Saturday, October 27, 2012

Review - January First by Michael Schofield




Book Summary from Amazon

A New York Times bestseller, January First captures Michael and his family's remarkable story in a narrative that forges new territory within books about mental illness. In the beginning, readers see Janni’s incredible early potential: her brilliance, and savant-like ability to learn extremely abstract concepts. Next, they witnesses early warning signs that something is not right, Michael’s attempts to rationalize what’s happening, and his descent alongside his daughter into the abyss of schizophrenia. Their battle has included a two-year search for answers, countless medications and hospitalizations, allegations of abuse, despair that almost broke their family apart and, finally, victories against the illness and a new faith that they can create a life for Janni filled with moments of happiness.

A compelling, unsparing and passionate account, January First vividly details Schofield’s commitment to bring his daughter back from the edge of insanity. It is a father’s soul-baring memoir of the daily struggles and challenges he and his wife face as they do everything they can to help Janni while trying to keep their family together.


My Review - 5 star

This is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read.  Emotional, heartbreaking, passionate, the incredible scary reality of the Schofields.  I will be following Michael's blog, Jani's Journey, as I am in awe of his commitment, he may not be perfect but him and his wife Susan are amazing in my eyes.  They did for Jani what no other parent or medical professional could have done.  They loved Jani with a true forever. 

I didn't realise it was the same family I had seen on the news or Oprah but what I saw was how the book ended with the decision to live separately.   It was great to see how it all began with January and how being called January would trigger one of her tantrums, soon becoming reality of her hallucinations.  Her parents thought she may be a genius as she could read and write, had a mathematical mind at age 2 but reality was there was something more, a psychosis. Many medical staff I don't think understood what Michael and Susan were going through because January was there youngest patient to have schizophrenia and I believe they were scared to label her.  During this long year she was misdiagnosed or maybe a better term would be the professionals lacked the importance of diagnosing her.  I have to give the parents the out most respect for pushing forward and wanting the best for their family.  Jani is five so some believe it is just sever anxiety, autistic, she doesn't want to deal with the real world and maybe even bipolar.  The parents are questioning schizophrenia and keep getting shut down, this was mind blowing to me.

My only query which I have to be honest is a little judgemental, why would they have another child.  I loved how near the end this was answered, not only for me but for them also.  The violence they experienced was unreal and when Jani asked to go to the psyche ward so she won't hurt her brother or mommy it was torture, she is only 5, how can she understand that. At times I had to put the book down, it was just to hard to embrace but I felt the pull to pick it back up and read on. 

There were some funny scenes that were also educational.  Michael forgot to cut her medicine so bit it to give to her and a few crushed pieces he swallowed.  The effect of this seriously had me crying with laughter.  Finding the right medicine for January was difficult and hardly noticed as an impact to her, but a few crushed pieces had Michael in a moment of feeling like he was stuck in quick sand, reality or not, totally funny.

I loved how the idea of living in 2 homes came from them, undeniable love.  They didn't know how they would do it but learned to figure it out moment to moment.  I look forward to following there journey.

I have always had a love for understanding mental illness which is what drew me to this book.

I wish the Schofield's the best and hope the journey gets easier, continue to love and uphold each other.  I also hope that one day a magic drug will assist families with mental illness, either with a cure or way to have more than just great moments but amazing days, weeks, months or years.

A few favourite quotes

I'm relieved, still clinging to the belief that the source of Janni's violence is a disconnect between the age of her body and the age of her mind. Kindle at 17%

I want to take Susan in my arms, but not because I want to comfort her.  There is no comforting.  This is hell.  I want to grab on to Susan to stop myself from slipping under.  My heart is ripping apart.  Kindle at 36%

But every day there are also moments where I see her smile, moments when I havve hope, moments when I feel at peace with our future, whatever might come our way. Kindle at 99%


 

15 comments:

  1. I thought their reasoning for having another child was a bit off too. I found this book compelling.

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    Replies
    1. I know, sigh, but it looks like in the end it works for them. Another reason I want to continue with their story.

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  2. I watched the documentary about Jani and was heartbreaking to see. Just the thought of what these parents go through is unbeleiveable. I wondered why they had another child too, and the show made it seem like he could have schizophrenia as well.

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    Replies
    1. In the book it didn't have anything about the brother but it did discuss the fathers depression.

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  3. It does sound heartbreaking. I'm glad they found a happy solution.

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  4. This one sounds like it would make me cry lots! Great review!

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  5. This sounds like something I'd read! Should I read it now while on leave, or wait till I am back to my normal work routine... ummm....

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  6. I've seen this reviewed on a few other sites. While not for me - I tend to steer clear of memoirs - I can appreciate their story and struggles. The idea of having a child with such a horrifying mental illness makes me shudder and appreciate my own good fortune while sending prayers to those who face this every day. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

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  7. The news program on them was scary. How she would try to attack the brother was heartbreaking. The show also interviewed another parent who's daughter would say she wanted to kill her mother and luckily the med cocktail they put together for this other girl worked. Very sad.

    Paula

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  8. Wow, that sounds uber intense. I don't think this book is for me, but I can see it appealing to a lot of people.

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  9. Such a harrowing, heartbreaking reality for this family, I have nothing but admiration for Michael's unflagging honesty. Isn't his blog amazing, so touching! Lovely, lovely review Marce

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  10. I definitely must read this one! Thanks for your review.

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  11. This one looks fascinating but almost too heartbreaking for me. It's amazing what parents can do for their children.

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  12. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    SYDNEY PREVOR, FORMER PREVOR-MAYRSOHN INTERNATIONAL INC. EXECUTIVE IS THE AUTHOR OF A NEW BIOGRAPHY.

    Entitled “Mike and Sid: Best Friends Forever”, this groundbreaking autobiography reflects on Sydney’s life and his relationship with his twin brother, Michael. Providing insight into the unique nature of the twin relationship, this book follows the lives of Mike and Sid from their upbringing and childhood to their experiences working together at Prevor-Mayrsohn. Culminating in Mike’s illness and death, this book is an emotional story about the complicated love between twins.

    Active in the Produce business for three generations, the Prevor family business was a major importer and exporter of fresh fruits and vegetables and was acquired by Poly Peck, a large British conglomerate, in 1988.

    Available for sale on Amazon.com, the book is scheduled for release on November 12. 2012.

    BOOK DESCRIPTION
    "Mike and Sid: Best Friends Forever" is an autobiography about the life of identical twins. Born and raised as one person, this book follows the symbiotic and co-dependent relationship of these two men who remained as one for their entire lives. Deeply connected and able to read each other's minds, these twins felt each other’s pain and when one needed the other, he was always there. This heart-wrenching story that culminates in what is perceived as one twin's martyrdom for the other is a ground breaking view into the devoted, yet complicated relationship between twins. Offering incredible insight into the impact of upbringing, this book should be required reading for all mothers of twins.

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Born in Brooklyn, Sydney Prevor spent over 50 years of his life in San Juan, Puerto Rico. A graduate of City College, Sydney joined his family’s Produce business in 1959 and worked for decades as Vice President and Director of what became a public corporation traded on the Nasdaq. Later in life, he became the President and CEO of Sydney Prevor & Co., a boutique stock trading/brokerage house.

    Married to a clinical psychologist and ardently interested in human behavior and human development, Sydney has been a lifelong student of psychology. Having engaged in psychoanalysis and dream interpretation training, Sydney has also pursued self-improvement courses such as Tony Robbins, Life Spring and Mind Control.

    Currently residing in Miami with his wife Ruth, Sydney is the proud father and grandfather of three children and two grandchildren.


    ReplyDelete
  13. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    SYDNEY PREVOR, FORMER PREVOR-MAYRSOHN INTERNATIONAL INC. EXECUTIVE IS THE AUTHOR OF A NEW BIOGRAPHY.

    Entitled “Mike and Sid: Best Friends Forever”, this groundbreaking autobiography reflects on Sydney’s life and his relationship with his twin brother, Michael. Providing insight into the unique nature of the twin relationship, this book follows the lives of Mike and Sid from their upbringing and childhood to their experiences working together at Prevor-Mayrsohn. Culminating in Mike’s illness and death, this book is an emotional story about the complicated love between twins.

    Active in the Produce business for three generations, the Prevor family business was a major importer and exporter of fresh fruits and vegetables and was acquired by Poly Peck, a large British conglomerate, in 1988.

    Available for sale on Amazon.com, the book is scheduled for release on November 12. 2012.

    BOOK DESCRIPTION
    "Mike and Sid: Best Friends Forever" is an autobiography about the life of identical twins. Born and raised as one person, this book follows the symbiotic and co-dependent relationship of these two men who remained as one for their entire lives. Deeply connected and able to read each other's minds, these twins felt each other’s pain and when one needed the other, he was always there. This heart-wrenching story that culminates in what is perceived as one twin's martyrdom for the other is a ground breaking view into the devoted, yet complicated relationship between twins. Offering incredible insight into the impact of upbringing, this book should be required reading for all mothers of twins.

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Born in Brooklyn, Sydney Prevor spent over 50 years of his life in San Juan, Puerto Rico. A graduate of City College, Sydney joined his family’s Produce business in 1959 and worked for decades as Vice President and Director of what became a public corporation traded on the Nasdaq. Later in life, he became the President and CEO of Sydney Prevor & Co., a boutique stock trading/brokerage house.

    Married to a clinical psychologist and ardently interested in human behavior and human development, Sydney has been a lifelong student of psychology. Having engaged in psychoanalysis and dream interpretation training, Sydney has also pursued self-improvement courses such as Tony Robbins, Life Spring and Mind Control.

    Currently residing in Miami with his wife Ruth, Sydney is the proud father and grandfather of three children and two grandchildren.


    ReplyDelete

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