Nothing Like Normal-Surviving a Sibling’s Schizophrenia by Martha Graham-Waldon
Martha Graham-Waldon spent 15 months waiting for her book to be printed and released, describing the experience to be “like labor”. Here is her “baby”, a memoir called Nothing Like Normal: Surviving a Sibling’s Schizophrenia
When an author opens up and shares honestly, it captivates and provokes. When the subject matter is dark, forbidden and misunderstood-like mental illness-it illuminates and demystifies.
Her story includes encouragement for others sharing the same struggle to not only survive but thrive and find your inner joy, because as she says, “…surviving and thriving while going on with your own life is the best way to honor your sibling as well as yourself.”
Nothing Like Normal–Surviving a Sibling’s Schizophrenia chronicles my childhood along with the course of my sister Kathy’s 35 year battle with schizophrenia. Two years younger, I watched her descent into madness while clinging to the person who I knew and loved, until I was nearly pulled down with her into a shadowy and baffling black hole of despair. How I survived this and ultimately thrived by discovering and honoring my own joy and truth is a story that will resonate with anyone who has known the heartbreak of mental illness in their family.
Wow!!! Thank you so much for your quick response, and for such a lovely review of Martha’s book! I tweeted this link to my followers and alerted her with the good news. I know she’ll be thrilled! Have a wonderful New Year and I will keep in touch via your blog. 🙂
warmest regards,
Dyane Leshin-Harwood
p.s. and of course I followed your blog! 😉