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You Don't Know Crazy: My Life Before, During, After, Above and Beyond Mental Illness
In You Don’t Know Crazy, Wambui Bahati shares her incredible journey through mental illness, self-discovery, and survival. Born and raised in the segregated South, Wambui details her struggles with bipolar disorder, homelessness, and the stigma of mental illness. From a Broadway star to a welfare mom, she faced unimaginable hardships, but through determination and faith, she found her way back to a life filled with purpose and peace. This deeply personal and inspirational memoir touches on self-esteem, courage, and the importance of reclaiming your life, offering readers hope and insight into mental health recovery. (Revised Edition)
321 pages, Hardcover
Published December 17, 2024
About the author
Wambui Bahati
8 books6 followersWambui Bahati is an inspirational and motivational speaker, author and entertainer. She began her formal theatrical studies at New York University School of the Arts and made her professional theatrical debut in "Godspell" at Ford's Theater in Washington, D.C. She went on to perform in the Broadway productions of "Godspell" and "Jesus Christ Superstar".
Wambui's regional and touring credits include starring roles in "The Magic Show", Joseph Papp's rock version of "Two Gentlemen of Verona", "Little Ham", "Nunsense", "Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope", "Gone With the Wind" –the musical, "The Wiz" and "Crowns".
Wambui wrote, produced and stars in the one-woman musicals "Balancing Act" (about how mental illness interrupted her life) and "I Am Domestic Violence". Both of these shows have received national acclaim for the unique way that they provide outstanding entertainment while dealing with important issues in our communities.
She has written and performed custom presentations for organizations such as NOW (National Organization for Women), Habitat for Humanity, and the Carter Center.
Some of her awards include a Woman of Achievement Award from the Greensboro Commission on the Status of Women, a Belle Ringer Image Award from Bennett College, the Lionel Aldridge Award (a national honor recognizing individuals who provide extraordinary service and courage on behalf of people with mental illnesses), the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, North Carolina's President's Award, and a proclamation from the mayor of the city of Toledo, Ohio.
Named John Ann Washington at birth, Wambui Bahati is her new legal name taken on during the "reinvention of herself." In Swahili Wambui means "singer of songs," Bahati means, "my fortune is good." The native North Carolinian lives in New York City and is the proud mother of two adult daughters.
Wambui's regional and touring credits include starring roles in "The Magic Show", Joseph Papp's rock version of "Two Gentlemen of Verona", "Little Ham", "Nunsense", "Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope", "Gone With the Wind" –the musical, "The Wiz" and "Crowns".
Wambui wrote, produced and stars in the one-woman musicals "Balancing Act" (about how mental illness interrupted her life) and "I Am Domestic Violence". Both of these shows have received national acclaim for the unique way that they provide outstanding entertainment while dealing with important issues in our communities.
She has written and performed custom presentations for organizations such as NOW (National Organization for Women), Habitat for Humanity, and the Carter Center.
Some of her awards include a Woman of Achievement Award from the Greensboro Commission on the Status of Women, a Belle Ringer Image Award from Bennett College, the Lionel Aldridge Award (a national honor recognizing individuals who provide extraordinary service and courage on behalf of people with mental illnesses), the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, North Carolina's President's Award, and a proclamation from the mayor of the city of Toledo, Ohio.
Named John Ann Washington at birth, Wambui Bahati is her new legal name taken on during the "reinvention of herself." In Swahili Wambui means "singer of songs," Bahati means, "my fortune is good." The native North Carolinian lives in New York City and is the proud mother of two adult daughters.
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February 18, 2025
Inspiration
This is a story about a woman's struggles with depression and the challenges she faces in life. It is a difficult battle, but she finds ways to persevere. A powerful narrative of a black woman's personal journey, this memoir explores themes of self-worth, bravery, and the significance of taking control of your own life. Through her experiences, readers can find hope and gain understanding of mental health recovery. Ultimately, she discovers healing and joy through the power of laughter.
This is a story about a woman's struggles with depression and the challenges she faces in life. It is a difficult battle, but she finds ways to persevere. A powerful narrative of a black woman's personal journey, this memoir explores themes of self-worth, bravery, and the significance of taking control of your own life. Through her experiences, readers can find hope and gain understanding of mental health recovery. Ultimately, she discovers healing and joy through the power of laughter.
Displaying 1 of 1 review