In Jamie’s Children,
Jamie Logan’s son Niall is eventually diagnosed with bipolar disorder. From
everything I have read the “eventual” diagnosis is not unusual. Bipolar
disorder can present in different ways and until the person with the condition
begins to experience regular manic and depressive episodes, it’s easy to miss.
I am so appreciative of a review published this morning,
September 6, by author Sahar R. Abdulaziz. An advocate for the victims of
domestic abuse and the disenfranchised, Abdulaziz holds degrees in psychology
and health and wellness promotion and administration. She addresses Niall’s
bipolar illness in some detail in her review, which has been published on
Amazon and Goodreads as well as on her blog: http://www.saharraziz.com/single-post/2016/09/06/Book-Review-Jamies-Children-by-Susan-Moore-Jordan
Below is an excerpt :
The story exquisitely expounded on quite a few intimate human
relationships. Mother-father-brother-sister-lovers alike. It explored the
strength and bonds needed to nurture a family as well as the frailties and
disappointments of interpersonal relationships facing obstacles and hurdles,
such as depression, loneliness, insecurities, jealousy, but most of all, the
erratic behavior and thought patterns of someone in the midst of battling a
Bipolar Disorder.
In
the story, Niall found himself facing the many highs and lows of countless
bipolar flares, but unfortunately, he went through most of his life undiagnosed.
And like so many suffering from easily concealed mood disorders he blamed
himself for the disease process. Living among a household of super achievers
only served to exacerbate Niall’s feelings of mediocrity and his constant
desire to prove himself. –A father whose very name made hearts flutter in the
opera world, a mother of exceptional intellect, and a stunningly beautiful and
kind sister who was a music prodigy. And despite the way they loved and rallied
in his favor, the Bipolar disease still made accepting help and direction
extremely difficult, –and at times, even impossible.
Yet
this author did something I believe to be quite extraordinary. Not only did she
show in detail how Niall, desperate for relief began to self-medicate using
alcohol and sexual liaisons, but she bravely revealed to the reader not only
the lows of suffering with a mood disorder, but the highs as well, –Because as
strange as it might seem, there is a positive side of living with depression or
an anxiety disorder.
… In the story, Laura, Niall’s
sister, quoted her friend and mentor, Eli Levin to describe the level of impact
music can have on the soul, “… ‘It wasn’t unusual to sometimes have a bad day
and feel I couldn’t play at all …he said, ‘One of the things that makes music so
exciting is that we’ve all had to struggle at times. Because the breakthroughs
are so glorious.’ And he was right.”
… Jamie’s Children is a tender story of
familial love, commitment, and respect. The author’s lovely melodic writing
style gently nudges one along the story path, while enveloping their heart with
wisdom and grace, –a most pleasurable read.
**********
Jamie’s Children, Kindle
edition, is currently available on Amazon for $0.99. The sale ends at 11 a.m.
on September 8.
https://www.amazon.com/Jamies-Children-Susan-Moore-Jordan-ebook/dp/B01IA6FEA6/
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