Book Reviews

"This book is the author’s gut-wrenching account of her journey through the inevitable path of destruction that often happens with undiagnosed mental illness. It is written solely from her perspective - which makes the story even more gripping - but Ms. Robinson allows the story to portray, with frightening accuracy, the feelings and perspective of her parents as well; her mother, in particular. From her initial entrapment in a facility that did anything but help her heal, to her eventual path to recovery, her journey is compelling. I hope she will write more about her healing - many out there could use her honest and heartfelt rendition of her remarkable path to wellness! Any young person or parent would benefit from reading this young woman’s perspective."

- Patricia - Former Middle School Principal

"This book says so much in a very short read! I judge whether I want to read a book by whether the first page makes me turn to the second page. I had a lump in my throat and tears welling when I turned the first page. It was gripping. I am a high school teacher, and recognize some of the behaviors Ms. Robinson describes. And it is true. The parents and the teachers and administrators have no idea the child is truly ill. The reactions are usually completely wrong and further damaging to the child. The author does not belabor the point, or turn it in to a drawn out pity party. She is very concise and to the point."

- Kathy - School Teacher

"I just finished reading Haywood Robinson’s book “Chasing Pleasure With Pain.” She discusses her battle and journey with mental illness. This book is a quick read and poignant. It highlights the archaic practices of the lucrative “troubled teens” industry as well as the stigmas attached to mental illness. We all have folks in our circles who are dealing with some variation of bipolar disorder. It’s more common than people realize. People tend to misuse the term “bipolar” and trivialize it. This book fleshes it out for the ill-informed. Robinson is unfiltered in sharing her experiences and she doesn’t attempt to tie it up in a pretty bow. She is still fighting the good fight. Parents with “troubled teens” should read this as well as anyone who would like to know about the humanity that’s connected to mental illness. These folks aren’t “weak”, they are some of the strongest people we know."

- RLE - Community activist

"Haywood draws you into her life and makes you feel it. Though our situations are very different I could relate to the story as both person dealing with mental illness and as a parent. I can't wait for her next book!"

- Anonymous

"An honest depiction of mental health and the long term damaging effects of improper treatment and lack of care. I hope anyone who reads this learns that people suffering with mental health issues usually suffer for years in silence and those like Haywood who find their voice should be applauded for their bravery."

- Judy

"This book opened my eyes to a multi-billion dollar industry that abuse children every day. These “camps” or “ranches” that people are sent to - even by people like Dr. Phil - are destroying young people and causing them - sometimes a lifetime - of mental illness, trauma and suicidal attempts, which unfortunately are sometimes successful. The people running these places have no background in psychology or psychiatry, they have no place dealing with troubled children who suffer from mental illness or behavioural problems. I am absolutely disgusted that these prison/cult like institutions are still allowed to operate and are even utilised by people like Dr. Phil."

- Kay

"A riveting depiction of a young woman's struggles living with a misunderstood mental disorder. Haywood's story sheds a light on how, if untreated, mental illness can cause one to spiral out of control. She is an incredibly brave woman who wants to be a beckon of hope and light to individuals and their families who suffer from mental illness."

- Debbie

"Wow! What a powerful and eye-opening story. I have known the author since childhood, and she has been a dear friend of my family’s for as long as I can remember, but I had no idea the extent of the struggles she has faced. Haywood’s bravery, both in surviving it all and in sharing her experiences to help others is an amazing testament to her strength. Having a dad who struggled himself with bi-polar disorder throughout his life, I feel that stories like Haywood’s need to be told to help open the eyes of those who love and at times struggle to love others with mental illness. It’s so important to see things from this perspective, so we can better understand and help to remove the stigma from mental illness. This book is both a powerful testament to my friend, and a great way to start conversations with those you love about mental illness. Just as importantly, it’s a rallying cry to end the troubled teen industry and save others from falling victim to its abusive practices."

- Harry

"Wow. This book is powerful and well written. I feel like I need every person I know who has experienced much of this same kind of thing, to read this book and then re read it when they feel alone. I also want everyone to read it because it really makes me re-think how I’ve seen other’s who this related to, when I should have been more sympathetic or when I should have looked deeper than what I was seeing from them or what was annoying me about them. Mental illness is so not discussed enough. Sad that people suffer in silence and get misunderstood on top of it. Thank God the author is strong enough to put her experience out there. I hope many read it and can help themselves with your very heart breaking experiences. I also felt that this book could help others in similar situations, to love themselves more, especially if it encourages them to seek help and not suffer in silence."

- John

"Such an important book for anyone dealing with mental health issues or recovery. Super moving, I recommend for anybody who needs to know they’re not alone."

- Anonymous

"Provides a perspective of the internal struggles one experiences when growing up with mental illness. Well written; too the point. Any parent or young adult should read to have a better understanding of mental illness."

- Anonymous