Connections: The Journey of a Schizophrenic

by Mike Hedrick

Rob Black, a college sophomore, has been experiencing some complications. Battling crippling paranoia and delusions due to an undiagnosed case of schizophrenia, he inadvertently projects his fears onto the failures of society. Sensing he is being called to action, Rob sets off, vastly unprepared, on a trip across the nation to take matters into his own hands. After repeated failed plans and expectations about his "mission" he finds himself cold, delusional, and at the point of collapse on a desolate backcountry road. His salvation comes in the form of a lonely middle aged woman named Sharon with numerous problems of her own. She is perhaps as mixed up as Rob, but in a different, more latent way. Rob's saga ends as he is returned home to a mental hospital and finds that, through a seemingly insignificant turn of events, he has inadvertently saved Sharon from taking her own life. Connections is a compelling look at what happens when a dangerously delusional mind takes on an endeavor that is far too large for its own good. It received the award for best premise at the Pike's Peak Writer's Conference 2007 American Icon contest.

194 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Lo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy wow. Ultimately, this book is about some crazy guy who just can't get a break. Still, you're left looking at every bum on a street corner wondering what their secret mission may be. It makes you think twice about judging someone by their looks. You never know what story is told behind closed doors.

Fantastic!

[Abigail Wheeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

very compelling book. everything rob experienced was exactly how my psychology described it to be. it was interesting to read how it affected a person’s life

[Mike Hedrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling

[Brad.tesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

auto-biographical account of madness - very good read.