Memoir of a Mangled Mind: How Concealing My Dissociative Identity Disorder Unleashed Multiple Personalities

by Steven Simmons Shelton

Recognized by 30 literary award contests:

✅ *GRAND PRIZE WINNER* 2024-2025 Reader Views Reviewer Choice Awards (Overall Non-Fiction)
✅ *CATEGORY FINALIST* 2025 Eric Hoffer Book Awards
✅ *FINALIST* 2025 International Book Awards
✅ *THIRD PLACE* 2025 Outstanding Creator Awards (Best Non-Fiction Book of Spring 2025)
✅ *QUARTERFINALIST* 2024 Publisher Weekly’s BookLife Prize (Memoir)
✅ *FINALIST* 2024 The Wishing Shelf Book Awards (Non-Fiction Books for Adults)
✅ *WINNER* Spring 2025 The Bookfest Awards, 1st Place, LGBTQ+ Nonfiction
✅ *WINNER* 2024 The Incipere Awards (First Place, Memoir)
✅ *2025 B.R.A.G. Medallion Recipient*
✅ *GOLD AWARD WINNER* 2024-2025 Reader Views Reviewer Choice Awards (Body/Mind/Spirit)
✅ *WINNER* 2025 International Impact Book Award (Memoir—Transformative Stories)
✅ *WINNER* 2025 Literary Titan Book Award ★★★★★
✅ *WINNER* 2024 Firebird Book Award Winner (Mental Health)
✅ *WINNER* 2024 Firebird Book Award Winner (LGBTQ Non-Fiction)
✅ *WINNER* 2024 Firebird Book Award Winner (Non-Fiction Book Cover Design)
✅ *WINNER* 2024 Literary Global Book Award Winner (Psychology & Mental Illness)
✅ *WINNER* 2024 Literary Global Book Award Winner (LGBTQ)
✅ *WINNER* 2024 Literary Global Book Award Finalist (Memoir)
✅ *WINNER* 2024 NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award (Best Book in Memoir)
✅ *SECOND PLACE* 2025 Outstanding Creator Awards (Autobiographies/Memoirs)
✅ *SECOND PLACE* 2025 Outstanding Creator Awards (Mental Health/Mental Illness/Mental Disorders)
✅ *THIRD PLACE* 2025 Outstanding Creator Awards (LGBTQ+)
✅ *THIRD PLACE* Spring 2025 The Bookfest Awards, Memoir - Transformational
✅ *SILVER AWARD WINNER* 2024-2025 Reader Views Reviewer Choice Awards (Memoir/Autobiography/Biography)
✅ *FINALIST* 2024 SPR Awards (Self-Publishing Review)
✅ *FINALIST* 2024 Indies Today Award (Memoir)
✅ *TOP 10 FINALIST* 2025 The Under Covers Writing Contest (Non-Fiction Book)
✅ *RUNNER-UP* 2025 Southern California Book Festival Award (Memoir)
✅ *3RD PLACE WINNER* 2024 BooksShelf Writing Award (Nonfiction)
✅ *BRONZE AWARD WINNER* 2024 Global Book Award (LGBT)


Steven Simmons Shelton’s award-winning debut is a raw, first-person account of dissociative identity disorder (DID)—once called multiple personality disorder—in which his psyche fractured during childhood trauma, leaving him to fend against alternative personalities who pursued their own lives.

Written like a psychological thriller, Shelton’s Memoir of a Mangled Mind holds nothing back in its unflinching portrayal of a misunderstood mental disorder that, in his case, endangered himself and everyone around him.

About Memoir of a Mangled Mind:
Blackouts take over Steve’s life when he’s age sixteen. He loses hours, days, and weeks at a time. Terrified he’ll be institutionalized or disbelieved, Steve doesn’t tell anyone.

He discovers he has multiple personalities, a mental disorder that developed years earlier when sexual predators targeted him. Originally created as a protective mechanism, these “alters” hijack his consciousness to live their own lives—one as a thief and the other as a gay prostitute.

By refusing to tell anyone of his condition or seek proper mental health treatment, Steve grants his doppelgangers free rein to drag him down the paths of crime and debauchery.

To maintain his freedom and reputation, Steve discards his ethical compass in order to conceal his alters’ criminal activities—even after becoming an attorney at one of the world’s premier litigation firms.

This deeply personal memoir lays bare Steve’s childhood sexual assaults and the poor judgment he exercises to hide his mental disorder caused by the trauma.

How will he navigate the road to redemption?

Genres: Memoir, Mental Health, Nonfiction, LGBT

406 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2024

Reviews

[Darya Silman · Rating 4 out of 5]

If somebody asked me what the most heart-breaking book I read this year, I would choose MEMOIR OF A MANGLED MIND: HOW CONCEALING MY DISSOCIATIVE IDENTITY DISORDER UNLEASHED MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES by Steven Simmons Shelton.

The most striking difference this memoir has with other books on mental health is the author's position on himself: that somehow he, after turning 18, bears the whole responsibility for his mental well-being. Dismiss: adults who used his vulnerability physically and emotionally. Ignore: low self-esteem and distorted sense of love after years of sexual abuse. Forget: a therapist who avoided his self-diagnosis of DID. The magical number 18 also nullified the failure of the grown-ups, responsible for the author's well-being, to help him during his childhood and teenage years. In the memoir, I saw a lost, disoriented child. My heart broke multiple times for that child: raped by men (sometimes multiple men at a time), ignored by his parents, and bullied at school. A woman walks in on her 4-year-old son being molested by a male babysitter - and pretends it never happened. How?! How could she not see the signs that her son had been constantly raped by two older boys for two years?! The first thing she told her adult son when the son's boyfriend left was, "I told you all men leave." The author's only supportive adults were his aunt and uncle, yet even they knew nothing - or pretended not to notice - how miserable their nephew's life was. Adults failed little Steven, and when he turned 18, his trauma didn't disappear on a whim.

I can't fathom how much courage it took to re-live such a horrible life experience and finish the memoir.

I can't recommend MEMOIR OF A MANGLED MIND to any 'normal' person ('normal' in quotes because, as my therapist says, there are no normal people, we all just pretend to cope with reality). Any sane individual will stop reading the book after the first pages. At the same time, I'd highly recommend it for reading to see the inner workings of the mind, haunted by DID, and maybe, recognize the signs of DID and help an abused child before it's too late.

I received an advance review copy from Netgalley, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[annie cusack · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was like nothing I have ever read before. As someone with higher education in both psychology and neuroscience, I found this author’s story to be courageous and invaluable. A very interesting, heart-wrenching, thought-churning read.

Thank you Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for a free ARC of this book.

[Dea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advance reader's copy of this memoir in exchange for my honest review.

Wow, to say that this was difficult to read is an understatement. Steven Shelton retells his lifetime of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse from classmates, friends, family members, and even a neighbor, starting at the age of four and going well into his adulthood. Even throughout these incredibly challenging experiences and spiraling mental health, Steven is remarkably bright, driven, and successful at almost every stage of his life, from athletics and debate to a competitive career in law.

"Part of me wished I had a brain tumor, something I could understand."

Above all, this book touches on very important aspects and barriers to getting help for severe mental illness. With the threat of judgment, rejection, confusion, and, worst of all, disbelief from others, Steven, like so many, kept his trauma-induced dissociative identity disorder a secret for as long as he could. Unexpectantly, a serious consequence during one of his blackouts ended up being the thing he needed to turn his life around.

Had the adults in his life protected him as a child, this 40-year spiral of mental illness might have been entirely prevented. My heart goes out to him and the millions of other children raised in chaos, neglect, and abuse.

"..of the many things I wish for you, mercy is nowhere to be found."

[Kathleen Riggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memoirs of a mangled. Mind by Steve. Simmons Shelton is a very raw Memoir which details the authors battle with dissociative identity disorder (DID). Shelton recounts that as a response from childhood abuse, he had to navigate life with multiple personalities and how he moves from childhood into adulthood becoming a lawyer. This book is professionally written with raw emotions, and empathy as you read how living with D.I.D. and the disturbing stories of not only child abuse but bullying and parents who ignore him.
Shelton did not seek help but tried to hide his disorder from everybody. He gets into trouble with the police and loses a lot of time but eventually everything comes to a halt when he is faced with police and guns pointed at him whilst doing a bank robbery which he reckons is due to one of his personality’s. A remarkable book on Mental illness which is dark and terrifying for many individuals who suffer with this disorder. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Danelle✍🏽 Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting and impossible to put down, Memoir of a Mangled Mind is an absorbing read from the very first page. Despite Steve’s horrendous experiences with sexual assault, his sparkling personality shines through in Memoir of a Mangled Mind. Steve is sweet and adorable, and his masterful ability to reel the reader in with superb narrative skills was greatly appreciated. I will definitely appreciate seeing Steven publish more works whether in the same genre or fiction. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at times; Steve’s sarcasm and dry sense of humor were a nice reprieve from the book’s darkness. I can’t imagine how Steven survived the trauma he was subjected to continuously from the tender age of four.

With the many betrayals from his mother and the neglect he suffered on top of being bullied for being gay, it is no wonder he tried taking his own life on multiple occasions which surprisingly kept being saved by his alters. I loved Steve’s resilient nature and stubbornness to not give up and prove his naysayers wrong; it is inspiring. I cannot imagine the overwhelming stress Steven experienced; having to go through the trauma alone for years and still being able to lead a relatively normal life is astounding. I am grateful to Steven for writing the compelling and touching Memoir of a Mangled Mind. I learned so much regarding the disorder and wish Steven nothing but the best in his future endeavors.

*I received an arc from Netgalley.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t want to say that I enjoyed this book, but it was difficult to put down because I was interested throughout. The time jumps were understandable and I felt myself going through the emotions with the author. I would recommend this to people with an interest in psychology like myself, or even those who don’t.

[kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. This book is a WILD ride.

Simmons divulges his long history with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and its origins in his most formative years, a time when he was abused, neglected, and regularly sexually assaulted. It's written in such a way that it feels like we're time traveling through journal entries. Trigger warnings aside, book is not for the faint of heart.

Simply put, I didn't know how much I didn't know. DID is so hard to comprehend and imagine as someone that doesn't struggle with it, and Steve's experiences truly terrified me. The level of literal self sabotage escalated so exponentially and he wasn't even privy to it, having instead to piece it together like a detective. Sadly, while Steve often blamed himself for not seeking help sooner, I don't know how much good it would have actually done. His fears of being "thrown into the loony bin" weren't unfounded. And when he did finally trust the system enough to help him, it let him down substantially. ("Take an [unpaid] mental health month." 🥲 Sure, thanks.)

I'd heard from someone else recently that their experience with DID is like being on a bus, you're not always driving the bus, but you're there and following along for the ride. That is apparently not the case for everyone. I hope Steve has found the peace he deserves.

**I received my copy from Netgalley.

[Literary Titan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memoir of a Mangled Mind, by Steven Simmons Shelton MA, JD, delivers an unflinching account of a childhood marked by abuse and the complex struggles that followed into adulthood. With stark honesty and vivid detail, the author recounts his journey through a broken home, exposure to abusive adults, and the lasting trauma that shaped his life. The narrative delves into the challenges of living with dissociative identity disorder, a condition that brings with it blackouts, multiple personalities, and emotional turmoil. Amid guilt from theft and prostitution, Steven sought to anchor himself in normalcy through education and a promising career at a prestigious law firm. His life, however, remained a chaotic whirlwind of love, heartbreak, career highs, and the relentless unpredictability of his condition. The burning question persists: Does Steven find redemption in the end?

Simmons' masterful storytelling draws readers into the psychological depths of his experiences, creating a gripping and immersive read. The interplay between his core self and the distinct personalities he describes in third person is strikingly vivid. Each personality’s exploits infuse the story with suspense, as Steven pieces together fragmented memories of blackouts and grapples with the fallout of their actions. These moments range from the shocking discovery of ill-gotten wealth to the sobering consequences of reckless behaviors, such as fraudulent schemes and high-risk sexual encounters. His raw introspection offers a rare window into the disorienting realities of dissociative identity disorder.

The themes of Memoir of a Mangled Mind are unflinchingly mature, tackling sensitive issues with a boldness that demands emotional engagement from the reader. The narrative doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of predatory abuse or the devastating repercussions of untreated mental illness. These weighty topics are handled with sincerity and gravity, ensuring a deeply evocative experience. The antagonistic forces in the book—both external predators and Steven’s uncontrollable alter egos—provoke anger, empathy, and a profound sense of connection with the protagonist’s plight. Amid the turbulence, Steven’s resilience and drive shine through. Despite the immense challenges of his youth, he excelled academically and carved a path to success. His grit extended to personal endeavors, such as learning tennis to overcome ridicule on the court and competing against formidable players. These victories, though hard-won, underscore his determination to reclaim control over his life.

Memoir of a Mangled Mind is a fast-paced, poignant exploration of mental illness and the enduring scars of childhood abuse. Its compelling narrative sheds light on the importance of compassion, the danger of quick judgments, and the profound impact of trauma on the human psyche. With suspense-filled chapters and unforgettable anecdotes, this book is a page-turner that leaves readers enlightened and moved. Don’t miss this powerful memoir—it’s a story that stays with you long after the final page.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memoir of a Mangled Mind by Steven Simmons Shelton, MA, JD is one of the most heart-wrenching and courageous memoirs I have encountered. If someone asked me what the most emotionally impactful book I read this year was, I wouldn’t hesitate to name this one.

Shelton's recounting of his journey through life with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is raw and unflinchingly honest, exposing a lifetime of unimaginable abuse, neglect, and survival. From the outset, the narrative plunges readers into the harsh realities of a child enduring years of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse—realities so harrowing they are difficult to process. Yet, through this chaos, Shelton masterfully illustrates how these experiences fractured his sense of self and shaped his disorder.

What sets this memoir apart is its unrelenting self-awareness. Shelton doesn't absolve himself of the consequences of his actions as an adult, but he also doesn’t shy away from exposing the catastrophic failures of the adults in his life who were supposed to protect him. From parents who ignored glaring signs of abuse to a mental health system ill-equipped to support someone like him, the memoir reveals a haunting picture of a child lost in a world of indifference and neglect.

Shelton’s storytelling is both vivid and accessible, giving readers a window into the fragmented, tumultuous experience of living with DID. The "other personalities" he describes feel less like fictional constructs and more like manifestations of the survival mechanisms that allowed him to endure years of suffering. The moments of blackouts, self-sabotage, and piecing together events as though solving a mystery highlight just how disorienting and exhausting this disorder can be.

Though incredibly difficult to read, Memoir of a Mangled Mind is essential for anyone seeking to understand the lasting impact of childhood trauma and the intricacies of DID. Shelton’s bravery in reliving and sharing his story is remarkable, and the memoir stands as a testament to resilience and the ongoing pursuit of healing.

I would highly recommend this book to readers with an interest in psychology, mental health, or trauma—especially those who want to better recognize the signs of abuse and advocate for those who cannot yet advocate for themselves. However, a strong content warning must be issued: this book is not for the faint of heart. It is emotionally intense, deeply upsetting, and, ultimately, an invaluable contribution to the literature on mental illness and survival.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this advance copy. My review is offered freely and with gratitude for Shelton's openness and courage.

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard enough getting to know oneself. Getting to know several selves presents challenges beyond what even Delphic wisdom can address. Steven Shelton has faced this problem from a young age, a company of two alternate personalities sharing his body that don’t talk to him and never explain themselves.

But worse, they don’t conduct themselves within legal limits. With the result that countless times Shelton has awakened from a dissociative episode to a dangerous mess created by one or the other of his personalities, ignorant of its genesis, and mystified how to fix it. “Memoir of a Mangled Mind: How Concealing My Dissociative Identity Disorder Unleashed Multiple Personalities” by Steven Simmons Shelton MA, JD is his story.

It’s called Dissociative Identity Disorder, though it used to be called Multiple Personality Disorder, and reading Shelton it becomes obvious that it’s hell no matter what you call it. At the end of this book, you’ll thank heaven you have only one personality to manage.

Shelton never shies from the lurid details of his long battle with the disorder. His book is a page-turner of gay rapes, grim assignations, violent arguments, beatings, cruising bars, petty burglaries, and even bank robberies — all brought to the author courtesy of his alternate personalities, and most of them just as mysterious to the writer as to the reader.

The author can only guess why these disasters happened or who caused them, though after long experience he comes to understand his “alters” better and even learns their names: Wayne, the “sex-starved man-slut” and Mark, the violent reprobate. And he comes to understand what motivates them and even calls on them occasionally for help.

With this volatile cast in tow, we follow the author through his childhood and up through a career as a MacDonald’s worker, PR factotum, and eventually lawyer, through romance and heartbreak, neglect from his parents, many moves across the country, and turmoil in his employment. His alters are never far out of the picture and always ready to make trouble.

Shelton chose to self-publish this book and it’s easy to see why. The content is not polite, the debasement is detailed and extensive, and probably few book publishers would recognize in it a redeeming social story.

Yet for all that, Steven Simmons Shelton’s “Memoir of a Mangled Mind” admirably describes one of the lesser-known corners of the human condition, describing it thrillingly. His book is fascinating. As estranged as his alternate personalities might be, Shelton is never strange to his readers and tells a harrowing story bravely. For that, he deserves to be read.

[Heather Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here’s a short summary

Memoir of a Mangled Mind: How Concealing My Dissociative Identity Disorder Unleashed Multiple Personalities by Steven Simmons Shelton is a raw, deeply personal exploration of life with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). The memoir unveils the author’s journey of navigating trauma, masking his condition, and ultimately embracing the complexity of his identity. Shelton’s story sheds light on the challenges of living with a fractured mind while offering hope and empowerment to others who have endured similar struggles. It’s a compelling testament to the human spirit’s resilience and the power of self-acceptance.

Here’s my overall review

As someone who has experienced trauma and lives with DID, Memoir of a Mangled Mind resonated with me on a profound level and had me crying and few times over the relatability. Steven’s honesty and vulnerability made me feel seen in ways I never thought possible. His ability to articulate the often confusing and isolating experience of DID is nothing short of remarkable.

From the very first page, I felt an undeniable connection to Steven’s story. He paints an unflinching portrait of what it’s like to live with hidden parts of oneself, and I was moved by his courage in confronting the stigma surrounding mental health. The book balances raw honesty with moments of hope, humor, and self-discovery, offering a multidimensional perspective on living with DID.

What truly stands out is how Steven captures the complexities of trauma and its ripple effects. He doesn’t sugarcoat the pain or the struggles, but he also doesn’t let them define the narrative. Instead, he weaves in moments of strength, growth, and the sheer determination to heal, which felt like a lifeline for me as a reader.

This memoir reminded me that I’m not alone in my journey. Steven’s story is a beacon for anyone navigating their own mental health struggles, particularly those with a trauma history. It’s inspiring, validating, and ultimately hopeful.

If you’re looking for a book that’s both raw and uplifting, Memoir of a Mangled Mind is a must-read. Steven’s words are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and his journey reminds us that healing is possible—even when the road is messy and nonlinear.

[Jerome Lafayette · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first learned about the release of a memoir from a person living with DID (fka Multiple Personality Disorder), my anxiety immediately imprisoned me. I also live with a threesome in my head: autism, adhd, and an identity presentation disorder, and the experiences can be curdling for me.

My thoughts jumped to the amazing amount of courage it takes for one to splay open their brain-ed “lives” for all to see. I take most things for granted that neurotypicals go through, and I miss out on so much of life’s obvious moments. I could only imagine what this protagonist lives with each day. My anxiety was well placed as it lasted the entirety of the two months it took for me to read this through.

Mr. Shelton Simmons places it all out there on a butcher’s block; the ungloriousness of his full on threesome and the uncontrolled havoc the reaped in his life.

There were times I anticipated what was heading my way and wanted to jump through the pages to save him before they happened. I also identified with many elements and moments shared as his life veered off the map and the guardrails that were supposed to be in place, weren’t.

The protagonist paid to the tolls a hefty cost. He dared to love, to construct a life and crash through life in spite of the roommates plaguing his mind.


I may never contextualize another human being in the same way again upon reading this account. The only question I have is how in the world did any agent turn this work down? In a world where fantasy, deviant sex, and sheer debauchery are facsimiled, how could one pass on the breathing experience?

Get this work to film ASAP. The world needs to understand itself in all of its splendid splintering.

Kudos to you Mr. Simmons Shelton, and I hope that you are one day awarded a civilian medal of courage.

[R Thomson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memoir of a Mangled Mind is a brutally honest account of a man's struggle for survival through a lifetime of trauma, accompanied by two alters, originally as Multiple Personality Disorder and later Dissociative Identity Disorder. 

This book moved in three distinct parts to me, all of which kept the story engaging and moving forwards, while learning a unique perspective from someone with DID. The first part of phase goes through childhood, jumping around as we piece together the traumas of Steve's younger years and his growing understanding of his blackouts and what MPD is. 

The second we enter Steve's adolescence where the traumas continue, interwoven with topical moments from his teen years. And finally there's the years where he takes a brutal look at his life, realises running isn't working, and takes a massive learning curve which finally includes engaging a psychiatrist who can help him. I won't expand further for spoilery reasons!

During all of these phases, life and prospects become increasingly dire as Steve's alters become more desperate. It's raw and hard to read and I got out of it exactly what I'd hoped for in engaging with such a story: empathy and compassion for a situation far out of my scope of worldview. I am so grateful to Steve for telling his story, particularly the later parts which got ROUGH, and allowing others to empathise, understand, and hopefully find comfort and recognition in their own mental illness battles. 

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir hooked me from the introduction. It’s fast paced and very well laid out with the author’s current dilemmas, interspersed with well-pitched chapters that go back and forward in time.
Showing snippets of his earlier life, bodes well with the ‘older’ version of the writer as it gives the reader an insight into possible causes of the disorder he develops in childhood. By laying out the story this way, kept me wanting to read on and to know what happened next. The author cleverly writes as he would have spoken at a younger age and the narrative progressively deepens as he grows older.
The author tells his story with honesty and the reader can feel the emotion punch of each dire situation he faces through life. Regardless of the situations he found himself facing, he takes full ownership for his actions. As the reader, this left me with admiration and respect for his brutal honestly and sharing his innermost secrets with the reader.
There is sadness mixed with the writer’s great sense of humour and wit. I can’t believe that being drunk is a triable offence in the state in question! The way the author was treated by his parents is irreprehensible, but his strength and courage shine through.
This is a very well written memoir and although it covers dark topics, it kept me engaged throughout. I’m pleased to see the author has achieved several notable awards for his work.

[Book Nerdection · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memoir of a Mangled Mind by Shelton is a thrilling and empathetic look at life with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Pulled directly from the hip, brutal honesty about trauma confronts the reader, intermixed with resilient and human moments. The fragmented narrative echoes that of DID, immersing the reader in a disorientating yet compelling journey through Steven’s mind.

What makes this memoir stand out is its honesty and vulnerability. Shelton’s ability to express his pain and confusion from the disorder ranges from heartbreaking to enlightening. Sometimes, the story’s heavy details make the reading quite heavy, but these moments are important to understand in depth. To most people, it will serve both as an educational read about DID and as a testament to the strength required to live through and manage the disorder.

Though emotionally challenging, Memoir of a Mangled Mind ought to be an indispensable read for anyone in pursuit of understanding the complication factor of mental health disorders. The call for compassion and awareness makes it a vital contribution toward the continuous discourses related to mental illness and trauma.

Reviewed By Dena

[Liz Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am grateful to have received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was a heartbreaking read, addressing topics including but not limited to child abuse, rape, and dissociation, that may cause the reader to deeply sympathize or empathize with the author, and could also trigger or activate the reader. I applaud the author for having the courage to share his story, including elements of his story that the readers may not support. The writing is clear and to the point, and a style that caused me to not be as connected to the author as I would like to be, however this did not take away from the informative, insightful, and vulnerable stories Steve Simmons Shelton shares. This memoir will teach the reader a lot about the dark, confusing, terrifying, and exhausting experiences of some individuals who experience Dissociative Identity Disorder, and therefore, is an immensely valuable memoir to offer the world.

[Gladys Nakote · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memoir of a Mangled Mind by Steven Simmons Shelton, MA, JD, does the most wonderful job of portraying what it is like to have Dissociative Identity Disorder. The author does not transform his experiences into some exaggerated event but rather shares with readers real-life stories of what he was going through when he felt low, guilty, and scared. 
 
How the author describes his other personalities, it seems as if they are more like natural aspects of personality rather than some sort of imaginary construct, which allows the readers to get a glimpse of just how convoluted this disorder truly is.
 
The font size also used is appropriate; the layout just enhances easy reading without the need to strain by having to adjust one's eyes and good spacing, which enables the reader to concentrate on the story. 
 
Such readers as fans of memoirs that depict the author’s struggles and victories in the fight against mental disorders would appreciate it.

It’s also a great read for anyone who wants to get a closer look at Dissociative Identity Disorder or even the hardships of having to deal with trauma.
 
The writing of the author is passionate and realistic. His narrations are detailed, and the truth behind his narration makes the whole story believable. 
 
I highly recommend this memoir to readers who like to read a powerful personal story about trauma and identity. It will make a lasting impression.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Memoir of a Mangled Mind* by Steven Simmons Shelton is a visceral dive into mental health, identity, and what it’s like to be human. Shelton's writing is candid and raw, a blend of short-story like moments and a revealing look at human nature..

The author doesn’t shy away from the darker, messier aspects of mental illness, but there’s a sense of light-at-the-end of the tunnel. It’s not a typical "inspirational" memoir, but a more genuine look at how difficult things can be … or often terrifying. I think that readers may appreciate the author candor.

This book is a journey. The author teases out reality from within a web of mental health issues. If you can read through the darkness this is so worth it..

[Adri Holt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This memoir is not for the faint of heart. While I am not in any kind of medical field, I’ve heard that Dissociative Identity Disorder or Multiple Personality Disorder, can be caused by trauma when very young. The author speaks of multiple occurrences of molestation and rape throughout his life. He switches from younger childhood memories back to his teenage and adult years that correlate with one another. I agree with his overall message of telling the story of his life to encourage others that may be struggling with different kinds of mental illness to hopefully make smarter decisions and find treatment sooner than he did. However, I really did struggle to get through this one because of so much heartache and hurt that occurs to Steven. If you are battling with past traumas such as sexual or domestic abuse, I unfortunately advise not to read. You are not alone and you matter.

Merged review:

This memoir is not for the faint of heart. While I am not in any kind of medical field, I’ve heard that Dissociative Identity Disorder or Multiple Personality Disorder, can be caused by trauma when very young. The author speaks of multiple occurrences of molestation and rape throughout his life. He switches from younger childhood memories back to his teenage and adult years that correlate with one another. I agree with his overall message of telling the story of his life to encourage others that may be struggling with different kinds of mental illness to hopefully make smarter decisions and find treatment sooner than he did. However, I really did struggle to get through this one because of so much heartache and hurt that occurs to Steven. If you are battling with past traumas such as sexual or domestic abuse, I unfortunately advise not to read. You are not alone and you matter.

#ThxNetGalley #StevenSimmonsShelton #MemoirofaMangledMind

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steven has captured so much in so few words. His experience brings to the front the fragility of the human mind when subjected to abuse in all forms and bullying. Heartbreaking is the mildest term for such an experience. Multiple personality disorder takes away so much from an individual and this is brought home with Steven's personal experiences, from family as well as society. This book is a tearing apart of one person and can be learned from as well as other books. The clarity of Steven's mental process takes this study one step further into the paranoia.

I received an advanced copy from the author to review this book voluntarily.

[Lil Bookish Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most heart breaking yet informative book I’ve read in a while!

Serious TW: sexual assault, child neglect, abuse, rape, sexual assault of a minor alcoholism and blackouts.

We follow Steve and his alters as he try’s to hide his disorder and live a normal life. You can feel the fear and uncertainty of his young self. I’m horrified at the decisions made by his family the treatment this man received. While this was an extremely challenging book to read it helped me understand what people with Dissociative identity disorder experienced.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sierra Kingen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know what to say about this book except thank you. I could not put this book down and...I have a mental health disorder extremely similar to DID and this book has given me the courage to accept my alters and to continue therapy.

You have truly opened my eyes and made me feel seen and understood through your own hardships.

Thank you for you. All of you. Thank you for writing this book. For sharing your story.

I have Otherwise Specified Disassociative Disorder 1b and have a system of seven alters all together and I am so thankful to read a book about DID that is so honest, gritty, and honestly...entertaining. Thank you.

[Kathy Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself in tears more than once while reading the author’s account of prolonged abuse, and the repercussions that permeated his life as a result. Both compelling and heartbreaking, the book is nearly impossible to put down once you begin reading. Steven provides us with an honest, raw, and unflinching look into his life. As a survivor of childhood abuse, I cannot imagine how difficult it would be to lay myself bare and share details I want nothing more than to forget. I’m thankful for anyone willing to share their experiences and put themselves out there - knowing their story will make others feel less alone, and for me, less ashamed.

[Christine Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book and what a tough read. The author left everything on the table and shared his most intimate and painful experiences of childhood neglect, sexual abuse and how the mind melds to handle such trauma.

Though the reader could get pulled into the traumatic experience for what they are, the takeaway is so much bigger. The larger message is about the strength and resilience of the human spirit and its ability to heal and continue to find joy. Life is so much bigger than the collection of experiences, its how we choose to respond.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heartwrenching memoir that doesn't hold back punches. The perspective here is raw and true, making it a compulsive read that is hard to put down. If you like memoirs; this is a great one to read. There aren't a lot of memoirs about DID and Steven shares his life story with us in such a way the reader can feel all of his pain, shame, worry, and unawareness of his actions.

Thank you to Netgalley and Steven for sharing this story. It is available now!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He suffered badly from sexual abuse as a child and to keep him safe his mind will break into many other personalities. He becomes an attorney but he still hides it all. Two of his personalities will remain and he tries to deal with where they will take him. A brilliant read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and it was a very interesting read

[Zahava (pallor17reads on YouTube)]

No star rating for this one as it was a NetGalley ARC. Ultimately I just couldn't stay interested in this one. I think it has more to do with my mood than the writing. Or maybe I asked for the ARC when I didn't have the time to devote to it. Just need to clear it off my list at this point. No shade on the author or their story.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We proudly announce that MEMOIR OF A MANGLED MIND by Steven Simmons Shelton has been honored with the B.R.A.G. Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG. This award is a testament to this book's quality and the impact it has had on readers.

[Sam R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am speechless. Heart wrenching in so many ways. All of the horrible experiences the author went through is extremely shocking. How he overcame so much throughout his life is inspiring. It was amazing to hear his story and experiences of a person diagnosed with DID. There definitely needs to be more books that bring awareness to this mental health issue.

[Alan D.D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heavy, incredible story of hope and resilience among the destruction of everything you thought was real. The author has a solid style that takes you through the darkest, most desperate moments of his life because of his DID, how he tries to do what he thinks is best, and the effects this has in his life.