TOO MUCH chronicles life on the brink—the brutal reality of military surgical residency, the toll of family dysfunction, and the harrowing battle for sanity—from navigating professional gaslighting and personal betrayal to confronting the depths of mental illness and addiction.
"An uncompromising probe into the medical industry fused with an honest account of mental illness." —Kirkus Reviews
Told with unflinching honesty and a physician's keen eye, TOO MUCH is Dr. Cindy Lee Neighbors' gripping story of fighting for integrity within the walls of Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu. From the frantic pace of its operating rooms to the chilling reality of a psychiatric ward overlooking a tropical paradise, Neighbors confronts her demons, unearths buried truths, and ultimately reclaims her voice.
Accolades and Praise for TOO MUCH:
2025 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist Memoir (Personal Struggle/Health) 2024-2025 Reader's Views Reviewer's Choice Humanities Gold Award Winner 2024-2025 Reader's Views Reviewer's Choice Memoir/Autobiography/Biography Finalist 2025 Readers' Favorite Honorable Mention (Non-Fiction—Social Issues) "She has a unique perspective on what it means to find self-discovery and resilience in the face of adversity...TOO MUCH chronicles her journey with what many might consider an unconventional approach." —Chicago Tribune "As a person who has experienced and watched a loved one deal with similar mental problems this book resonates deeply...we can find a way to survive what we think is unsurvivable." —Goodreads Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The book should be required reading for young people and if one never touches drugs as a result then Neighbors has been truly vindicated." —Reader Views ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Workplace bullying, gender discrimination and a culture of silence...a raw account of her experiences navigating mental health challenges during her time as a U.S. Army physician." —Midweek Hawaii, Honolulu Star Advertiser “Enlightening if not outright shocking...” —IndieReader “Razor-sharp.” —BookLife by Publishers Weekly “Books like TOO MUCH are essential as they give voice to experiences often stigmatized or ignored.” —LA Entertainment Weekly “Honest and vulnerable.” —NY Times Mag “A must-read.” —USA Today “A powerful story that will leave you questioning your own life.” —Readers’ Favorite ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
TOO MUCH is an inspiring and deeply personal account that will resonate with anyone who has felt overwhelmed, unheard, or struggled to find their authentic self amidst external pressures.
Born and raised in Hawaii, Cindy Lee Neighbors is a retired U.S. Army physician, author, and passionate advocate for mental health services and early education. She holds a Bachelor's in theatre from the University of Southern California and earned her medical degree with honors from the Uniformed Services University.
Her Otolaryngology residency included training at Tripler Army Medical Center, where she was nationally recognized for her research on reducing post-operative opioid prescriptions.
Cindy is the author of the memoir, TOO MUCH, and the poetry collection, LOVE BLEEDS BLOOD, both of which explore the nuances of mental health, love, and healing. Her mission is to inspire others to overcome adversity and find their voice through storytelling. She is also the author of the children's picture book, BENJI AND BRIANA BECOME BOOGER DOCTORS.
Interesting story, supposedly biographical. It was a heart breaking and thought provoking story. I was in the military medical community and I know there's lots of BS in both training programs and commands. I also know that women get crapped on in this culture-unless they're "putting out" and y'all know what i mean by that! It seems hard to believe that all this garbage could happen to one person and that the drug abuse and dependency that the author experienced was allowed to continue. Shrinks passing out those meds like candy is terrible and hard to comprehend. The whole tale boggles my mind.
I hope the author finds peace after having endured the torture... and it must have been torture... at the hands of her senior officers. I know it cannot be easy for her to think back on all the bullshit she went through. They ripped out her heart and tore down her self esteem. Shame on you Army medicine.
I really liked this memoir, and I read A LOT of memoirs as it is my favorite genre. This book emotionally grabbed me right from the start. As someone who spent some of my childhood years in Hawaii on the Naval Base there, I was immediately drawn to the story and I never looked back. I basically read the book in one sitting because I needed to know what happened and I was interested in the author's life I am glad that the author published the book despite her reservations about doing so and I hope that she is doing well in her life now.
The way this book starts out really drew me in. What could a licensed physician possibly be going through? Is she really crazy? I don’t think so, I think she’s real and honest and doesn’t sugarcoat life. Mental health issues exist, whether we talk about it or not and I think everyone has traumas. The experiences that she has gone through have made her who she is and she should be able to be her true self. It’s all so intriguing. Definitely check this one out if you are looking for something different to read.
I don't typically read indie memoir... I was selected as an ARC reader for this author's children's book debut, but I grabbed a copy of her memoir because I was curious and skimmed the reviews. I really think the book is genre-breaking in terms of blending and challenging conventional memoir. Kudos to her. Check out her debut children's book if you have kids! Dr. Neighbors is a powerhouse!!! I hope she goes on to do great things for the bookish community!
“Too Much” by Cindy Lee Neighbors is a memoir about a woman’s dreams of being a doctor becoming stillborn because of her progressive drug dysfunction. Beautiful and talented, she graduates from USC, aspiring to be an actress but when that ambition falters, she joins the Army for “free” medical school. Then problems crop up and begin to accumulate, made worse by bad choices trying to fix issues, which slows her progress until she falls behind her peers. Her friends advance toward becoming practicing doctors while she is held back by remediation protocols, probation, and suspensions, languishing for five years in the medical residency program.
The story opens on a Hawaiian beach, “a better place than jail or a psycho ward” she tells herself as she awaits her fate at the hands of the Army’s judicial system. On extended medical leave, she spends her days hiking the beach and at her computer during manic periods, sending emails and writing. She seriously considers suicide, but her medical knowledge of possible outcomes dissuades her. In a book replete with negatives, one positive stands out: a commander tells her to drop efforts to write a novel and instead “tell your story.” She has become a whistleblower and should tell about it.
This book is the result. But how did she get this way? When family crises erupt, the author uses flashbacks to fill in the backstory about drug use as a teenager. This began a pattern for every difficulty of life, becoming a familiar crutch, mixed with toxic behavior such as exercising her charms to manipulate men, “a special forte” she used to get what she wanted.
Immersive writing describing bouts of paranoia and psychosis may give readers suspicions they’re in the hands of an unreliable narrator but in truth, Neighbors is unstintingly true to her lived experience, depicting her descent into the darkest regions of the human soul. Some passages appear as if in a fog, voices from friends trying to reach her, help her, inform her. After reading “Too Much” it’s easy to question how a person with such dysfunction could write a book because she’s a basket of contradictions and her life is marked with excess.
Maybe I was too crazy to be a doctor. Too stupid to ignore the truth. Too smart to ignore it. Too psychotic to stop thinking. Too beautiful to fade away.
She was “too much.” That was her problem. But how did she change? She entered an outpatient therapy program where she succeeded “with flying colors.” That was a start, a turning point in a long struggle. Then she becomes a whistleblower, channeling her manic episodes into changing the system. But writing this book is the final expiation.
Neighbors’ writing is stunningly personal and she handles the first-person point of view as a natural. Her memoir feels like Kerouac’s “On the Road” although the travel here is through the author’s mind, the claustrophobic existence of her daily life. Yet the journey is no less captivating. Neighbors has written a true expression of one person bound by mental illness and breaking free. “Too Much” grabs the reader in the opening pages and doesn’t turn loose until the very end. The book should be required reading for young people and if one never touches drugs as a result then Neighbors has been truly vindicated.
This book left me speechless. I was completely captivated by its raw honesty and emotional depth. While it was heartbreaking at times, I felt compelled to experience every single feeling that poured from the pages.
The author's commitment to sharing her truth, particularly her struggles with "resting face" and the bias it attracted despite her dedication, resonated deeply with me. Her story was like looking in a mirror, and it made me realize how much her experiences mirrored my own.
Her compassion and love shine through, even when facing unimaginable challenges like her father's death, her mother's breakdown, and the mental health struggles of her husband and brother. Her strength in the face of adversity is truly inspiring.
The part about redoing her fourth year of residency after facing discrimination and mistreatment was a real eye-opener. It hit close to home and made me realize how widespread these issues are.
However, the book's tone shifted when the author began experiencing psychological breaks and intense episodes related to drug use. While I initially felt compelled to put the book down, my loyalty to the author's journey kept me reading. The pacing felt rushed towards the end, and the author's unfiltered vulnerability in this section made me uncomfortable at times.
Despite the emotional rollercoaster, the book ultimately finds its balance. I appreciated the author's willingness to bare her soul and recommend this book to anyone seeking a raw and honest look at life's complexities.
Reading this has generally made me think about all of our physicians and how they really are. We always go to them when we are not coping with pains or issues but we never think about the load that is on their shoulders.. I do tend to ask you alright when I go in but they are not really gonna unload on me when they have to stay professional in their work place.
This story is an inspiration! Gribbing me from the very start to the end. What a powerful story. I feel most people can relate, or have gone through similar situations.
Favourite quote "There is always someone, or something, willing to listen, to offer guidance, and to remind us of our worth."
Lucky I have support. Mine are my two fave people, my other half and bestie, always there to listen, bitch with me, suggest ways of dealing with what ever it is, supporting me through it.
This memoir immediately drew me in from the first sentence. Her words perfectly capture her raw emotions, like ocean waves rolling in and out (which happens to be a setting throughout the book and a powerful symbol). I am impressed by her authenticity, clarity and willingness to both share and deal with all the pain she went through. It's definitely not easy to do. I know that her compelling and persuasive story will give others hope and strength, especially those in the workforce who are in a gender-discriminatory environment (which is often well-hidden under prestige and gaslighting tactics).
I could relate to her struggle with anxiety and depression (even though our circumstances were different) and many other people will, too. I really appreciate her authenticity in sharing her mental health struggles without sugarcoating it. The topic of mental health struggles needs to be talked about more and become de-stigmatized.
Cindy's story is one of courage, resilience, loss, heartbreak, forgiveness, hope, and growth that should be shared with all. Writing is something that saved her, and I believe that her unique gift for words will save others as well.
This book offers a thoughtful look at how having "too much" can affect our lives. The author shares relatable stories and insights that make you think about the things we often take for granted, like our possessions or ambitions. The writing is easy to follow and keeps you engaged with its mix of humor and serious reflection. It's the kind of book that sticks with you, encouraging a simpler and more mindful way of living. A great read for anyone looking to rethink their approach to life.
Like the author, I live with a dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance abuse. But I've taken as much of the responsibility for my actions and their consequences. I left a high powered law firm for a more modest one but still maintained a high level of practice.
This is an endless stream of self pity; the author never did anything wrong except when other people forced her to do so.I
For me, this book emphasizes the power of words and karmic energy and (up for debate) - the trendsetting concept of "manifestation" - this book has so many layers and themes to it. Love, vengeance, power dynamics. I really think the strongest theme/topic that recurred and stuck with me throughout was that of love. Love and war. It was really a powerful story and a sad ending. I see other reviews talking about the message being inspirational and this being a story of hope and resilience and while I agree- to some effect - I do find the protagonist arc to be quite tragic in a way. This does speak to the heart of modern times. "Love is a battlefield." I hope the author is finding a better path forward and writes another book.
This was extremely interesting on what thoughts were going through the head of the author during periods of extreme psychosis and periods of lucidity. It shows that mental illness and addiction can happen to anybody, no matter how intelligent or beautiful they are! I was impressed by the ethics and bravery of the author to be a "whistleblower" and trying so hard to do "the right thing", while going through periods of time when she became so paranoid and delusional, and still trying to point out the behavior of others that was obviously very wrong. I think the author has a strong sense of ethics in the core of her being, whether she was in the throes of delusions or not. I think she did a great job of putting her story out there and could feel all the tumultuous feelings she was going through, as if I was right there beside her! I sincerely hope she has been put on the correct medications she needs for her mental illness diagnosis so she can function without the delusions and paranoia, and hope she is involved in an addiction recovery program daily so she does not use drugs or drink and works that program every day! I have a son who was an addict and he passed away a year and a half ago from an overdose of fentanyl and meth, and recognized a lot of his behavior in this story. I'm happy the author is still alive and working hard to be the best person she can be. I also have a lot of respect for the author for actually becoming a Doctor! That is hard hard work and I hope she is proud of herself for vetting that far! A lot of people without any mental illnesses or addictions cannot do that, so I think she should give herself a big pat on the back for her accomplishments! Good job! I hope she has a fulfilling life and gives herself a break and is kind to herself! God Bless!
This is a powerful real-life story—a journey through the good, the bad, and the truly ugly. Despite facing unimaginable personal challenges, she finds the strength to stand up against those who wronged her and others. Her bravery in speaking out, knowing there’s no turning back, is nothing short of inspiring.
Cindy’s story is one of resilience and inner strength, it is proof that we are not defined by our mental health challenges. Her courage to share her truth is commendable, shedding light on issues that often stay hidden. If you or someone you love is struggling, remember: you are not alone. There’s always someone willing to listen and help.
I am surprised I finished this book. Alot of rambling, self absorbed, delusional mumbo jumbo. For someone with such a promising career. Scary to think that the surgeons we trust with our lives are abusing drugs and partying like it's 1999 the night before our life altering surgery.
a crazy trip! Dr. Neighbors wrote an incredible story about her account in a toxic and discriminatory workplace and I'm shocked that this has not received more widespread attention. I sincerely hope that the perpetrators in the system have been identified! IT is a SHAME that we are paying with our hard earned tax dollars for these scum bags to abuse the system, cheat, lie, steal, cut corners, sexually harass women and then treat patients like worthless garbage. Absolutely vile. God bless Dr. Neighbors! A TRUE AMERICAN HERO
I grabbed this book to read, being from a family of various addicts. I have always been the one trying to help, comfort and never understand WHY, How could they do this? Not realizing what they were feeling and I know it’s not the same for many or maybe it is. The truth is they are still people, they are struggling and medical community is failing on many aspects. Most military, veterans get pushed to the side expected so much out of them and received so little. Most of them wanting a fix is because they just so not want to feel, thought of being a disappointment, having PTSD, thoughts of failures. All the decisions made because they are incapable of thinking clearly, how could they when they are drunk, high or even both? This is the raw truth of one addict, the decisions she made, how they affected others and herself. Its real. Its not bright, it is dark.
This book shows that sometimes we can see someone having issues from our point of view but we truly don't know how they are feeling or what they are thinking. This book really shows everything Cindy went through from her own perspective and her own feelings. As an outsider it is so easy to judge someone's choices and the way they handle things but this shows we have another perspective to think about. Addiction can completely ruined someone's life but it also affects every single person they come into contact with. When someone feels they aren't being heard or that they have no way out they do very drastic stuff like drugs and alcohol to try to manage it. But this story is truly gripping and shows the emotion and the challenges of feeling so lost.
When perusing bookshelves, I am immediately drawn to the intricate designs and vibrant colors of book covers, whether in a physical display or a digital collection. The summary written on the jacket intrigues me and compels me to pick up the book. It's the first ten pages that hook me, prodding me to stay.
When my interest wanes, I return the book to the shelf, waiting for another serendipitous moment where fate aligns with my curiosity.
This book exceeded my expectations with its complex plot twists and richly developed characters, pleasantly surprising me. Instead of diving right into the action, it gradually pulls you in, like a slow-burning flame intensifying into a blaze.
In the opening, we are introduced to a character who is in a paradisial setting, yet she is isolated, lonely, and desperate, drawing us to empathize with and engage with her narrative.
I became completely engrossed in the book after the third chapter. It held me captive, and I couldn't stop reading. I needed to know what would happen next for the main character. Would she uncover more about her romantic interest, or maybe even herself? What about the theatre in which she operated and the darker secrets? Which unforeseen twists of fate would guide us back to the pivotal moment of our initial encounter with her? Her journey ensnared me like a moth drawn to a flickering flame, unable to escape its mesmerizing pull.
I enthusiastically recommend it to anyone seeking a gripping page-turner that will hold their interest until the final pages.
A Journey of Resilience: Too Much by Cindy Lee Neighbors
Cindy Lee Neighbors’ Too Much is a poignant memoir that offers a glimpse into the complexities of the human experience. With raw honesty and vulnerability, Neighbors shares her personal journey of overcoming adversity and finding hope in the darkest of times.
As a brilliant physician, Neighbors seemed to have it all. But beneath the surface, she was grappling with deep-seated pain and trauma. When a tragic event shatters her world, Neighbors embarks on a difficult path of healing and self-discovery.
Through vivid storytelling, Neighbors shares her experiences with addiction, mental health challenges, and the devastating impact of trauma. She describes the struggles she faced, the fear and uncertainty she felt, and the moments of despair that threatened to overwhelm her.
Despite the darkness that surrounded her, Neighbors was able to find strength within herself and seek the support she needed. She shares her journey of recovery, the lessons she learned along the way, and the hope she found in the midst of her pain
Too Much is a powerful and inspiring story of resilience and perseverance. It is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity and find meaning even in the darkest of times. Through her vulnerability and honesty, Neighbors offers a message of hope and encouragement to those who are struggling.
Wow, "Too Much" by Cindy Lee Neighbors is a rollercoaster of emotions! This book dives into the life of a brilliant physician who goes from having it all to losing everything in her relentless quest for revenge. Dr. Neighbors’ story is raw, intense, and downright gripping—it’s the kind of book you just can’t put down.
The way the author unravels Dr. Neighbors’ life is both heartbreaking and captivating. You can feel her world collapsing around her as addiction and paranoia take over, pulling her deeper into chaos. Losing her love, watching her marriage crumble, and dealing with the blame for her father's death—everything spirals out of control, and you’re right there with her, feeling every bit of the pain.
What really sticks with you is the question: How much is too much? This book doesn't just tell a story; it makes you think about the choices we make and their consequences. It’s haunting and stays with you long after you finish.
Two quotes that really stuck with me: "Could Paul be my soldier Ken doll?" and "Sometimes letting go is all we can do." These lines hit differently. This book is packed with moments like these that just make you stop and think.
If you're looking for a read that's equal parts thrilling and thought-provoking, "Too Much" is your next book. It’s an intense ride, and trust me, you won’t forget it anytime soon.
This was an intense and gripping true story that I found incredibly compelling. I felt deeply for Dr. Neighbors as she navigated her tumultuous life, marked by addiction, paranoia, and a dual diagnosis of a mental disorder and substance use disorder. I was struck by her self-awareness and the authenticity with which she masked her symptoms and faced her internal struggles. Despite her privileged background and support network, her battle with her inner demons showed me that mental illness and addiction do not discriminate. I appreciated how the book balanced her dark moments with glimmers of hope and resilience. For me, this book is not just a personal struggle but also a commentary on the broader societal issues surrounding mental health and addiction. It’s a journey that stayed with me long after I turned the last page, making me reflect and question. I can partially relate to her story because of my own mental health struggles, and it reminded me that even in the darkest times, there's always a glimmer of hope and resilience to hold on to.
Interesting, engaging, powerful, mind bending, and inspirational are some of the many words that I would use to describe this amazing book. The author, Cindy Lee Neighbors, did an amazing job when writing this amazing exploration of the human emotions, relationships, and the nature of modern life, from the point of view of the main character who is often having challenges when balancing work, personal aspirations, and family.
This book really exceeded my expectations and made me feel connected with the main character and her challenges. The author's ability to articulate the often pressures that may or may not happen to everybody was excepcional. Also, the ability that she had when creating the main character made the book really compelling when reading. Overall, this emotional deep story is a resonating book for the audience, that may be a great addition to everybody’s reading collection.
I am gonna be honest i was unsure if I was gonna like this book but I was pleasantly surprised with how well the book delivers a sincere and compelling glimpse into the author's difficult life, highlighting that we rarely see the true struggles we all endure in life. Reading this journey might change your perspective, as well as encourage greater empathy and acceptance of life’s challenges. I personally feel one of the book’s strengths is its authentic depiction of the balancing act many of us face today. Neighbors use vivid descriptions and poignant dialogue to bring Emily's world to life, painting a realistic picture of the pressures that often lead to burnout and self-doubt. 10/10 highly recommended
Ever feel like life is just too much? This book dives straight into the overwhelming pressures we all face in modern society—balancing career, personal ambition, and societal expectations. The author crafts a compelling narrative where flawed yet relatable characters are caught in the constant pursuit of more. The story doesn’t just entertain but also encourages readers to pause and reflect on their own lives, making it a thought-provoking read about self-discovery, limits, and finding what truly matters.
This book provides a great example of how sometimes things get worse before they get better. The story is inspiring, and not just in a toxic positivity way; it is extremely difficult to fight through hard times both mentally and environmentally. I highly recommend this book to anyone struggling, as it shows the importance of acceptance of your difficult situation as a step to recovery.
Imagine you’re at the top of your game, everything seems to be in place, and then, in a heartbeat, everything starts falling apart. That’s the gripping premise of Cindy Lee Neighbors’ Too Much. This book takes you on a wild ride through the life of a brilliant physician whose quest for revenge transforms her once-stable life into a whirlwind of chaos. If you’re ready for a story that’s both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking, this one will keep you hooked from the first page to the last.
At its heart, Too Much tells the story of Dr. Neighbors, a respected physician who appears to have it all—a successful career, a loving relationship—but whose life starts to spiral when she becomes obsessed with revenge. What begins as a quest for justice quickly unravels into a personal nightmare, as addiction and paranoia take over. The novel offers a raw and intense look at how one person’s relentless pursuit of retribution can dismantle everything they hold dear. The beauty of this book lies in its ability to show the emotional and psychological toll of such a pursuit.
Cindy Lee Neighbors’ writing is sharp and evocative. Her prose pulls you into the story with a directness that makes you feel every ounce of Dr. Neighbors’ emotional turmoil. The language is vivid, painting a clear picture of the protagonist’s descent into chaos. Neighbors has a knack for capturing complex emotions in a way that’s both accessible and gripping. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter peeling back another layer of the protagonist’s unraveling life, keeping you engaged and eager for what comes next.
Dr. Neighbors is a character you can’t help but feel for, despite her flaws. Her journey from a respected physician to someone consumed by obsession is portrayed with deep empathy and insight. The book’s exploration of her struggles with addiction, paranoia, and personal loss is both compelling and relatable. Neighbors’ portrayal of Dr. Neighbors is authentic, making her one of the most complex and memorable characters in recent literature. The themes of revenge and self-destruction are woven into the narrative with a sensitivity that invites readers to reflect on their own lives and choices.
The plot of Too Much is expertly crafted, with a structure that keeps the tension high and the stakes even higher. The story is paced well, with twists and turns that keep you guessing. The organization of the narrative, with its clear divisions into different periods and locations, enhances your understanding of Dr. Neighbors’ emotional and psychological journey. It’s a rollercoaster of a read, with each chapter bringing new revelations and deepening your investment in the protagonist’s fate.
The central question of Too Much—“How much is too much?”—is not just a rhetorical device; it’s a profound exploration of the limits of human endurance and the consequences of obsession. The book dives into the complexities of justice, obsession, and personal sacrifice, making you ponder the fine line between righteous pursuit and destructive fixation. It’s a haunting reminder of how easily our lives can unravel when driven by a single-minded obsession.
This book is an emotional powerhouse. Reading Too Much is like taking a front-row seat to Dr. Neighbors’ intense personal struggle. There are moments that are so deeply moving they’ll stick with you long after you’ve finished. The way Neighbors captures the protagonist’s pain, fear, and eventual realization is both powerful and poignant, making you feel every high and low alongside her.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its character development. Dr. Neighbors is portrayed with such depth and authenticity that you can’t help but be drawn into her world. The vivid descriptions and emotional intensity of the narrative are equally impressive, creating a gripping and immersive reading experience.
While Too Much is a powerful read, a bit more background on Dr. Neighbors’ life before her obsession took hold could have provided a richer context for her character’s motivations. This additional depth might have enhanced the overall impact of her descent into chaos.
Too Much resonated deeply with me, particularly in its exploration of how obsession can consume and destroy. The book’s portrayal of the protagonist’s struggle made me reflect on the limits of my own resolve and the consequences of my actions. It’s a compelling and thought-provoking read that left a lasting impression.
In summary, Cindy Lee Neighbors’ Too Much is a captivating and emotionally charged novel that explores the dark side of human obsession. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in psychological dramas that offer both intense narrative and deep thematic exploration. With its powerful storytelling and complex characters, this book is sure to stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
I haven't used that old expression I chose for the title in years! Makes me feel old. But anyway... Despite a lot of positive reviews, I unfortunately can't fully agree. It's not that it's a, BAD book, but for some reason, for me it just seems way too difficult and convoluted. Maybe partly because I am sleep deprived but it felt like the story could have been told in a better way. For instance, in some of the scenes described, was it true or was it part of the psychosis and paranoia attributable to Cindy's mental illness? And aside from the morals and values issue that all of us must decide for ourselves, the author's focus on feeling guilty and calling herself a "whore" and a "home wrecker" seemed excessive. Granted I personally feel cheating is wrong but at the same time, it is quite common and as they say "if you play with fire, you WILL get burnt" -- eventually anyway. I'm STILL not clear as to whether she truly was targeted at work or if at least some of it was paranoia. I DO feel empathy for all that she went through but one would think (hope?) hospital professionals would have a MUCH better ability to recognize substance abuse and mental illness/symptoms of instability then was described in the book. I don't understand what she did that was so horrible it led to her being written up, put on probation several times, dismissed etc. Couldn't they have mandated therapy with medication to stabilize her and regular blood work to test for additional substances as well as taking her medication as prescribed? Or, couldn't she have been given a leave of absence? Yes, she made some mistakes but I feel like there were less severe things to try. Anyway, I felt my own focus feeling scattered as I read this book. I wouldn't re-read it but on the other hand, many others enjoyed it.
Raw, Reckless, and Unapologetically Real. Too Much is exactly that—too messy, too honest, too chaotic, too human—and that’s why it hits. Cindy Lee Neighbors tells her story with unflinching vulnerability, dragging the reader through the highs and lows of addiction, ambition, and mental health collapse inside the grueling world of military medicine. It’s not always pretty. In fact, a lot of it is dark, spiraling, and painfully self-aware—but that’s what makes it feel authentic.
Her journey from aspiring doctor to patient, from trying to hold it all together to finally letting it fall apart, is gripping. There were moments I wanted to shake her, moments I wanted to hug her, and moments I had to close the book and sit with what I just read. Her writing doesn’t hold your hand—it throws you into the whirlwind of her breakdown and healing, showing you how trauma rewrites a person.
What kept this from being a full 5-star read for me was the pacing in a few sections—it occasionally felt like it lingered too long in certain spirals. But even then, maybe that was the point. Chaos doesn’t follow clean chapters.
This book is for anyone who’s ever been labeled “too much” and dared to survive anyway. A tough, moving, beautifully broken memoir that reminds us healing isn’t linear—and that telling your story can be a revolutionary act.
Prepare yourself for an intense ride with Too Much! Cindy Lee Neighbors takes you on a gripping journey into the mind of a brilliant physician who unravels as her obsession with revenge takes over her life. 😳
Dr. Neighbors’ story is one of raw emotion, spiraling addiction, and paranoia that warps her entire reality. The book offers a front-row seat to how her relentless pursuit of justice leads her to sacrifice everything she holds dear—love, loyalty, and even her sanity. 😔
The twists in Too Much will keep you on edge, questioning how far someone can go before they’ve lost too much of themselves. Cindy Lee Neighbors paints a haunting picture of how the thirst for revenge can spiral out of control. 🔥
This true story will linger in your mind long after you’ve finished reading, as it delves deep into themes of obsession and consequence. How much is too much? Dr. Neighbors finds out the hard way. Highly recommend for those who love dark, psychological reads! 🔍👩⚕️
The memoir, Too Much by Cindy Lee Neighbors, is an emotionally intense and vulnerable narrative that provides her a safe place to express and share her deeply felt emotions, anxiety, psychological struggles, and experiences related to mental illness and addiction while pursuing an impressive career path. The fact that this is a true story about a former actress and U.S. Army physician certainly piqued my curiosity. While reading her book, I couldn’t help but feel it was a cathartic and self-healing process for the author. I applaud Neighbors for sharing her emotional traumas and psychosis with such unwavering vulnerability. Writing from a vulnerable perspective is a strength, not a weakness. By sharing personal challenges, she allows readers to relate and engage with the emotional connection, reassuring them they are not alone. While reading, I felt empathy for Cindy’s fight against psychologically debilitating demons, fostering a deep connection to the narrative, as we all face battles against the inherent aspects of the human condition.
The book is well-written and presents compelling ideas, but it can be overly detailed and wandering in some sections. The perception of a book’s length can be subjective; however, streamlining the content would enhance clarity and readability.
I commend Neighbors for not shying away from potentially problematic subject matter. Her writing evokes a sense of intimacy as readers engage with her story, connecting them to her humanity and imperfections. I recommend this book because it offers valuable insights into how our mental health influences our perception and experiences of the world around us. Neighbors’ book is relatable, delving into universal truths about mental health and healing through vulnerability, openness, honesty, and, most importantly, shedding light on the realities of living with psychotic disorders and addiction. It can provide help and understanding for others facing similar circumstances.