Words With My Father: A Bipolar Journey Through Turbulent Times

by Lowell Klessig, Lukas Klessig

THE DRAMATIC STORY OF A PIONEERING MAN, HIS MERCURIAL MIND AND A SOCIETY IN LIMBO.

“If you found An Unquiet Mind or Darkness Visible transformative, Words With My Father will further enrich your perspective and resilience.”

Mission:
A deceased father and alive son discuss the development of the father's bipolar condition during the turmoil of the 1960s and explore the insights into better mental health that readers (like you) can absorb from his intense odyssey.

Synopsis:
Words With My Father offers a gripping portrait of the evolution of a young man's mental illness and how it manifested into a dramatic and often dangerous existence through the turbulence of the Civil Rights, Peace and Conservation movements.

GET IT TODAY!

Recognition:

"Undaunted...with vital messages and insights that extend to all of society."
- Michael Dombeck, Former Head of the U.S. Forest Service and the Federal Bureau of Land Management.

"Lowell Klessig and his son Lukas exchange vital perspectives on how to live in an uncertain world, both political and personal, and how to arbitrate a family history of risk for bipolar disorder. Theirs are, indeed, deep and affecting Words."
- Dr. Stephen P. Hinshaw, Founder of UC-Berkeley's Hinshaw Lab and author of Another Kind of Madness (St. Martin's, 2017)

"...a biography for most people would be pushing it, but most people don't have the interesting life that Lowell Klessig did."
- Books & Pals

"You never really know what's going on behind the scenes in other people's lives, but this was a fascinating glimpse into the private matters of one such family. ...Excellent. I can't recommend it highly enough."
- L&S Reviews

"Feedback, including from top researchers, has extolled the narrative's skill for enhancing viewpoints, local color and introspection."
- Wisconsin Media Group / TCN

"Words with My Father is a unique and interesting read, offering a blend of personal insight into mental health, environmental philosophy, and historical context, making it an engaging choice..."
-Wisconsin Writers Association (Michelle Caffrey)

Further Context:
Lowell Klessig’s posthumously-released story, infused with reflections by his son Lukas, provides an intimate window into one man’s life in flux with bipolar disorder. As the author narrates a postwar upbringing and describes the manic-depressive travails of developing his identity, he offers us a view into the turmoil of the times – and of his mind.

Through mania- and danger-filled months fighting for Civil Rights, protesting the Vietnam War and furthering the Conservation Movement, we see the purpose that sustained him. Through darkened panes, we witness the isolation and malaise of depressive winters that nearly took his life. This masterful chronicle allows us to peer into a restless and kinetic existence in one moment and a chasm of fatigue and hopelessness on the next page.

It's an account that will change your perspective. It’s a bipolar journey that you won’t ever forget.

GET IT TODAY!

Genres: Memoir, Mental Health, Psychology, Health, Nonfiction, Self Help

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 2, 2023

Reviews

[Fergus, Weaver of Autistic Webs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful tale of the victory of love and resilience over mental illness - and how the awesome strength of family togetherness can get us all through our Inner Storms!

We bipolar folks are what a forgotten ancient Zen Master called "pole carrying people," who teeter from left to right when we're tested, and, in consequence lose our balance without a pole.

We become confused. We may in response spout nonsense. Such is the inexorably unshakable hold of the Daemon upon us. Why?

We have kept our childlike innocence - for, when faced with the outre (but balancing) middle way of the rough concessions of adulthood, we preferred to be balanced instead on our tightropes with our unsteady poles!

But in a milieu of family love we're much less likely to go astray. Home is our refuge! Here we can be ourselves, as Mr Klessig felt at home with his Dad in this book.

This is a leisurely memoir that takes time to smell the flowers.

But there are challenges, and Klessig Senior has to do some pretty fancy navigating to keep himself afloat sometimes. Especially when he drives himself nuts in overdoing his grim fight with his Daemon!

I laughed when I read that. I thought I was exempt from spinning my wheels like that with my modern meds - but then, another seasonal solstice used my sanity for its plaything.

I started taking extra pills. Then I remembered Mr Klessig's Dad... My face turned beet-red. The shoe was now on the other foot. Oh, well.

It seems like such a rough deal whenever the neighbourhood neurotypicals pull rank on us just because they're "normal."

But to Mr. Klessig, his Dad and me -

Too used to correcting our imbalances and winning -

Normal is Where We Are...

And NOT in a tart world that always shadowboxes our ears.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was first approached by Lukas to read his and his father’s book, I was hesitant. How could I read such a personal story as this one, and be prepared to give it an honest review?

Would I be able to be thoughtful, generous, sensitive, or understanding?

How do you rate someone’s personal life?

There was so much to take in hearing both P.O.V.

Especially with his father sharing his diagnosis of bipolar disorder and early dementia based on inherited genes right from the beginning. (Of course, the cover of the book – is a great give-away, as well!)

Lukas is also very open with his early reflections of what he saw of today’s world and what his father fought for, and how disappointed he felt his father would be, living in today’s world. This seemed important for him to talk about these views early on, because of all the things his father cared for – and all that Lukas saw in today’s world that didn’t coincide with his father’s philosophies.

As I read the pages, I wanted to reach out and say to Lukas… “I hear you. I see you. I feel you. I understand.”

I wanted to cheer for both of them. Their writing felt beautiful and gorgeous and heart-felt.

This was an emotional read (for me). I could feel so much from their experience of living within the confines of bipolar disease.

How does one fight with their mind day in and day out? And how does one witness on the other end the struggles of someone you love?

As I continued to read, I felt such a connection to this family.

As readers…

We continue along through the corresponding chapters between father and son – the son’s chapters are the ones titled Reflections.

The father, Lowell, is sharing his growing up years, to college and beyond, and as we read, we are witnessing his progressive decline in his “health.” He doesn’t know exactly at the time what is happening with him – but, we already know, of course – he told us at the beginning of the book.

Still…

It is compelling to listen to his story. To share in his observations of his self-story.

And of course, to listen to his son’s heart-felt reflections. To share his own story of growing up with a loving father and mother, and the adventures he and his brother experienced growing up in a life filled with love and adventures and travel and of course, challenges to be understood.

(Father:) The traumas to live through. The activism that defined him. The education that stimulated him. And what could hopefully and eventually stabilize him.

(Lukas:) His reflections bring to light so much of how his father influenced him. His mother. Their family. Their life. And the cause and effect of his own struggles. And his life learning lessons.

“To keep moving forward, we have to let purpose lead the way.”

The love is loud and clear between these pages.

And for anyone who needs to understand bipolar disorder – or even what it takes to be there for someone in need of support – come here. Take a look at what this family was able to do.

At the end there are some more words, poetry and pictures.

A beautiful book. A spectacular reading experience.

I want to thank the author, Lukas Klessig for inviting me to read his book, and providing me with this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an unbiased, honest review.

[Wendy Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but to me it was as much about the inevitable changes in society during the 1960s as mental illness. The anti-Vietnam War demonstrations and Martin Luther King's assassination are masterfully portrayed. The depth of the author's research shines through. I had one small problem. At some places, it was not apparent whether the author is speaking of himself or his father.

[BookStarRaven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Words with my Father by Lowell Klessig is a call and response from father to son. Klessig uses his father’s writings to reflect on mental illness, changes in life, and relationships between father and son.

Lowell’s Father was raised in rural Wisconsin during a time when mental illness was called “weak nerves” and psychiatric care was not accessible. As he grew into a man, he also grew into a family fraught with bipolar disorder. Looking back, he experienced his first hypomanic episode in high school leading to a depressive episode in college.

Klessig’s approach in the story - reading his father’s writings and responding was unique and intriguing. Unfortunately, the writing did not fully pan out. His father’s writings, while sometimes interesting, were overall dry and had too much detail without emotion. His (the son’s) responses were sometimes preachy or not necessary.

I liked the idea of this book. Sharing about mental illness is so important and I laude the effort. As someone with a genetic legacy of mental illness, there were many experiences that resonated with me and might with you as well.

Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and Medley Park Press for providing me with this ARC.

[Scott Pearson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Those of us with bipolar disorder understand firsthand the upheavals this mental illness can exert on a life. Before diagnosis, moodiness can lead to a lack of linearity in life. Diagnosis typically only comes after a crisis. Self-awareness can grow after diagnosis, but medications and therapy cannot fully “cure” this disease. Many stories in this genre focus on hardships and a general lack of life control – not exactly fodder for inspiration. Into this millieu, Lukas Klessig offers his father’s posthumous memoir along with some commentary. Despite lifelong struggle, his father became an award-winning environmentalist and professor. This book presents his story and, along the way, offers healing to his son.

Father Lowell Klessig journeys from being raised on a farm to college at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. In graduate school, Lowell’s career transitioned from biochemistry into the environmental sciences for moral reasons. He also lived in the South for a time and engaged in anti-Vietnam War protests along with the Civil Rights movement. Lowell’s personal account does mention bipolar disorder, but does not dwell on it in depth.

In contrast, son Lukas’ account explores how this disease influenced every step of Lowell’s journey. The contrast in focus is stark. Lowell seemed to manage this disease well, once he had become aware of it and thanks to Lithium treatment and therapy. In editing this memoir, Lukas is clearly coming to terms with his now-deceased father’s life. Bipolar disorder had an impact on Lowell’s entire family, sons included, and Lukas appreciates his father’s struggle with respect.

As a shortcoming, this biography/memoir seems to try to do too much and does not focus on one topic at length. As common with the nature of bipolar disorder, this work touches on so many highlights but doesn’t delve into detail with any one. Although the father is the dominant author, its main theme seems to be a son coming to terms with his father’s life. I respect that aim, but it could have been pulled off with more subtle artistry and storytelling finesse.

Those struggling with mental illness, either personally or with loved ones, can appreciate a positive story about dealing with these diseases. The struggle is inescapable, but Lowell’s story illustrates that a good life can also be had. Also, those coming to terms with father-son relationships can benefit from this healthy example. Mental health and mental illness are popular topics today, but few conversations say something factual. In its own way, the Klessigs’ bio/memoir turns over an interesting leaf and leaves us with something to ponder.

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I "met" Lukas here on Goodreads and he kindly gifted me a copy of his book. I have enjoyed it a lot. However, I had wanted to learn a lot more about the bipolar aspect of his father Lowell's journey....he touched upon it here and there but I think Lukas himself did more to help explain it. I was interested in learning more on the condition than I discovered here.
His dad certainly led himself an interesting life !! He was right in amongst it at so many historical events in America that even I'm well aware of here in England. Yet where he was raised and lived a lot was so far removed from these events you had to wonder how he found himself there !
The ice-driving chapters had my heart in my mouth. Those lads were hardy (if reckless) souls and I am happy they all managed to live past these adventures ! I wasn't a fan of some animal-related bits 'n' pieces I read....but they needed to be included, I guess.
I was as intrigued as Lukas was over Lowell's sudden disenchantment over the Civil Rights issue....perhaps he got a glimpse into the future and foresaw the mess we're in now. Black Lives Matter has taken us back decades, I'd say. There's nothing positive I can see has come out of that little movement.
I was a little lost reading of the Navy's plans to install an underground system for submarine monitoring in Wisconsin as I didn't really grasp Lowell's reason for not wanting it to happen.
I was pleased photos were included at the end. There is one I especially liked of his dad-the one of him writing in the springtime against a tree.
Some chapters added as the PS chapters were suddenly chopped off, though, unless that's what Lukas planned, like the nightclub/saloon visit and wanting to use the restroom. We never learn what happened there, which was a shame. (I have the Kindle version so perhaps it's something to do with the download). My favourite of these additional chapters was The Squirrel Spring-I loved that. (Love the name Shaddy,too) !!
I did spot some errors but out of courtesy I will message Lukas off-site to tell him what I spotted.
So I think, if, like me you're after learning more about bipolar then you won't happen upon TOO much here but it is nonetheless a very interesting lifestory indeed.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway!
I really liked how this book was written. The chapters written by the author's father were amazing because he was so successful while dealing with his bipolar disorder. His cycles were fairly predictable and he used his manic times to get a lot accomplished.
The insight from the author was very relevant and gives a different perspective. He spent a lot of time going through his dad's papers and hitting the highlights of his life.
While I thought there would be more information on bipolar disorder, I still enjoyed this book. Well written and the pictures were an added bonus.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how this book was done and it was easy to get into and relate. As one who has Bipolar Disorder, I appreciate the child’s perspective.
I highly recommend this one. Worth it if you have Bipolar or you are close to someone with this illness.

[Derek Kreider · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is an enjoyable read.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt and Hopeful

Great book that tells the ups and downs of a life dealing with bipolar disorder. Lots of inspiration and life lessons throughout this moving book. Loved the firsthand accounts of life in the turbulent 1960s.

[Ka Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so appreciated this very open, honest tribute to Mr. Lowell Klessig, a man who lived a successful, productive, purpose driven life while managing and struggling with Bipolar Disorder. I'm a psych nurse and an author and I champion those who determine to live their best lives despite the challenges they face. Too often mental illness is categorized as a defect and those diagnosed as such are marginalized and seen as incompetent. Mr. Klessig struggled with mood dysregulation depression, and hypomania, but he was also schooled enough in his illness to know the signs of danger, and responsible enough to do what he could to avoid, or ride out, the episodes with certainty that those episodes would pass.
The book is beautifully written. I say that because as Lukas points out his father rather saved himself thru writing--sometimes for hours on end. I appreciated the fine detail others here have criticized simply because I imagined a man earnestly attempting to corral his thoughts through focusing on the minutia. I have no doubt that took extraordinary discipline. That said, it did seem that in places the author (Lukas) may have been a bit too loyal to his father's descriptions.

If anything, I would have loved to hear more of Lukas's experiences...Maybe start by expanding 'The Itch':) Lukas has told his father's story...or rather allowed his father to tell it. Now, I would love to hear Lukas':)

[Jim B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little skeptical about this book because in my experience self-published books usually demonstrate the need for a professional editor. When I got to the end of this book, my positive impressions of both writers' efforts was reinforced by reading about the help and influences that helped shaped this well-told story. This was not just two men publishing their thoughts - the telling was filtered and probably shaped by the guidance of talented people.

Lowell Klessig was a talented teller of his life story. I enjoyed his story, and would recommend it to anyone with roots in farming, or country living. His life story also shows how a person's opinions and passions can be shaped by events as well as personal struggles.

The bipolar part of the narrative was particularly brought out by his son giving his perspective of his dad throughout the book. You see the impact of the bipolar struggle on the family through the reactions of the son to his father's story.

I also thought that the organization of the book was particularly clever. As someone who came to enjoy Lowell's writing, I appreciated the insertion of some of the "rest of the story" writings.

It was an easy and engaging book. I recommend it!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was the lucky winner of this book through a Goodread's giveaway. This touching memoir tells the story of Lowell Klessig, a brilliant man besieged with a bipolar diagnosis. To read of all his accomplishments in spite of his mental illness is nothing short of miraculous. I loved learning of his somewhat sheltered upbringing and how his thought processes broadened once he was "out in the world". I found it fascinating how he learned to work through his manic episodes and make his life as "normal" as possible. The fact that Lowell's son, Lukas, pieced together his father's prolific writings and gave deeply personal commentary alongside his father's works tugged at my heart. It is very apparent that he looked up to his father and loved him very much. For those believing they are victims due to a difficult diagnosis, this book could help you see what one remarkable individual did to make his life count. This book is written beautifully particularly, in my opinion, the sections written by Lukas. Great read!

[Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book. This felt personal in a sense, though my father's own bipolar journey has often seemed more turbulent. There is still much of the familiar in both the light and the shade in these life stories, and ultimately a sense of hope that is sadly often elusive in my own family's story. An engaging and powerful read.

[Rainbow Unicorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally got a start on this today, I've been wanting to read it since I received my free copy.

Further update! Loving this book, the insight from the father and son are very well put together!

An amazing story! I really appreciated the dual perspectives.

[Buck Wilde · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lukas reached out to me with a free digital copy of the book and I banged through it in about three hours. It's an easy read, smoothly written, intuitive enough. Their voices are very different. Lowell is technical, like he's giving a report, whereas Lukas is more emotionally expressive.

It reads like shadow work. Maybe a kind of grief journaling? Lukas is drawing a connection with his father, identifying with his father, explaining why the man did the things he did. The interpretations are almost divinations. He's worshipful of his father, and able to identify many things that Lowell himself likely couldn't, due to an emotional intelligence that seems natural, but honed by all the psychotherapy.

It's not really a mental health memoir, though. It's a biography, certainly. There are elements of mental health in it. Lukas' advice is solid, especially regarding the physical movement and connection with nature (which is what earned this placement on my sought-after unga bunga bullshit shelf, the highest Goodreads honor I can bestow). Lowell blows his life up a few times, but bounces back more or less unscathed, and that is attributed to bipolar, but we don't really get a look at the nuts and bolts of it. Lowell's own reluctance to use emotionally charged language keeps us too distant from what he's actually going through, and Lukas shows up after to fill in the blanks, but the blanks he's filling in are his own. He imagines he can relate to the experience, and he's got a good claim to it - nature and nurture put them in similar boats, psychologically speaking - but he relates to what he perceives as having happened, which still puts him several degrees separated from whatever Lowell was actually feeling.

Lowell paints a picture of a busy life, and he's self-effacing enough that it mostly doesn't come off as boasting or self-pity. It's a demonstration that the disorder doesn't have to run your life. He worked around it, and we see the ways he worked around it, in encyclopedic detail, but also with encyclopedic detachment. It's a bipolar memoir with the bipolar experience excised, despite Lukas' best efforts.

Thanks for the book and the opportunity to review it, Lukas. For real, I like what you've done with the place. The exercise, the journaling, the medication as applicable, and the prioritization of connecting with nature and service work, I firmly share in your belief that those are the keys to getting where you're trying to be.

[Karen Prive · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lukas Klessig published his father Lowell's account of living with bipolar disorder, and added his own reflections on his father's writing. The story of the ups and downs of his life include his childhood, involvement in the Civil Rights movement and Vietnam protests, and the pursuit of a graduate degree, done in mania-driven spurts.

Lowell's writing is smooth and easy to move through. On the contrary, Lukas' writing is much deeper, thoughtful and specific - leaving the reader a lot to think about. Together, they share the story of Lowell's life as well as the familial experience of mental illness. While Lowell glosses over some of the impact of his disorder, Lukas recounts the more difficult times, while still respecting and loving his dad.

This book humanizes a misunderstood psychiatric condition, showing a person living his best life in spite of his illness. Once he was properly diagnosed and treated, Lowell did not experience the extreme highs and lows of bipolar (except on a trip where he experimented with lowering - then eliminating - his lithium), but Lukas clearly recalls his father exhibiting signs of having the illness.

I expected more direct conversations between father and son, but the interaction was much more indirect. Still, Lukas is very clear that his father helped him deal with his own mental health challenges by sharing his experiences and approaches.

The epilogue includes additional, but mostly unrelated writings by Lowell - poetry and essays - that helped solidify out the vision of who Lowell Klessig was. Yes, he had bipolar, but he was also a father, a husband, an activist, a photographer, and an environmentalist. These writing samples drive home the point that Lowell was a well-rounded person, and that bipolar disorder did not define who he was.

[Te · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not just another “mental health," or “how to fix your family," book. It gives an honest, open, insight to a father/son relationship living/dealing throughout mental health issues. We do not hear from men enough on this subject which is one reason why I think it's a great read!

Lukas, the son, did a great job giving accolades and positive tributes to his father, Lowell, in this book. Lowell suffered from mental health issues which outwardly affected the family and Lukas while growing up. 

Lowell suffered from bipolar disorder and later succumbed to Alzheimer's disease which was in the family's genes. 

Early on, Lowell did extensive work on this and shared it with his son. Lukas gives very detailed information about these studies.

Lukas also talks about Lowell terming the boomer generation “poor stewards.” As a boomer myself I can attest to that, for many reasons; and many boomers I know have also suffered mental health issues as adults. 

Lukas did a wonderful job talking about his father being genuine with a positive outlook while dealing with bipolar disorder. No medication or no amount of therapy can fix it. There is no cure, but it can be managed.

It is sometimes sad, yet uplifting while also giving us real first-hand information in the way Lukas writes. I commend him for being able to write about his father so eloquently, and to take such personal information and turn it into a most helpful book for the world to see. 

Thank you Lukas, for this book. I will read it again.

[Léa Taranto · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mostly read fiction and am drawn to scene, so this father’s memoir consisting of narrative summary with his son’s personal essay type responses is quite a departure from that. What drew me in was the subject matter, where a smart young man comes of age in the 1960’s whilst navigating bipolar. What surprised me was that father, Lowell Klessig, was undiagnosed well into his adulthood even though his cycling mania and depression were very pronounced. I am inspired by how Lowell was open to learning from perspectives outside his tight knit conservative, Christian German American farmer community and became an environmental and social justice activist during his later college years. Equally inspiring is the love and care with which son Lukas Klessig responds to various sections of his father’s life story. He puts pieces together with hindsight and nuance so readers can take away practical advice from his father’s hard earned life experience. While a dryer read than I’m used to, I appreciate how both authors are open about their neurodivergence and advocate finding purpose as a key motivating factor in mental health management.

[Suzanne Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking forward to reading this book because many members of my family are bipolar. My mother and brother have never expressed what they felt about their struggles, so I was hoping to gain insights from the words of a man who had experienced the same mental illness. I was disappointed because the focus of the book was often on the political actions of the father rather than his inner life. I could identify with his descriptions of his dark months and his manic activities, but those were not the center of his story. And what did the son see? Because his father was using Lithium from before he was born, did he escape the sadness of seeing a life half lived? The son mentions the flattening effect of lithium, but not his father's emotional reaction to that flattening.
I can identify completely with the father's methods for coping with being bipolar. I feel that my mother and brother would have had much more fulfilling lives if they had been active, outdoors, and focused on a sense of purpose, but they wanted nothing to do with these things. Though my daughters and I have lived with the fear of the bipolar gene, we have avoided it by filling our lives with nature and purpose.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting way to tell such a poignant story!

In reading Words with May Father: A Bipolar Journey Through Turbulent Times, I found myself reading a poignant and touching story, well, multiple poignant and touching stories. Some of these stories are from Lowell Klessig himself, and some are from his son Lukas.

You hear many things throughout, but to sum things up, there is a lot to be learned about those who have bipolar; those who are learning about bipolar; and those who love people with bipolar. All the lessons presented, in my estimation, are positive, which is rare, and I do have some very personal dealings with bipolar on a daily basis for years and have an idea of which I speak.

This is definitely a must read, if not for someone with bipolar disorder, then definitely for a loved one of someone with the disorder. As for someone in society, this a great book demonstrating that a diagnosis does not need to hold one back!

[Michelle Romano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words with My Father: A Bipolar Journey Through Turbulent Times is a memoir of an incredibly intelligent, profoundly emotional and deliberately intentional man who helps us understand the challenges of coping with Bipolar. Mr. Klessig (father), recounts personal details about navigating through childhood, adolescence, a divorce and an everlasting love.

I appreciate how Mr. Klessig, son and coauthor, shares how his father impacts his view of the world. The father found solace in nature, animals and writing which now seem to ground his son. Especially endearing was how much love and admiration the son has about his father's legacy.

This was a deep, heartfelt story about the generational realities of mental illness. It is well written, well told, and a phenomenal last gift from a son to his father.

[Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished "Words with my Father". I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and I'd highly recommend this memoir(s) to anyone who is looking for an enjoyable and satisfying way to learn about bipolar disorder.

Lukas and Lowell are both excellent writers, in my humble opinion. Reading this book came easy, and once I was into the book I found it somewhat hard to put down. It is a way to look deeply into the life of someone who experienced full on the effects of bipolar, and the very important measures it takes to maintain a productive life despite the highs and lows, and challenges bipolar presents. Lowell lived in the 70s and on, and because of this his access to the correct medication and help was limited. Today, we still need more help and assistance when it comes to mental illness in general. But the resources we have now are much better than the help we had 40 years ago.

So, I would say if you are trying to learn more how to manage bipolar (or any mental illness), or are simply trying to understand it better so you can be a more effective help to those afflicted, this book is interesting and full of experience and hope.

[Nesie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read! It's written by a very talented author. It's captivating. You can feel the words. It's a great book. One I'll definitely read again. Definitely does not disappoint! Highly recommend!

[Chantell Kraemer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really prolonged finishing this book. I was very intrigued to read this story based on my opinion of how important I feel sharing experiences of mental health challenges are.
However I had a hard time following the storyline and grasping what was going on at times. Maybe I was hoping for a more intimate in- depth dive of it based on a legacy of mental health struggles in my own family.

I definitely enjoyed reading it and laughed a few times. I always admire anyone that is willing to open up and write about their lives. Thank you for the opportunity to read about it.

I won this book via a Goodreads giveaway

[Jonathan Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was very interesting - but I experienced the book out of order because of the way the audiobook downloaded - so first all the dad's chapters, then the son's intro and reflections, interspersed with the extra little bits.

[Wisconsin Alumni]

Lukas Klessig ’06
Coauthor

From the coauthor:
THE DRAMATIC STORY OF A PIONEERING MAN, HIS MERCURIAL MIND AND A SOCIETY IN LIMBO.

Lowell Klessig’s posthumously-released story, infused with reflections by his son Lukas, provides an intimate window into one man’s life in flux with bipolar disorder. As the author narrates a postwar upbringing and describes the manic-depressive travails of developing his identity, he offers us a view into the turmoil of the times – and of his mind.

Through mania- and danger-filled months fighting for civil rights, protesting the Vietnam War, and furthering the conservation movement, we see the purpose that sustained him. Through darkened panes, we witness the isolation and malaise of depressive winters that nearly took his life. This masterful chronicle allows us to peer into a restless and kinetic existence in one moment and a chasm of fatigue and hopelessness on the next page.

It's an account that will enhance your perspective. It’s a bipolar journey that you won’t ever forget.

[Brett Starr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Words with my Father. A memoir of a father's upbringing on a farm, his overachiever traits, equal rights and antiwar protests, educational background, and the gradual emergence of unexpected mood changes, most notably affected by seasonality. Bipolar disorder is difficult to manage, but it can be done. This book illustrates that. I also enjoyed reading the son's views of his father. This is a good read for any bipolar sufferer.

[Eliza Stopps · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Lowell Klessing shares stories about growing up and the slow emergence of his (or perhaps the slow realization that he was dealing with) Bipolar Disorder. I found this so interesting because I have known multiple individuals with Bipolar Disorder and the author’s personal experience with the mental illness was so down-to-earth. He doesn’t treat it as some mystical thing that nobody can fully understand; he accepts it as a part of who he is and shares his story of coming to terms with that and realizing what it meant for his life. At one point he shares a story about driving a car on a frozen lake and how in retrospect, his willingness to indulge in risky, impulsive behaviors could be attributed to his Bipolar Disorder but at the time it was probably written off as his teenage hubris. The author describes all of this much better than I can but I really appreciated this. While some memoirs feel like you get a snapshot of someone’s life, this book feels more rounded because we get to read stories from his time growing up, introspection as he looks back over those experiences, as well as the input from his own son who gives a first-hand account on how these things impacted him growing up. He adds some context and personal anecdotes related to the chapters that his father shared.

This book actually reminds me of a story that I read a long time ago, Buffalo Hunting and Other Ramblings by Lee Weich, which shares a fictional (but it feels like a non-fiction) story of German immigrants trying to make a life for their families. It shares stories about boys growing up on their family farm, being given responsibilities from a young age, and falling in love. The story by Lee Weich was really touching, and for many of the same reasons, I loved Words With My Father.

I love reading stories because I love hearing about people’s struggles and triumphs. I love hearing about how they overcame and about the times when they didn’t. Lowell Klessing is very generous in sharing his story with us and imparting the knowledge that he learned throughout his full life.

It took me less than two days to finish reading this book. I read it while (inevitably) avoiding writing my own. But I found the insights to be incredibly interesting. For one, Lowell Klessing navigated the tumultuous Sixties (in particular, the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement) on the right side of history and shared what it was like to go against the mainstream. These accounts are scary and heartbreaking all at once. I have met multiple Vietnam War Veterans who have shared their stories with me and each time I am left in stunned silence. But I had never heard the account of someone who actively didn’t want to serve in the war, who was completely against it, who protested it. I enjoyed hearing this perspective as well because many of the veterans that I have spoken with shared that they were against the war themselves, although some did not realize it until their feet landed on foreign soil. All of them felt that their lives were drastically (and negatively) impacted by the Vietnam War, including Lowell Klessing who seemed to lose his trust in those leading the government and began to question everything.

There were multiple sections regarding the Civil Rights Movement that I read aloud to my husband. In particular, the reactions that Klessing’s neighbors had to the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Of course, I’ve read about these events many times but it was really interesting to read a firsthand account.

Lowell Klessing lived a very full and interesting life and he imparted knowledge about multiple different subjects from inequality to sustainability. I am glad that I had the opportunity to read this book.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Words with my father is a autobiographical and biographical written by Lowell Klessing and Lukas Klessing, father and son. It is a book of memories that involves the topic of mental health, more precisely bipolar disorder.

It is interesting to follow both perspectives: the side of a man who fills his days with activism, work, research, writing, and the perspective of a son who observes his father and reflects on what he passed on to him.

In the parts narrated by Lowell we can see that he has a great ability to tell us the events of his life and ideas in a clear and methodical way. I felt like I was around the campfire in a summer night listening to him tell his story. Lowell grew up on a farm, but his life path led him to dedicate his life to defending causes he believed in (such as the civil rights movement and the Vietnam anti-war movement), thinking outside the box and finding ways to cope with his mental health.

In turn, in Lukas' reflections it is possible to understand how his father's strength was reflected in his development and how he passed on his values and the power that nature and work have on mental health. However, I really liked that Lukas himself questioned certain positions and actions taken by his father, because we're all like that, right? We are children and grandchildren and no matter how much we love and agree with our family in certain actions and ideals, we do not always end up agreeing on everything. I liked that Lukas brought his own reflection on situations in which he thinks his father didn't practice what he preached. I think these types of reflections made the book much more complete.

I loved that Lukas got to know his father more through the adventure of exploring his writing and photographic albums and that he even concluded the book with some photographic records of his father. It made me feel even closer to their journey.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading testimonies involving mental health, activism and inspiring people.

Disclaimer: I would like to thank the author for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest literary opinion.