
Jay has admitted himself into a psychiatric hospital to recover from a long trail of addiction and destruction. He must face the monsters of his past and the destruction he caused in order to move forward into a new life of sobriety. For the many people confined with him in the psych ward, including him, the future holds an opportunity for improvement or return to the destruction that brought them to this place.
The Flawed Ones is an in-depth examination of the life inside a psychiatric ward, and the internal struggles that accompany it.
Content:
Drug Content:
R - The majority of this book covers a lot of ground, from alcoholism to prescription and street drug addictions, and the destruction that accompany them. Cocaine, Vicodin, Xanax, Marijuana, and many other drugs are discussed at some length, as the author, or at least the main character, had struggles with most of these. Significant space is given to discussion of the effects of these drugs and their less-potent treatment drugs, and how an addict can be safely brought into sobriety without the death that often accompanies withdrawal from these potent drugs. Clear descriptions, honest and raw, of the destruction caused by an addict to the ones he or she loves, is laid bare and bleeding for the reader to see. A deranged addict pours a bottle of pills down the throat of a child and forces her to swallow.
Violence:
PG - There is a scene where one patient is screaming the word 'Rebellion!' repeatedly at the top of his lungs, and another patient punches him out.
Language:
PG-13 - The F-bomb is dropped once, and swear words are scattered lightly throughout.
Adult Content:
R - One of the female patients tries to make out with the main character, and he has a dream during this that is rather intensely erotic. (She does this while he is asleep). There are three passages in the book that are in the bedroom, and get a bit graphic in their depiction. Rape is openly discussed. An addict uses prostitution for a fix.
Christian content:
Jay's roommate for much of the book is a Christian man named Bob. He reads several passages of the bible out loud to Jay. The main character's parents pray fervently for him to be delivered from his addictions. His girlfriend is a Christian girl too, but they move in together at his prompting, rather than marrying. There are hints that the main character is considering his eternal destination, but other hints that he cannot accept the existence of God.
Final analysis:
The Flawed Ones is poignant, raw, eloquent, emotional, and relevant. It covers a lot of ground and exposes the tendencies in the medical profession to simply treat mental health issues with medication as the easy and quick way out. Many of the characters in the book are reduced to zombies each night, and only reach a modicum of lucidity during the day. I can't determine if this is a work of fiction, an autobiography, or, more likely, a hybrid of both, with names changed to protect the innocent. The characters were raw and believable, and the issues relevant. The passages concerning backstory and interaction between the characters were incredibly eloquent and beautiful.
That having been said, the pacing was extremely slow for me. The book dragged in parts, and was a bit disjointed in other parts. At the end it was revealed he had only been in the ward a week, but it seemed much longer to me, partially because of the flashbacks, dreams, and backstories of the other characters.
This book is recommended reading for anyone wanting a clear understanding of mental health issues; depression, anxiety, addiction, codependency, sexual addictions, abuse, and the list goes on. However, the content is adult enough to recommend for late teens and adults only. I found it to be engaging and immersive, but the pacing was too slow for me to give it more than Four Stars.
The Flawed Ones is an in-depth examination of the life inside a psychiatric ward, and the internal struggles that accompany it.
Content:
Drug Content:
R - The majority of this book covers a lot of ground, from alcoholism to prescription and street drug addictions, and the destruction that accompany them. Cocaine, Vicodin, Xanax, Marijuana, and many other drugs are discussed at some length, as the author, or at least the main character, had struggles with most of these. Significant space is given to discussion of the effects of these drugs and their less-potent treatment drugs, and how an addict can be safely brought into sobriety without the death that often accompanies withdrawal from these potent drugs. Clear descriptions, honest and raw, of the destruction caused by an addict to the ones he or she loves, is laid bare and bleeding for the reader to see. A deranged addict pours a bottle of pills down the throat of a child and forces her to swallow.
Violence:
PG - There is a scene where one patient is screaming the word 'Rebellion!' repeatedly at the top of his lungs, and another patient punches him out.
Language:
PG-13 - The F-bomb is dropped once, and swear words are scattered lightly throughout.
Adult Content:
R - One of the female patients tries to make out with the main character, and he has a dream during this that is rather intensely erotic. (She does this while he is asleep). There are three passages in the book that are in the bedroom, and get a bit graphic in their depiction. Rape is openly discussed. An addict uses prostitution for a fix.
Christian content:
Jay's roommate for much of the book is a Christian man named Bob. He reads several passages of the bible out loud to Jay. The main character's parents pray fervently for him to be delivered from his addictions. His girlfriend is a Christian girl too, but they move in together at his prompting, rather than marrying. There are hints that the main character is considering his eternal destination, but other hints that he cannot accept the existence of God.
Final analysis:
The Flawed Ones is poignant, raw, eloquent, emotional, and relevant. It covers a lot of ground and exposes the tendencies in the medical profession to simply treat mental health issues with medication as the easy and quick way out. Many of the characters in the book are reduced to zombies each night, and only reach a modicum of lucidity during the day. I can't determine if this is a work of fiction, an autobiography, or, more likely, a hybrid of both, with names changed to protect the innocent. The characters were raw and believable, and the issues relevant. The passages concerning backstory and interaction between the characters were incredibly eloquent and beautiful.
That having been said, the pacing was extremely slow for me. The book dragged in parts, and was a bit disjointed in other parts. At the end it was revealed he had only been in the ward a week, but it seemed much longer to me, partially because of the flashbacks, dreams, and backstories of the other characters.
This book is recommended reading for anyone wanting a clear understanding of mental health issues; depression, anxiety, addiction, codependency, sexual addictions, abuse, and the list goes on. However, the content is adult enough to recommend for late teens and adults only. I found it to be engaging and immersive, but the pacing was too slow for me to give it more than Four Stars.
November 3, 2017
*Trigger Warning: suicide attempt, drug and alcohol addiction, depression, anxiety, slight references to suicide, rape, bullying, abuse*
“Since I had gotten here [psychiatric hospital] I had been afraid of the ones out there, roaming the halls. Little did I know that the real source of horror was inside my head, and it could not be escaped.”
–Jay Chirino, The Flawed Ones
The Flawed Ones is a realistic depiction of depression, anxiety, and addiction. The book opens up with Jay in the ER after a suicide attempt. From there, Jay finds himself in a psychiatric hospital. This is a very realistic story about how depression and addiction can ruin lives; both of the addictee and those around them.
I found this story to be incredibly eye-opening. Depression and addiction is thoroughly examined and described with a sensitivity to those who have gone through/are still dealing with these issues. I found The Flawed Ones to be written in a manner that for those who have never experienced or witnessed first-hand the destruction of an addict or the dark hole of depression in a way that made it quite clear what happens in the brain and the thought processes of these people. While I can speak for depression (thought not to this severity), I cannot say how accurate the addiction part is described. What I have witnessed first-hand of addiction though, I can relate and say that in my experiences, everything seems to be spot on and quite accurate.
Throughout the book, we learn of the other patients and their stories. I can say I teared up for a lot of them. Their stories were so heart-breaking. I thought these additions were perfectly added in and they added a sense of reality and depth to the book. The way these people affected Jay was just beautiful.
“I also attribute a lot of my personal growth to the people I met there [psychiatric hospital]. . . . They taught me that even the most flawed individuals can have amazing hearts, and can influence your life in ways you thought impossible. They taught me that we are all flawed in different ways, and the smallest variations of our imperfections make us remarkably unique and incredibly special.”
-Jay Chirino, The Flawed Ones
I can’t describe how much this book touched me. If you or anyone you know is an addict, I highly recommend this book. It helps those who have a hard time understanding addiction get a look into the brain of an addict and how they think and rationalize their actions. I believe this book would be great for an addict to read because it ends on a note of hope; hope that their is a way to overcome addiction. And even if they are flawed, they are beautiful and amazing deep down inside. I originally rated this book 4 out of 5 stars but after sitting on it for awhile, I can’t seem to get it out of my head. I’m changing my rating to 5 out of 5 stars, purely on the impact this book has had on me.
Thank you to Jay Chirino for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.
*Quotes subject to change upon publication.*
“Since I had gotten here [psychiatric hospital] I had been afraid of the ones out there, roaming the halls. Little did I know that the real source of horror was inside my head, and it could not be escaped.”
–Jay Chirino, The Flawed Ones
The Flawed Ones is a realistic depiction of depression, anxiety, and addiction. The book opens up with Jay in the ER after a suicide attempt. From there, Jay finds himself in a psychiatric hospital. This is a very realistic story about how depression and addiction can ruin lives; both of the addictee and those around them.
I found this story to be incredibly eye-opening. Depression and addiction is thoroughly examined and described with a sensitivity to those who have gone through/are still dealing with these issues. I found The Flawed Ones to be written in a manner that for those who have never experienced or witnessed first-hand the destruction of an addict or the dark hole of depression in a way that made it quite clear what happens in the brain and the thought processes of these people. While I can speak for depression (thought not to this severity), I cannot say how accurate the addiction part is described. What I have witnessed first-hand of addiction though, I can relate and say that in my experiences, everything seems to be spot on and quite accurate.
Throughout the book, we learn of the other patients and their stories. I can say I teared up for a lot of them. Their stories were so heart-breaking. I thought these additions were perfectly added in and they added a sense of reality and depth to the book. The way these people affected Jay was just beautiful.
“I also attribute a lot of my personal growth to the people I met there [psychiatric hospital]. . . . They taught me that even the most flawed individuals can have amazing hearts, and can influence your life in ways you thought impossible. They taught me that we are all flawed in different ways, and the smallest variations of our imperfections make us remarkably unique and incredibly special.”
-Jay Chirino, The Flawed Ones
I can’t describe how much this book touched me. If you or anyone you know is an addict, I highly recommend this book. It helps those who have a hard time understanding addiction get a look into the brain of an addict and how they think and rationalize their actions. I believe this book would be great for an addict to read because it ends on a note of hope; hope that their is a way to overcome addiction. And even if they are flawed, they are beautiful and amazing deep down inside. I originally rated this book 4 out of 5 stars but after sitting on it for awhile, I can’t seem to get it out of my head. I’m changing my rating to 5 out of 5 stars, purely on the impact this book has had on me.
Thank you to Jay Chirino for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.
*Quotes subject to change upon publication.*
October 23, 2017
It took me a while to acclimatise to the style of writing as the story is autobiographical, but at times it feels written as fiction. There are some very vivid descriptions of the characters and setting and I especially enjoyed the journey that Jay took me on as he settled into the mental health facility and encountered the idiosyncratic characters that he refers to as the flawed ones.
Jay narrates his relationships with many of his fellow patients with expertise and engagement, and I felt that I really got to know people like Bob and Tara. It was a privilege to be allowed an insight to how each patient was able to empathise and show compassion in a variety of ways to each other. I liked this perspective as it challenges the stereotypes of people suffering with mental health problems as not really having agency and being portrayed as somehow defective and emotionally different to the 'well' population.
Jay's struggle is palpable and some of the descriptions of his escalating addiction and illness are both harrowing and sad. At times I felt angry with how Jay treated his loyal girlfriend and really was shown the depths that one sinks to when gripped by addiction. Other times I felt immensely sorry for Jay as his addiction effectively robbed him of his life.
I thought that the start of Jay's institutional stay felt bleak and I it made me wonder how these type of places can benefit anybody, as they often feel marginalising and are places that compound and exacerbate symptoms, rather than offer hope and healing. I did identify with some of the feelings that Jay had towards the staff who were often described as burnt out and disenfranchised. I think that this is representative of how many mental health professionals experienced the unbearable volume of work and scarce resources of the industry and I think that Jay's interpretation as apathy was intriguing. I enjoyed Jay's perspective of therapy and as a practitioner I always value the client experience. Dr Patel sounded like a fantastic clinician and her dedication and compassion was tantamount in allowing Jay to make insightful connections to his personal responsibility in overcoming his addiction.
I enjoyed reading this book and I am pleased that Jay was able to document his experience so that others can have an idea of how destructive addiction and poor mental health can be on a person's life.
If I had to criticise the work, I found some of the abstract dreamlike sequences a little disconnecting and although I understand that they were important to contextualised the disassociation Jay experienced, but personally I found them a little meandering.
For a first book this is a valiant effort and Jay writes with a natural ease and style. I hope that Jay continues his vocation as an author and would be interested to see what type of work he would follow the flawed ones with.
Jay narrates his relationships with many of his fellow patients with expertise and engagement, and I felt that I really got to know people like Bob and Tara. It was a privilege to be allowed an insight to how each patient was able to empathise and show compassion in a variety of ways to each other. I liked this perspective as it challenges the stereotypes of people suffering with mental health problems as not really having agency and being portrayed as somehow defective and emotionally different to the 'well' population.
Jay's struggle is palpable and some of the descriptions of his escalating addiction and illness are both harrowing and sad. At times I felt angry with how Jay treated his loyal girlfriend and really was shown the depths that one sinks to when gripped by addiction. Other times I felt immensely sorry for Jay as his addiction effectively robbed him of his life.
I thought that the start of Jay's institutional stay felt bleak and I it made me wonder how these type of places can benefit anybody, as they often feel marginalising and are places that compound and exacerbate symptoms, rather than offer hope and healing. I did identify with some of the feelings that Jay had towards the staff who were often described as burnt out and disenfranchised. I think that this is representative of how many mental health professionals experienced the unbearable volume of work and scarce resources of the industry and I think that Jay's interpretation as apathy was intriguing. I enjoyed Jay's perspective of therapy and as a practitioner I always value the client experience. Dr Patel sounded like a fantastic clinician and her dedication and compassion was tantamount in allowing Jay to make insightful connections to his personal responsibility in overcoming his addiction.
I enjoyed reading this book and I am pleased that Jay was able to document his experience so that others can have an idea of how destructive addiction and poor mental health can be on a person's life.
If I had to criticise the work, I found some of the abstract dreamlike sequences a little disconnecting and although I understand that they were important to contextualised the disassociation Jay experienced, but personally I found them a little meandering.
For a first book this is a valiant effort and Jay writes with a natural ease and style. I hope that Jay continues his vocation as an author and would be interested to see what type of work he would follow the flawed ones with.
October 15, 2017
The Flawed Ones by Jay Chirino is a truly insightful book that explores the personal impact of a mental illness on the authors own life. The author draws upon personal experiences in an intelligent way, that allows readers to relate to his personal story in many ways. The author is extremely courageous for sharing his experiences, with the aim of helping others who may relate. This book is definitely worth a read!
December 15, 2017
"It took me a minute to realize something had changed. It wasn't only that the sun was shining a little brighter that day, it was also that something caught my attention, something had interested me enough to make me think, to make me wonder." – The Flawed Ones by Jay Chirino
(I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.)
The Flawed Ones is the story of Jay Chirino's inner trials while being detained in a psychiatric hospital, after a lifelong history of anxiety and depression which led to years of substance abuse. Amidst the seemingly chaotic blend of doctors, nurses, addicts, schizophrenics and other afflicted souls, Jay meets people who will change his perceptions of mental illness and finds out there is light even in the darkest of places.
This book reminds us that our mental health affects every aspect of us from how we feel to how we act. It changes the way we see the world around us and the choices we make in our lives. I must mention that the book covers a variety of sensitive topics and the reader should be aware of potential triggers. The world he describes is almost frightening at times and not always easy to read. Even though the story was deep, and some scenes evoke a keen sense of guilt and heartache, it wasn't too overwhelming. In fact, it brought awareness and inspiration to me in many ways. Jay's writing is on point, with vivid and realistic descriptions which make it easy to connect with the characters and the story. I loved that we get to witness this world inside a mental institution through the eyes of a smart and observant narrator. There is even a hint of romance thrown into the mix!
I would recommend this book to someone who is looking for an intense and intriguing memoir and who wants to learn a thing or two about what it's like to live with addictions and mental disorders.
I give The Flawed Ones a rating of 4 out of 5 stars!
(I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.)
The Flawed Ones is the story of Jay Chirino's inner trials while being detained in a psychiatric hospital, after a lifelong history of anxiety and depression which led to years of substance abuse. Amidst the seemingly chaotic blend of doctors, nurses, addicts, schizophrenics and other afflicted souls, Jay meets people who will change his perceptions of mental illness and finds out there is light even in the darkest of places.
This book reminds us that our mental health affects every aspect of us from how we feel to how we act. It changes the way we see the world around us and the choices we make in our lives. I must mention that the book covers a variety of sensitive topics and the reader should be aware of potential triggers. The world he describes is almost frightening at times and not always easy to read. Even though the story was deep, and some scenes evoke a keen sense of guilt and heartache, it wasn't too overwhelming. In fact, it brought awareness and inspiration to me in many ways. Jay's writing is on point, with vivid and realistic descriptions which make it easy to connect with the characters and the story. I loved that we get to witness this world inside a mental institution through the eyes of a smart and observant narrator. There is even a hint of romance thrown into the mix!
I would recommend this book to someone who is looking for an intense and intriguing memoir and who wants to learn a thing or two about what it's like to live with addictions and mental disorders.
I give The Flawed Ones a rating of 4 out of 5 stars!
October 20, 2017
Jay Chirino has experienced depression and anxiety since childhood. His mental illness lead to self-medicating with alcohol and drugs. All of this is openly and honestly admitted in the opening lines of the introduction to his new book The Flawed Ones. The introduction is strong, and relays Chirino's struggles, his motivation behind the book, and the admission that he is still on meds for his mental health. (Thank God someone is admitting it!)
However, the book isn't a memoir. Instead it draws on Chirino's real life experiences with mental illness, addiction and the psych ward, blending fiction with his lived reality.
Read more: http://www.ibelieveinromeo.com/2017/1...
However, the book isn't a memoir. Instead it draws on Chirino's real life experiences with mental illness, addiction and the psych ward, blending fiction with his lived reality.
Read more: http://www.ibelieveinromeo.com/2017/1...
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