From Playgrounds to Psych Wards: One Couple's Journey through Postpartum Psychosis

by Amanda Taylor, Colby Taylor

328 pages, Paperback

Published April 23, 2025

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[Katy Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book with keep you locked in as Colby & Amanda share their powerful journey through each of their perspectives. You will feel like you’re living it with them in the moment & understand on a new level the presence, grace and goodness of God! Grateful for their willingness to share their story as it will be a blessing to many walking through difficult & unexpected journies in their lives!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor of being in the advanced readers group for this book and wow! I do not want to give any spoilers, but anyone that has ever had any doubts as to whether you are going to be OK or are going to get through something. This book is so uplifting and reassuring all at the same time.
Would Highly recommend reading this! I think we all forget we all have a journey. It may be a little bit different but at the end of the day we all are just trying to get through the day to day!

[Carolyn Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of redemption, faithfulness, commitment, and healing, shared in a bravely vulnerable and oftentimes humorous way, this book will have you laughing, crying, and ultimately thanking God for His goodness. The dual-narrative nature of the book, told from both the husband’s and the wife’s perspective was eye opening and helped me process various situations in my own marriage through a new lens.

[Stephanee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never read a non fiction book that was such a page turner. Couldn’t wait to see how they overcame these struggles. This redemption story left me reading the last page in tears.

[Kaylin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply vulnerable, compelling, and eye-opening memoir From Playgrounds to Psych Wards is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities of mental health and the value of a vibrant faith receptive to God’s power and healing. One of the most powerful aspects of this book is the sheer openness with which Colby and Amanda approach their stories, each sharing their own perspectives. They do not shy away from difficult topics, such as manic episodes, hospitalizations, and the emotional toll that mental illness takes on relationships. Their willingness to share their darkest moments adds authenticity to the narrative and allowed me to connect with them on a deeply human level. Despite the heavy subject matter From Playgrounds to Psych Wards is ultimately a story of hope. The Taylors do not present themselves as perfect, nor do they suggest that recovery is linear. However, they emphasize resilience, faith, and the importance of seeking help, providing readers with a sense of hope and inspiration, particularly for those facing challenging circumstances.

[April Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa! What a story of God's faithfulness to restore even the most broken of minds and circumstances. I will say that while reading the Taylor's journey through postpartum psychosis (which I thought was brilliant to tell in both spouses' POV), I was genuinely terrified at times knowing that it was a true story. But to see how the Lord redeemed both Amanda and Colby from their darkest pit and brought them both back into a place of hope and light made the journey worth it. This is one trip to the playground that you don't want to miss!

[Briana Bullard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a page turner for me! What a incredible story of God’s redemptive work in the lives of Colby and Amanda. I admire their story and how much they leaned into God during this season. May this book be a beacon of hope for anyone who is going through mental health struggles, marriage hardships, postpartum disorders, or anyone who is longing for healing.

[Laura Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a labor and delivery nurse and a mom, I really enjoyed this book! You hear a lot about postpartum depression, but little to nothing about postpartum psychosis. The book is really well written and easy to follow. Kudos to this couple for sharing their story!

[Brian Kessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so raw and vulnerable. You will be shocked and in tears all at the same time. I personally loved hearing Amanda's perspective and then what Colby was thinking at the same time.

[Whitney W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book! I couldn’t put it down from the very first page. It’s full of raw emotion, which gives the story its undeniable power. I highly recommend it.

[Michelle Ernt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!!! Sad story, but one of healing love. Love the format - his and hers points of view!