Terri Cheney, former entertainment lawyer and current mental health spokesperson, has written a riveting account of her time spent dealing with bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression. In the book's preface, Cheney notes that the book is written episodically rather than chronologically, which is how she experiences her past and her illness. Because of this, the chapters really stand on their own as essays.

Cheney describes her struggles with bipolar disorder, as well as her desire to maintain a normal life in spite of the illness, with vivid detail. At times, she comes off as arrogant and self-centered, and even admits to being that way; that was frustrating to me as a reader until I realized that when a person is manic, that is how life seems: they are the only person in the world. Cheney also describes her suicide attempts, something that can be difficult to read, but necessary in order to understand the severity of this illness. She gives appalling accounts of possible "cures" for bipolar, recounting her experience with electroshock treatment and an attempt at behavior modification. I had the hardest time reading about Cheney's stint in jail, when she was not allowed to contact her therapist so that her medications could be explained. Also, as someone earning a master's degree in psychology, it is appalling to read about her time spent strapped down in a padded room, when no one would allow her up to use the bathroom.

At times difficult to read, Cheney's memoir remains impossible to put down. Even though she writes about sensitive topics, Cheney always seems to keep a sense of humor, sometimes even a sense of disbelief in some of the things she engaged in while feeling the extremes of bipolar disorder. The book ends on a positive note, with Cheney finally able to confront her illness. I recommend this book to anyone dealing with bipolar disorder. I feel that I have gained much more understanding of this illness from the other side of the diagnosis.