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Forever Different: A Memoir of One Woman's Journey Living with Bipolar Disorder
An uncut, raw and gripping story of one woman's life struggle with the extreme highs and lows of Bipolar I Disorder. The denial of her diagnosis and the eventual acceptance of her medication and disease. She takes us from her innocence as a child to her adult criminal lifestyle, which led to a subsequent 70 month federal prison sentence for Securities Fraud. A tale so unbelievable and elements so disturbing, you would swear you were reading fiction.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
28 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
About the author
Christine F. Anderson
1 book21 followersChristine F. Anderson was born in Brooklyn, New York. Tragically she was orphaned by her 9th birthday and was raised by her older brother. She was diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder in 1987. Christine attended Pace University for her undergraduate studies and recieved her MBA in Marketing from New York University's Stern School of Business in 1991. She has traveled extensively and lived in New York City, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. She served a 70-month federal prison sentence for securities fraud between MCC Chicago and FCI Danbury, Connecticut. She has dedicated her life to animal rescue via www.thecrittercrusade.com. She now lives with her boyfriend and her many animals on a farm in a small country town in Central Virginia.
After publishing her memoir she found Christine F. Anderson Publishing & Media www.publishwithcfa.com where she is currently CEO.
She also currently serves as and ambassador and volunteers on the marketing committee for the International Bipolar Foundation www.ibpf.org 50% of the proceeds from Forever Different are donated to the IBPF.
After publishing her memoir she found Christine F. Anderson Publishing & Media www.publishwithcfa.com where she is currently CEO.
She also currently serves as and ambassador and volunteers on the marketing committee for the International Bipolar Foundation www.ibpf.org 50% of the proceeds from Forever Different are donated to the IBPF.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 27, 2016
I sympathise with the author's struggles but I'm afraid the writing was too distractingly bad to keep reading this book. There are so many amazingly written, well documented books on struggles with mental illness already - writing may be theraputic but not all of it is worth sharing.
May 12, 2015
This was a very well written book. I can totally relate to the author. She has been through an awful lot and it take courage to share that with us. I admire her.
April 26, 2016
I commend author Christine F. Anderson on the tremendous courage she brought to bear in order to share her experience and empower others who have struggled with mood disorders such as the bipolarity she experiences, other mental health conditions, problems with the law, and/or difficulties changing their way of life or personal behavior. These problems are multi-faceted, complex and affect many, many people's lives in critical ways. Yet if the spectre of mental illness, illegal acts, or substance abuse are involved -- among other taboos -- the weight of widespread social shame serves to silence most from widely sharing their experiences to help themselves and others.
For these same reasons, I not only recommend but encourage fellow readers to check out Forever Different: A Memoir of One Woman's Journey Living with Bipolar Disorder. If you don't know much about bipolar disorder or other aspects of Ms. Anderson's unusual experience (e.g. serving time in prison), you could probably learn a lot from reading this straightforward, accessible account.
I must however temper my recommendation of this read with the following caveats:
--For a published memoir, this is not a particularly well-written work. There's nothing wrong with how Anderson expresses herself; I just didn't see any of the hallmarks of a work of literary art of any level. These are the words of a woman with something to say -- not necessarily a writer, as I would use the term, with something to say.
--As a reader, I sometimes was disappointed by the lack of nuance in Anderson's view of a given situation. But, this sentiment, I realize, is inappropriate in light of Anderson's project -- which does not seem to be to offer the reader a literary memoir of her own experience.
Finally one isolated criticism:
--Anderson has great taste in quotations to frame her experience in this text; I just wish they were contextualized within the story! I think that could have been pretty awesome if treated in a savvy light-handed way.
Thank you for reading my thoughts; I hope they're helpful to some of you. Please be advised I was able to read this book because I won a copy through a Goodreads Giveaway contest.
For these same reasons, I not only recommend but encourage fellow readers to check out Forever Different: A Memoir of One Woman's Journey Living with Bipolar Disorder. If you don't know much about bipolar disorder or other aspects of Ms. Anderson's unusual experience (e.g. serving time in prison), you could probably learn a lot from reading this straightforward, accessible account.
I must however temper my recommendation of this read with the following caveats:
--For a published memoir, this is not a particularly well-written work. There's nothing wrong with how Anderson expresses herself; I just didn't see any of the hallmarks of a work of literary art of any level. These are the words of a woman with something to say -- not necessarily a writer, as I would use the term, with something to say.
--As a reader, I sometimes was disappointed by the lack of nuance in Anderson's view of a given situation. But, this sentiment, I realize, is inappropriate in light of Anderson's project -- which does not seem to be to offer the reader a literary memoir of her own experience.
Finally one isolated criticism:
--Anderson has great taste in quotations to frame her experience in this text; I just wish they were contextualized within the story! I think that could have been pretty awesome if treated in a savvy light-handed way.
Thank you for reading my thoughts; I hope they're helpful to some of you. Please be advised I was able to read this book because I won a copy through a Goodreads Giveaway contest.
April 1, 2014
Christine tells it like it is, no sugar-coating here. We get the highs and lows in a confessional, conversational style from someone caught in the middle of Bipolar Disorder with the grit to write a book to help others understand. Compelling.
April 5, 2021
I am at odds. On the one hand, I celebrate storytelling and think the world would be a better place if everyone expressed their stories in a creative way and if everyone listened to others' expressions.
On the other hand, I am was a cringing reader when I read Christine Anderson's 2013 memoir "Forever Different." The summary and the review say the book is about Anderson's struggle with bipolar disorder, but aside from periodically reminding the reader that she is bipolar, the effects of the disorder on her life and on her rational isn't explained. It's almost as if she just wants to blame every bad decision she made on the "bad side" of her disorder rather helping us explain how one gets from bipolar to embezzling money.
I do not know much about bipolar disorder, how it manifests in people lives and how anyone manages their diagnosis. After reading a 160 memoir, I didn't think I'd know everything, but I thought I'd have a better idea. And I don't.
So on this other hand, Anderson is a lazy storyteller, laying out the series of events of her life without engaging them as a deeper, more creative level. It's as if everything in her life happened to her and she only bares the responsibility of telling us about it.
This book has 69 reviews on Amazon, with 49% of those review being 5 stars. I'm not rooting for its poor review, but how? From the wondering mind of an aspiring writing, how? Do people pay for Amazon reviews the way they pay for Instagram followers?
On the other hand, I am was a cringing reader when I read Christine Anderson's 2013 memoir "Forever Different." The summary and the review say the book is about Anderson's struggle with bipolar disorder, but aside from periodically reminding the reader that she is bipolar, the effects of the disorder on her life and on her rational isn't explained. It's almost as if she just wants to blame every bad decision she made on the "bad side" of her disorder rather helping us explain how one gets from bipolar to embezzling money.
I do not know much about bipolar disorder, how it manifests in people lives and how anyone manages their diagnosis. After reading a 160 memoir, I didn't think I'd know everything, but I thought I'd have a better idea. And I don't.
So on this other hand, Anderson is a lazy storyteller, laying out the series of events of her life without engaging them as a deeper, more creative level. It's as if everything in her life happened to her and she only bares the responsibility of telling us about it.
This book has 69 reviews on Amazon, with 49% of those review being 5 stars. I'm not rooting for its poor review, but how? From the wondering mind of an aspiring writing, how? Do people pay for Amazon reviews the way they pay for Instagram followers?
February 2, 2019
Showed the truth about living with Bipolar Disorder. The problems and life challenges that go along with it. It also shows how strong people with the disease are.
December 23, 2016
Honest.
It was not a fairy, tale ending, but seldom life is perfect, nor is mine. By the grace of God, I had an Epiphany or two. I will check with my Dr. To avoid getting to the point of no return.
It was not a fairy, tale ending, but seldom life is perfect, nor is mine. By the grace of God, I had an Epiphany or two. I will check with my Dr. To avoid getting to the point of no return.
May 13, 2016
Who I really am
This is Christine's account of her life and admission that she has a mental illness. Christine was raised by her siblings. She was made promises by her mom and others that they would always be there for her then they die. She had a strong bond with her brother, until he marries, then she feels that he deserted her. She is an intelligent woman who delves into finance. She loves animals and living large. She is diagnosed early on with Bipolar which she chooses to ignore. The medications side effects cause weight gain which in turn cause her to become depressed thus the cycle continues. In addition, she makes very poor relationship choices. Inevitability, things overwhelm her, money and scams run out and she is sentenced to prison. She finally learns acceptance and releases that God has been with her. I enjoyed this memoir. It was real and informative as opposed to a dry clinical accounting of mental illness.
This is Christine's account of her life and admission that she has a mental illness. Christine was raised by her siblings. She was made promises by her mom and others that they would always be there for her then they die. She had a strong bond with her brother, until he marries, then she feels that he deserted her. She is an intelligent woman who delves into finance. She loves animals and living large. She is diagnosed early on with Bipolar which she chooses to ignore. The medications side effects cause weight gain which in turn cause her to become depressed thus the cycle continues. In addition, she makes very poor relationship choices. Inevitability, things overwhelm her, money and scams run out and she is sentenced to prison. She finally learns acceptance and releases that God has been with her. I enjoyed this memoir. It was real and informative as opposed to a dry clinical accounting of mental illness.
February 28, 2019
A wakeup call for all of us
A good listen after listening to (An Unquiet Mind by Dr. Jamison). In this book Christine tells it just how it is. She explains how mania ruined her life by making her prone to irrational thinking, and making her have a wild life that included: over spending, buying expensive clothes, cars, houses, maxing out credit cards, and even fraud, theivary, stealing money from clients credit cards, and identity theft. She was diagnosed many times by doctors and was prescribed with Lithium, which is very effective for bipolar by the way, but she didn't take them because she felt good after a while and was gaining weight.
Mental illness is just like any other illness, it is hard, we need the support of the people around us, those who love us and care for us. And we should always stick to the advice of a doctor we trust, and take the medication as prescribed.
A good listen after listening to (An Unquiet Mind by Dr. Jamison). In this book Christine tells it just how it is. She explains how mania ruined her life by making her prone to irrational thinking, and making her have a wild life that included: over spending, buying expensive clothes, cars, houses, maxing out credit cards, and even fraud, theivary, stealing money from clients credit cards, and identity theft. She was diagnosed many times by doctors and was prescribed with Lithium, which is very effective for bipolar by the way, but she didn't take them because she felt good after a while and was gaining weight.
Mental illness is just like any other illness, it is hard, we need the support of the people around us, those who love us and care for us. And we should always stick to the advice of a doctor we trust, and take the medication as prescribed.
December 20, 2013
This is a very compelling and captivating story that I just could not put down. Christine gives an in-depth journey through her life starting at early childhood and moving through her youth and ultimately into her roller coaster ride of the throes of bipolar disorder. It carries her into a life of crime and eventually brought her to face the stark reality of who she is and what she needs to do to recover and hold onto her sanity. I applaud her courage at writing this story and feel certain that it may help others realize they are not alone. This is an illness that most cannot understand unless they have been there. She tells this story very well.
March 4, 2015
I have read quite a few memoirs about mental health issues, but never have I read one which was so brutally honest. It takes a LOT for a person to talk about really personal and painful things like Christine reveals in her book. And she does so with pure honesty which I'm sure was very difficult for her. But by being so honest, it humanized her and reminded me that as outrageous as some of the things she did were, she is a person suffering from a disease. Knowing how far Christine has come and how she chooses to live her life today, I feel it's an incredible gift that she gives back to everyone who reads her book.
October 24, 2013
I recently met Christine through my place of work. I have enjoyed talking with her and getting to know her. When I learned she had written a book about her life, I was excited to read it. I finished it in a 24hour time frame. It was a great read and there is some truth in the statement "truth is stranger than fiction." Thank you Christine for sharing your story. I hope everyone who reads it comes away with a bit more knowledge on how bipolar disorder impacts not only the person with the diagnosis, but also the people around them.
July 30, 2016
Read in 3 days
I started this book, displeased the quirky editing "who would've thought?" Or other etc. after a few Kindle "pages" I couldn't put it down. I read it in 3 days. I caught myself judging the author! That's illegal, you can't do that. You shouldn't do that, all that money. Then I kept reading it. Bipolar is a real condition, and this is a personal account. She spent years in prison for what she did. And she tells it like it is. Don't let the slow start stop you from this book. It will be a very memorable book and I have already suggested it to a few people.
I started this book, displeased the quirky editing "who would've thought?" Or other etc. after a few Kindle "pages" I couldn't put it down. I read it in 3 days. I caught myself judging the author! That's illegal, you can't do that. You shouldn't do that, all that money. Then I kept reading it. Bipolar is a real condition, and this is a personal account. She spent years in prison for what she did. And she tells it like it is. Don't let the slow start stop you from this book. It will be a very memorable book and I have already suggested it to a few people.
November 15, 2013
I have been attempting to write my own story of living with Manic Depression for awhile now. I congratulate Christine and everyone else dealing with the disorder who wrote their personal struggle. It is important that we remain vocal and open. This will help us all tremendously. Thanks again, Christine, for not only letting us all into your life, but by encouraging others, including myself, to do the same.
February 2, 2015
Before I even started this book I was drawn to it just by the title 'Forever Different'. My first thought, as a Bipolar sufferer myself, was 'someone else gets it'. I was right. Even though this story is so much different from mine, there are many similarities. I could plainly see the highs and lows in her life; the symptoms and characteristics of Bipolar Disorder. It's a great read. It not only shows a great example of a life with Bipolar, it is also an exciting story.
June 12, 2015
I couldn't put the book down, it is definitely a page turner. As someone who also has bipolar 1 disorder I found it very captivating. I admire Christine for her bravery and her continued support to fight the stigma.
October 31, 2013
Enjoyable quick read.
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October 12, 2013my fav client in counseling luv 2 win/read this book
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September 8, 2014I won't be reading anymore of this book to support the author after reading a trusted persons comment on Amazon.com. I googled, and not supporting this.
August 31, 2014
A very honest and real memoir. She may only be young but she has lived a long life.
January 1, 2015
Forever different
Amazing read ! Especially if you suffer from bipolar or love someone with the illness. I could relate to her story
Amazing read ! Especially if you suffer from bipolar or love someone with the illness. I could relate to her story
December 29, 2014
Good
Love the book!! Well written. Made younger all the pain,sorrow, aggravation and frustration of a person afflicted with being bipolar
Love the book!! Well written. Made younger all the pain,sorrow, aggravation and frustration of a person afflicted with being bipolar
October 8, 2015
I thought the author was brave to have put all of that out there. It was an amazing book and I certainly recommend it to everyone who suffers from a mental illness.
September 4, 2015
Engaging, relatable, a brilliant read.
August 18, 2015
A kindred soul
Having bipolar 1 it's always interesting to hear someone else's story. In so many places I could relate to her mania to her struggles and know I'm not alone
Having bipolar 1 it's always interesting to hear someone else's story. In so many places I could relate to her mania to her struggles and know I'm not alone
August 18, 2015
I couldn't put it down. I feel like what was described could have happened to anyone and I could relate.
August 30, 2015
Great book!! Could not put it down, after many years of thinking I was alone with this illness reading has really upon path to understanding that im not alone
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August 29, 2018An honest and real good book!
I thinkbthis book was really interesting. I've heard a lot about of bipolar disease but never really understand the maniac part before reading this. It's an honest memoir and you can not say anything else than that Christine is really smart and high educated. Unfortunately she had bad luck and did some stupid economy crimes, mostly because the opportunity was there and her maniac didn't had the stop button the most people have. She seems to me like a girl with the heart in the right place and is she had taken medication when she was diagnosed as Bipolar her life might have been different.
I thinkbthis book was really interesting. I've heard a lot about of bipolar disease but never really understand the maniac part before reading this. It's an honest memoir and you can not say anything else than that Christine is really smart and high educated. Unfortunately she had bad luck and did some stupid economy crimes, mostly because the opportunity was there and her maniac didn't had the stop button the most people have. She seems to me like a girl with the heart in the right place and is she had taken medication when she was diagnosed as Bipolar her life might have been different.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews