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Corners Untouched by Madness: A Personal Journey of Overcoming Mental Illness
N. Daniel bares his pain and internal hardship in this riveting story which is both a lesson in atonement and a heartfelt apology to those the author has hurt.
Daniel, the main character, settles for a mundane office job in the suburbs but is haunted with guilt. When a beautiful woman from his past appears, it ignites a chain reaction, setting him on a journey to confront his troubled history. Based on actual events, this inspiring story attempts to enlighten its audience with humor, passion and a lesson in perseverance. Will Daniel be able to brave his trauma and put his inner demons to rest? Or will he be consumed by the most cunning adversary of all? The truth.
Daniel, the main character, settles for a mundane office job in the suburbs but is haunted with guilt. When a beautiful woman from his past appears, it ignites a chain reaction, setting him on a journey to confront his troubled history. Based on actual events, this inspiring story attempts to enlighten its audience with humor, passion and a lesson in perseverance. Will Daniel be able to brave his trauma and put his inner demons to rest? Or will he be consumed by the most cunning adversary of all? The truth.
271 pages, ebook
Published October 1, 2019
4 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
N. Daniel
6 books102 followersN. Daniel currently resides in suburban Minneapolis with his wife and dogs. He is self-employed, working independently as a writer, poet and graphic artist. When he isn't creating you can find him listening to music. The author finds solace in song as his post traumatic stress disorder makes it difficult for him to watch films or television shows. He finds the depravation of media makes it easier to grasp new concepts and ideas as he isn't constantly immersed and bombarded by the work of others. He often feels that his political neutrality and the absence of popular culture in his life makes him boring though he does catch up on new content by reading the news and browsing social media.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 22, 2019
it's refreshing to get a view of mental illness from the inside out, rather than the portrait we normally get in the media...which is usually a stereotyped look from the outside in.
Like many first-time authors, N. Daniel grinds his gears for a bit before picking a lane in the 2nd half of the book and flooring it. The result is a surprisingly funny, intense, suspenseful, and enlightening stroll through the corridors of our mental health system. "Corners" has the sardonic no-nonsense brutalism of Bukowski's "Post Office" mixed with the whimsical sarcasm of Exley's "A Fan's Notes". This is a must-read for anybody that has been touched by mental illness...especially family members and friends of those afflicted. The author bares his soul in ways that seem impossible, yet frighteningly plausible.
Like many first-time authors, N. Daniel grinds his gears for a bit before picking a lane in the 2nd half of the book and flooring it. The result is a surprisingly funny, intense, suspenseful, and enlightening stroll through the corridors of our mental health system. "Corners" has the sardonic no-nonsense brutalism of Bukowski's "Post Office" mixed with the whimsical sarcasm of Exley's "A Fan's Notes". This is a must-read for anybody that has been touched by mental illness...especially family members and friends of those afflicted. The author bares his soul in ways that seem impossible, yet frighteningly plausible.
November 25, 2019
First, I want to thank N. Daniel and R&R Book Tours for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
Corners Untouched by Madness a Personal Journey Overcoming Mental Illness by N. Daniel is one of the most unique memoirs about mental health that I have ever read before. He is an incredible writer takes his on his journey of mental health issues. Then at the end pours his heart out and explains why he wrote this book. That section was his best writing as it came from his whole heart and soul.
Julie Ann Arenas the graphic artist needs to be recognized for this amazing cover! It is so beautiful and yet so unique! I love it! It is one thing that captured my attention that and the title of the book.
N. Daniels brings up so many important topics in this book that needs to be talked about more often. Some of these issues are physical violence, PTSD, suicidal thoughts, bipolar personality, etc.
He uses this platform to reach out and educate his readers on the struggles of talking to loved ones about mental illness. If that is the case he gives out The National Alliance on Mental Illness info. He also goes a step further and says if you are struggling or having thoughts of hurting yourself to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. He provides you with the number as well.
N. Daniel is so genuine and so thankful to his readers for allowing him to open up and speak his personal truth. If you have not been able to speak then he will be there for you.
Out of the whole story what touched me the most was the note from the Author. It was there I saw his true self, and got a glimpse into his heart. For me as a reader this was the best part of he book. It was an explanation into why he felt as if he needed to write the book. To undo the wrong, he did in the past and make it right. He is very brave to use this platform to do that. I hope those individuals can find in their heart to forgive him.
I personally want to thank N. Daniel for his extremely powerful words and thoughts of encouragement to others who have walked in his shoes. These words of wisdom could help so many people.
What N. Daniel’s brother Russ did to him killed me when I read that part! I was screaming at the book why didn’t you say anything. This aspect in his life explained so much.
Many times during the book I wanted to reach in and hug him and protect him from everything going around him. However, that is just my caring nature.
I didn’t quite understand why he titled the first section of the book Corners Untouched by Madness. However, then he had part 1-3 listed. Then it came back full circle to Corners Untouched by Madness.
Corners Untouched by Madness a Personal Journey Overcoming Mental Illness by N. Daniel is one of the most unique memoirs about mental health that I have ever read before. He is an incredible writer takes his on his journey of mental health issues. Then at the end pours his heart out and explains why he wrote this book. That section was his best writing as it came from his whole heart and soul.
Julie Ann Arenas the graphic artist needs to be recognized for this amazing cover! It is so beautiful and yet so unique! I love it! It is one thing that captured my attention that and the title of the book.
N. Daniels brings up so many important topics in this book that needs to be talked about more often. Some of these issues are physical violence, PTSD, suicidal thoughts, bipolar personality, etc.
He uses this platform to reach out and educate his readers on the struggles of talking to loved ones about mental illness. If that is the case he gives out The National Alliance on Mental Illness info. He also goes a step further and says if you are struggling or having thoughts of hurting yourself to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. He provides you with the number as well.
N. Daniel is so genuine and so thankful to his readers for allowing him to open up and speak his personal truth. If you have not been able to speak then he will be there for you.
Out of the whole story what touched me the most was the note from the Author. It was there I saw his true self, and got a glimpse into his heart. For me as a reader this was the best part of he book. It was an explanation into why he felt as if he needed to write the book. To undo the wrong, he did in the past and make it right. He is very brave to use this platform to do that. I hope those individuals can find in their heart to forgive him.
I personally want to thank N. Daniel for his extremely powerful words and thoughts of encouragement to others who have walked in his shoes. These words of wisdom could help so many people.
What N. Daniel’s brother Russ did to him killed me when I read that part! I was screaming at the book why didn’t you say anything. This aspect in his life explained so much.
Many times during the book I wanted to reach in and hug him and protect him from everything going around him. However, that is just my caring nature.
I didn’t quite understand why he titled the first section of the book Corners Untouched by Madness. However, then he had part 1-3 listed. Then it came back full circle to Corners Untouched by Madness.
September 29, 2019
I truly love a book that I can get completely immersed in. The story and the characters in this novel captivate me right from the first chapters. Corners Untouched by Madness by N. Daniel tells the story of Daniel and his struggle with mental illness while he is trying to cope with real-life obstacles like love, family dynamics, work expectations, and financial hardship. The author was emphatical at conveying the emotions of the character throughout the book. As I was reading I felt the sadness, depression, and loneliness as well as the feelings of relief and acceptance of Daniel's situations. The book is a very personal introspective view of mental illness, well-written in an emotionally resonant way that makes it a must-read.
September 30, 2019
Corners Untouched by Madness takes you on the very honest, raw and personal journey of someone living with mental illness. A must-read for those interested in a deeper understanding of how mental illness can affect decisions and behaviors, or those who just want to be absorbed by a great narrative story. I strongly recommend this book!
October 2, 2019
Corners Untouched by Madness provides a window into life with a mental illness. The narrator navigates through past traumas, relationships, and the ins and outs of daily life as he learns to come to grips with varying mental and emotional states. This book has allowed me to understand mental illness on a deeper level and pause during some of my personal interactions. The author lays his internal struggles bare and shows that the road to acceptance and stability can be long and painful but demonstrates ability to overcome through sincere determination.
October 19, 2019
A very well thought out story about hope and resilience. Everyone should read this book to understand the stages of mental health. It explores topics such as race, religion, and mental health. An excellent must read!
December 28, 2021
A beautiful, raw story showing the highs and lows of a person’s life
This book blew my mind. I didn’t expect it to be as interesting as it was, but it was and I don’t regret reading it at all.
It leaves me baffled to think about the fact that the author himself shared his personal story to the world in a raw and deep context. He explored topics of religion and spirituality that I found very interesting to read about. It opened my mind to new possibilities, things I never even knew about before. Reading this book felt like I was living life through his eyes. And it was exhilarating.
At the end of the book, he leaves a note for his readers, saying that this book was written for those who have no one to support them or understand them, for those who have had the odds stacked against them and for those who are ashamed of who they are…and I think that’s just beautiful.
Never have I read something more honest and genuine before. To me, books are a way of escaping reality, but every now and then, I sometimes forget that reality is a blessing, as well. I do believe that this book has helped me find strength and courage to face my own demons, to keep fighting and keep going, as he said. It connected with me on a level I didn’t even know existed, and the message behind the story makes it an absolute must-read, in my opinion.
“The most beautiful thing about humanity is that we have the power to transmute our pain into wisdom. The most tragic thing about humanity is that we are so unwilling to be hurt. Struggle through your pain, find your wisdom, and move toward. Share your story. I know you can do it.” - N. Daniel
This book blew my mind. I didn’t expect it to be as interesting as it was, but it was and I don’t regret reading it at all.
It leaves me baffled to think about the fact that the author himself shared his personal story to the world in a raw and deep context. He explored topics of religion and spirituality that I found very interesting to read about. It opened my mind to new possibilities, things I never even knew about before. Reading this book felt like I was living life through his eyes. And it was exhilarating.
At the end of the book, he leaves a note for his readers, saying that this book was written for those who have no one to support them or understand them, for those who have had the odds stacked against them and for those who are ashamed of who they are…and I think that’s just beautiful.
Never have I read something more honest and genuine before. To me, books are a way of escaping reality, but every now and then, I sometimes forget that reality is a blessing, as well. I do believe that this book has helped me find strength and courage to face my own demons, to keep fighting and keep going, as he said. It connected with me on a level I didn’t even know existed, and the message behind the story makes it an absolute must-read, in my opinion.
“The most beautiful thing about humanity is that we have the power to transmute our pain into wisdom. The most tragic thing about humanity is that we are so unwilling to be hurt. Struggle through your pain, find your wisdom, and move toward. Share your story. I know you can do it.” - N. Daniel
July 27, 2021
As an avid reader, I read all types of books, but this story by Author N. Daniel was especially unique. The main character Daniel bares his soul, thoughts, fears, and dreams from the very beginning. Despite the awful things that happened to him as a child at the hands of his brother Russ, Daniel strives to remain positive and focuses on what could be. He fights hard to be an overcomer and to fulfil his dreams. I especially liked how his thoughts were so personal, transparent, raw, and unfiltered. This was what made him extremely relatable to me on many levels. The vivid descriptions of someone struggling with mental illness was extremely compelling and brought an insight I never had before. Author N. Daniel's introspective approach to his writing made the story flow extremely well by making it seem I was right along side the main character experiencing the very same feelings he was. The story is concisely written and flows well. This book is important because it brings to light a perspective on mental illness that is not generally known. This is a unique and great read that I really enjoyed.
January 1, 2022
Raw. Gripping. Honest.
In Corners Untouched by Madness, N. Daniel gives us an incredibly honest inside view of what it’s like to live with a mental illness. He doesn’t shy away from telling this difficult story and sharing his deepest thoughts, hopes, dreams, and fears with his readers.
In my own life, mental illness has been a difficult hurdle to overcome. Even though my own battle hasn’t been all that severe, I found myself able to relate to N. Daniel’s worries, pains, and desires. On the other hand, several of my family members have gone through mental health crises, and though I never fully understood what they were going through at the time, this book allowed me a glimpse of what it might have been like for them.
This book is a message of hope to anyone struggling with their past or their mental illness, reminding them that they aren’t alone and that they shouldn’t shy away from owning their truth - even if it isn’t pretty.
Overall, Corners Untouched by Madness is an incredibly brave, gripping memoir, and I highly recommend you give it a read.
In Corners Untouched by Madness, N. Daniel gives us an incredibly honest inside view of what it’s like to live with a mental illness. He doesn’t shy away from telling this difficult story and sharing his deepest thoughts, hopes, dreams, and fears with his readers.
In my own life, mental illness has been a difficult hurdle to overcome. Even though my own battle hasn’t been all that severe, I found myself able to relate to N. Daniel’s worries, pains, and desires. On the other hand, several of my family members have gone through mental health crises, and though I never fully understood what they were going through at the time, this book allowed me a glimpse of what it might have been like for them.
This book is a message of hope to anyone struggling with their past or their mental illness, reminding them that they aren’t alone and that they shouldn’t shy away from owning their truth - even if it isn’t pretty.
Overall, Corners Untouched by Madness is an incredibly brave, gripping memoir, and I highly recommend you give it a read.
July 8, 2022
The continuing true story
I liked this one a lot more than the first one, although I liked the first one just fine. This one seems a little more raw and honest. To the point, the reader gets a first-hand perspective on what it’s like to suffer from a severe mental health condition, essentially seeing it from the inside out. That’s a pretty good description for it. The main character has trouble going out in public and is always contemplating suicide. The descriptions are interesting and the dialogue is engaging. You go back-and-forth between being very aware it’s true and back to thinking it’s fiction.
I liked this one a lot more than the first one, although I liked the first one just fine. This one seems a little more raw and honest. To the point, the reader gets a first-hand perspective on what it’s like to suffer from a severe mental health condition, essentially seeing it from the inside out. That’s a pretty good description for it. The main character has trouble going out in public and is always contemplating suicide. The descriptions are interesting and the dialogue is engaging. You go back-and-forth between being very aware it’s true and back to thinking it’s fiction.
January 12, 2022
To follow him through his rational thoughts and feel them twisting to irrational and then back to rational is a roller coaster ride. One that was emotional and at times hard to travel through. Following Daniel through his quest for acceptance and love led me to be hopeful that it would be found, because we all deserve that. And to Raquel.. I hope you wake up and step on a Lego every day for the rest of your life.
June 17, 2022
An Underdog Overcomes Adversity
This compelling story helped me to understand mental illness from the inside out. It will break your heart, make you laugh out loud, and impart you with the wisdom to help others. I wish I had understood my own son better.
This compelling story helped me to understand mental illness from the inside out. It will break your heart, make you laugh out loud, and impart you with the wisdom to help others. I wish I had understood my own son better.
January 7, 2020
A word of warning - Corners Untouched by Madness is not to be read lightly. There were times that the madness underneath is brought so close to the surface that it's hard to read, but that's also what makes it powerful. You are drawn into a mind struggling to find peace in a world where mental illness is highly stigmatized. A worthwhile read, but be sure you are prepared for what you'll find betwixt the covers before you start.
February 9, 2020
N. Daniel's book reads like a personal journal so you really feel yourself traveling along his side as he falls into a downward spiral of mental illness. The rawness of his writing make you really feel the fragility of the human mind and what mental illness can do to someone, so much so that it was actually hard to read at times. However, it is important for everyone to see what can happen to the human mind and how hope and resilience can help pull one up from the pits.
An especially powerful passage really helps one understand what it might be like to experience mental illness and depression: "I often missed work for weeks at a time and spent all my hours in bed, my body struggling to regain its drive so I could do about my day retaining some semblance of normal life. It was almost as though my extremities were going through withdrawal and my torso was doing everything it could to hold them together. My mind was ravaged by nightmares and confusion. Going out in public was like landing in a war-torn country. I felt threatened by the smallest details and dwelt on them like they were sensitive pieces of top-secret information."
I highly recommend this read!
An especially powerful passage really helps one understand what it might be like to experience mental illness and depression: "I often missed work for weeks at a time and spent all my hours in bed, my body struggling to regain its drive so I could do about my day retaining some semblance of normal life. It was almost as though my extremities were going through withdrawal and my torso was doing everything it could to hold them together. My mind was ravaged by nightmares and confusion. Going out in public was like landing in a war-torn country. I felt threatened by the smallest details and dwelt on them like they were sensitive pieces of top-secret information."
I highly recommend this read!
January 22, 2021
If there is a book that deserves five stars, it is this one. N. Daniel brings us on a profound journey of mental health. It is raw, sometimes heartbreaking, but I found myself able to relate to many of his struggles.
This book dives deep into the mindset of a troubled soul. It also shows us how humanity can rise from the depths of despair and heal.
I recommend this book to all who want to see the truth about mental health in the world.
This book dives deep into the mindset of a troubled soul. It also shows us how humanity can rise from the depths of despair and heal.
I recommend this book to all who want to see the truth about mental health in the world.
November 18, 2019
"Corners Untouched by Madness" is an insightful journey displaying the raw edges experienced in overcoming mental illness. It offers an educational view of trials and tribulations through the writer's eyes, as well as interaction experiences with their inner circle. This book is concise and conscientious. It is one of those reads that remains with you long after reading the last page. Highly recommended!
Corners Untouched by Madness: A Personal Journey of Overcoming Mental Illness
Corners Untouched by Madness: A Personal Journey of Overcoming Mental Illness
September 3, 2022
There were times were it felt like Daniel did a fair bit of pining. Some of the story revolves around Daniel wanting to stick his head in the sand about his problem while others around him are telling him that he needs to sort things out - the end felt a bit info dumpy.
Daniel is eventually forced to confront his problems - and starts getting treatment and therapy. I got a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Daniel is eventually forced to confront his problems - and starts getting treatment and therapy. I got a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews