This Fragile Life: A Mother's Story of a Bipolar Son

by Charlotte Pierce-Baker

Charlotte Pierce-Baker did everything right when raising her son, providing not only emotional support but the best education possible. At age twenty-five, he was pursuing a postgraduate degree and seemingly in control of his life. She never imagined her high-achieving son would wind up handcuffed, dirty, and in jail.
            The moving story of an African American family facing the challenge of bipolar disorder, This Fragile Life provides insight into mental disorders as well as family dynamics. Pierce-Baker traces the evolution of her son’s illness and, in looking back, realizes she mistook warning signs for typical child and teen behavior. Hospitalizations, calls in the night, alcohol and drug relapses, pleas for money, and continuous disputes, her son’s journey was long, arduous, and almost fatal. This Fragile Life weaves a fascinating story of mental illness, race, family, the drive of African Americans to succeed, and a mother’s love for her son.

Genres: Mental Health, Memoir, Nonfiction, Mental Illness

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Carol Webster · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was drawn into this book from the beginning when the author, Charlotte Pierce-Baker, described her son, Mark, as a bright, precocious and loving child and then describes some gradual changes in his personality starting in high school and getting a little worse until finally after he entered graduate school he was in a full blown manic episode. Then the stunning realization that her son had a mental illness. It really hit home for me and I could relate to the mother's situation and the effect mental illness had on their family. I'm grateful that she wrote this book because it raises awareness of mental illness and every little bit helps to erase the stigma. For that I am appreciative to Ms. Pierce-Baker. Also interspersed throughout the book were some awesome poems written by her son. These are some of the best poems I have ever read, I mean they are incredible! I think he should consider publishing his works, or at least submitting them to literary magazines. The problem I had throughout the book is that it's written like a report or an essay. There are no metaphors, similes, connotations, foreshadowing or any other writing styles that make reading interesting. So about 1/3 of the way through the book it got really tedious and hard to finish. I thought it was weird that it had an index too, I mean who puts an index in a biography or memoir? The author is a college professor, so I think she’s used to reading and writing essays and not literature. But overall it was good and I enjoyed reading it.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Message of Hope

I cannot possibly describe how helpful this book has been to me! I am so greatful that Charlotte Pierce-Baker and her son Mark found the strength and the courage to describe their difficut journey from diagnosis to day-to-day management of Mark's illness.

I liked author's narrative: calm yet full of empathy. She does not dwell on the horrors of manic depression, nor is she overwhelmed by the loss of the person Mark once was, but she bravely takes this challenge one day at a time. It goes without saying - she loves her son, but what I found particularly nice is how respectful her voice remains throughout the most harrowing accounts of Mark's relapses. This Fragile Life offered me more practical support in dealing with my partner's ailment than any dry scholastic article or tear-soaked on-line forum has ever done.

It is also very helpful to have Mark's poetry act as his medium of describing his feelings during his ups and downs. It is not often that you can get an insight into a mind troubled by the mood swings. Mark's verses are full of emotion and yearning of love he believed lost, and it's those feelings we so often fail to associate with bipolar, seeing only blind manic rage and self-destroying rot of depression.

Bipolar is a mighty opponent to face but Charlotte's love for her son, her quiet wisdom and patience make this book a message of hope, cautious and vulnerable perhaps, but Hope nonetheless.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a quick read for me. I related to many of the things that the parents feared and went through. I recognize that I am only at the beginning of a lifelong journey. I realize I am probably still very very naive. I am ever hopeful that my child will be a success story.

I loved the poetry, written by the author's bipolar son, which was part of her book, because, of course poetry can speak to me and it is often my own way of putting into words my emotions. Her book makes me feel like I should write my own book and infuse it with my own poetry.

This was a very thought-provoking read for me and I'm sure my mind will revisit it. It is comforting to know that others are on similar journeys.

[Laura Burriola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very real writing about bipolar. It touched me in so many ways

My son also suffers from bipolar
He is half black half white. Although the author's experiences are similar they are not exactly the same. But to know there are others who have to deal with this type of mental illness and to know there is hope. I have been disillusioned by the mental health community especially here in Iowa. I feel like they throw a band aid on it and shove the patients back out into the world ill equipped to deal with their mental illness. God bless you for sharing your story.

[Rebecca Sandham Mathwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good memoir about what it's like to parent an adult child with Bipolar Disorder. "This Fragile Life" is an excellent reminder that mental illness exists in all socioeconomic categories. The Bakers are an upper middle class family (both parents are professors) and their son Mark graduated from University of Pennsylvania prior to becoming significantly symptomatic. "This Fragile Life" depicts their struggles from a mother's perspective. An interesting but very sad book.

[Dawn Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book reminded me of a friend who called me in the middle of the night in jail and in need of help. He had his first episode and didnt know what was happening to him. He went through several years of doctors and medications Along with some self medication. Today, 20 years later he is a married father of 4 and still a great friend. We have made some strides in mental health but still need help in acceptance, awareness, and support.

[Lisa Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Having worked in the mental health community for a number of years, I thought this author did an excellent job of describing life with a loved one suffering from bipolar disorder. Her words were candid and empathic. I think her resilience through the ups and downs of her son's disorder will serve as encouragement for others going through similar struggles.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book fill a gap in memoirs relating to mental illness and the family, as the individual who is ill is an African-American man (which is a high-risk group when it comes to encounters with the police and criminal justice system). Though a mother's memoir, it also includes poetry written by her son at different points in his journey. Worth a read!

[A Serious Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gives one a clear understanding of the limitations parents of adult children with mental illness experience. The author dealt with the stresses on her marriage resulting from their son's illness honestly and gently.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid book, with strongly referenced information. The author describes the struggles of her ill son and what it is like trying to manage severe bipolar disorder when you actually have the financial resources to obtain decent care.

[Cathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am speechless. I had a hard time reading this book. I can say no more. A must read for anyone who knows anyone with bipolar disorder.

[Jean Brazil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very powerful story of a family's journey through life with bipolar disorder and addiction. Well written.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

sad and sometimes terrifying story. well written and i could relate to parts of it quite well.

[Andrea]

Fascinating story! I was able to feel the anguish, frustration and pride from the author.

[Alicia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring

[Inara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was shocking to read about a kid who was normal into his twenties and then had mental illness strike.

[Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

very emotional story, I learned a lot about bipolar diploma

[Carol Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another helpful read on this journey to learn how to respond.

[cloud pup · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent. It must have been so difficult to share such an intimate story.

Does anyone know how the Baker family is doing now?

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a hard read for me. It was too real. There were points in this book when I felt the author was writing my life. As the parent of an adult son with Bipolar Disorder, my heart broke for this family. I admire the courage it took to put yourself and your family's problems out there. I would say this book is a must read for anyone that has a loved one with Bipolar Disorder or any other mental illness. It will make you feel not so alone to read this and to know others have been where you are and that through all the ups and down you can get through whatever the illness and life is throwing your way. Also a great read for anyone trying to understand mental illness from a real family's lived experience.

[Jaclyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

My heart goes out to this mother. Charlotte Pierce-Baker writes with emotional honesty about her son’s (and by extension her and her husband’s) journey with bipolar disorder and addiction. You can’t help but hope the rest of their as yet unwritten story turns out well.

[Kathleen Quirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very deeply personal and moving account of what it’s like to be the parent of a child with mental illness and never having exposure to mental illness.

[Kathy J. Estrada · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m sure this was a difficult book to write. Thank you for sharing your story.

[Shelby Carney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book but they had the money to help him more then the average family.