Undoing Crazy

by Colette D. Winlock

In her debut novel, Undoing Crazy, Colette Winlock has woven a uniquely American story. Her protagonist, Carla Sinclair, is the dutiful daughter of parents who migrated west in the 1940’s. Like thousands of African Americans who moved to Oakland, California during that time, they were searching for better. Now, in the late 1990s, Carla is a loyal friend and dedicated teacher struggling to understand what better might mean. Will knowing be enough to save her own life and make her stay? Undoing Crazy unfolds under the backdrop of Oakland's Lake Merritt where Carla's mind drifts so far away she's not sure if she can bring it back.

319 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2013

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you fix crazy?

This book had an integrating title and I was intrigued because I see so few books recommended that deal directly with the primary issues in the black community that are avoided like a plague. We do not discuss mental illness. Racism in education. Our history as a family. This book takes on all three and makes me smile, cry, frown, laugh, sit up straight and fall back in my chair. All in the same chapter.

This book is inspirational and grounding. I feel like there's so many things I learned about myself by reading about Cas, Dana, David, and all the people they know. Please. Read this book.

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, this book is so good. It is like a stream of consciousness where the narrator finally makes a breakthrough and is able to finally express her emotions while understanding where they came from. Every white person should read this book.

[Gemini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow and sad