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[close] Robert Kolker presents well all sides of this heart wrenching story. interspersed throughout the family story are chapters on concurrent research occurring on schizophrenia and, specifically, on this family's case. Unfortunately, there are no easy answers, or cures, in time for this family.

Kolker interviews all immediate Galvin family members which gives a well rounded picture of the family dynamics. It's apparent some family members were more involved than others in coming forward but this gives further clues to the dynamics involved. What becomes apparent is the extreme loneliness of the schizophrenic, even within the family. It's also interesting to see how the family, and the dynamics, change over time. For example, Mimi and the way she behaves throughout the ordeal and the way other family members view her over time. Often, with kids, they can't completely relate to their parents until they're fully grown and matured, over time, themselves. With Lindsay, it took replacing her mother as caretaker to completely understand her mother.

The sections on related research were interesting to read. Although, an entire book could be written on this topic we see, here, only a glimpse into this realm. I'm definitely intrigued to hear the long term results of the choline laced multi vitamins for expectant parents. If only it could be as easy as that? Similar to folic acid for the prevention of spina bifida. There remains an element of hope for better treatment and cure for schizophrenia and related mental illness. In 2017, the American Medical Association approved a resolution that prenatal vitamins should include higher levels of choline to help prevent the onset of schizophrenia and other brain developmental disorders. 431

Woven into this complicated story there's also a bit of history on the psychiatric care of schizophrenic patients. Not always a pleasant picture. In the 1920s, as the eugenics movement gained momentum, Pueblo's doctors sterilized their female patients, despite lacking the legal authority to do so. It never seemed to any of them that it might be a bad idea. 131

I love the included family photos. However, they're not always clearly labeled. For example, on page 14 I wasn't certain if these were photos of Mimi and Don or Mimi's mother? Overall, though, a thorough telling of a complex, multi layered story.