Voluntary Madness

Voluntary Madness (2008) by Norah Vincent. As a research project, Vincent had herself committed to three different mental health facilities over the course of a year. The first was a large public hospital, the second was a small private institution, and the third was a non-traditional private rehab facility. She paints an at-times-fascinating picture of what life was like inside each institution, what type of treatment regimen each adhered to, and how effective they were in helping her deal with her own (admittedly mild) mental illness. She also reveals the differences in cost between the facilities, and is frank in telling how she was able to pay. A very interesting book. Grade: B+

Wishful Drinking

Wishful Drinking (2008) by Carrie Fisher. Fisher, who played Princess Leia in the "Star Wars" movies, here recalls her life as the bipolar, alcoholic daughter of celebrities Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds. She manages to tell it with honesty and humor, which makes this brief (163 pages) book an enjoyable read. It's not an ambitious book, but it is a quick and tasty dip into the life of a celebrity. Grade: A

Born on a Blue Day

Born on a Blue Day (2006) by Daniel Tammet. A book of manageable length which takes us inside the mind of an autistic savant. Although Tammet has Asperger's, a high-functioning form of autism, he still has to deal with many issues that "normal" people don't encounter. This is an at times fascinating look inside his world and a peek at how he views his surroundings. An enjoyable read. Grade: B+

Lincoln

Lincoln (1995) by David Herbert Donald. There's not much that needs to be said about this book, except that it is an excellent, detailed biography of our greatest president. Donald's research is impressive, and he brings in many interesting particulars culled from the many writings about Lincoln, including especially Lincoln's own writings about his presidency. It's a long book at 600 pages, but rewarding. Grade: A

I'm Sorry You Feel That Way

I'm Sorry You Feel That Way (The Astonishing but True Story of a Daughter, Sister, Slut, Wife, Mother and Friend to Man and Dog) (2009) by Diana Joseph. Joseph brings her unique and funny voice to a series of vignettes about her own life, her relationships with men, and her son, who she calls "the boy." It's sketchy, but what she does offer up are little gems full of insight into herself and others. Well worth reading. Grade: B+