Because I Come from a Crazy Family: The Making of a Psychiatrist

by Edward M. Hallowell

From the bestselling author of the classic book on ADD, Driven to Distraction, a memoir of the strange upbringing that shaped Dr. Edward M. Hallowell's celebrated career. When Edward M. Hallowell was eleven, a voice out of nowhere told him he should become a psychiatrist. A mental health professional of the time would have called this psychosis. But young Edward (Ned) took it in stride, despite not quite knowing what "psychiatrist" meant. With a psychotic father, alcoholic mother, abusive stepfather, and two so-called learning disabilities of his own, Ned was accustomed to unpredictable behavior from those around him, and to a mind he felt he couldn't always control. The voice turned out to be right. Now, decades later, Hallowell is a leading expert on attention disorders and the author of twenty books, including Driven to Distraction, the work that introduced ADD to the world. In Because I Come from a Crazy Family, he tells the often strange story of a childhood marked by what he calls the "WASP triad" of alcoholism, mental illness, and politeness, and explores the wild wish, surging beneath his incredible ambition, that he could have saved his own family of drunk, crazy, and well-intentioned eccentrics, and himself. Because I Come from a Crazy Family is an affecting, at times harrowing, ultimately moving memoir about crazy families and where they can lead, about being called to the mental health profession, and about the unending joys and challenges that come with helping people celebrate who they are.A portion of the author's proceeds of this book will go to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).

Genres: Memoir, Psychology, Nonfiction, Mental Health, Biography, Biography Memoir, Adhd

415 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 12, 2018

About the author

Edward (Ned) Hallowell, M.D., is a child and adult psychiatrist, a NY Times bestselling author, a world-renowned speaker and a leading authority in the field of ADHD. He has authored twenty books including the 1994 ground-breaking New York Times best-seller on ADHD, Driven to Distraction. In aggregate, Dr. Hallowell's books have sold more than 2 million copies on various psychological topics including how to: raise children into happy adults, manage worry, develop focus, forgiveness, connecting on a deeper level and how to inspire the best from employees. His most recent book was his Memoir, Because I Come From A Crazy Family The Making Of A Psychiatrist. His next book, ADHD 2.0 releases on January 12, 2021. Pre-order your copy today.

He is the host of “Distraction,” a weekly podcast that offers insights, strategies and tactics for coping and thriving in this crazy-busy, 24/7 over-connected modern world.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edward M. Hallowell is recognized for his expertise and writing on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a neurological disorder with more than 3 million newly diagnosed American cases per year. In the opening of his memoir “Because I Come From A Crazy Family: The Making of a Psychiatrist” Hallowell explained his typical family traits of alcoholism, mental illness and politeness--how a family member could be tipsy, sloshed, completely off their rocker, “even as mad as a hatter” yet if they were polite, and didn’t take anything too seriously, true happiness was always possible. When he was only 11 years old, Hallowell listened and followed his inner voice that suggested he become a psychiatrist.

A fun and engaging storyteller, we learn a great deal about Hallowell’s less than ordinary happy family that originated in Chatham, MA. After returning stateside from military service in WWII, his father was admitted to Trenton State, Baldpate and the VA for psychiatric care, his parent’s eventually divorced. Uncle Unger became his stepfather, a southern gentleman, who promptly relocated the family to Charleston S.C. Hallowell, who was nicknamed “Ned” was surprised that his mother and Uncle Unger drank so much gin, bourbon and Manhattans, and tried to hide-out in his room. Uncle Unger would take him as his “navigator” on 120 mph. late night drives in his new Thunderbird, and Ned became frightened over his irrational anger and temper. Ned was relieved when his grandmother agreed to pay for him to attend the Fessenden School. Next, Hallowell would attend Exeter, and graduated from Harvard University magna-cum-laude.
Despite his high GPA, testing scores and excellent letters of recommendation, Hallowell did not gain admission to med school without working first as a research assistant. Eventually he was admitted to med school at Tulane University in New Orleans. Hallowell lived in a tiny apartment. In addition to studies in anatomy and physiology, he learned a great deal from his patients and the colorful customs and culture-- his experience there would inspire him to specialize in child psychiatry when he returned to (MMHC) Massachusetts Mental Health Center.

The second half of the book is better and highly interesting. Hallowell shares with readers his experience of deciding to enter psychoanalysis, his decision to literally jump out a nearby window at a painfully boring psychiatric conference. The best dialogue is between Hallowell and his favorite senior supervisor Dr. Doris Mezner Benaron, a chain smoking Swiss Jewish psychoanalyst that didn’t believe in God due to the Holocaust. Hallowell’s lengthy educational dialogue with Dr. Benaron is worth the price of the book; there are more serious levels to the book due to his psychiatric training, though Hallowell always tells his story in an easy going lighthearted manner readers will appreciate. **With thanks and appreciation to Bloomsbury Publishing via NetGalley for the DDC for the purpose of review.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first 200 pages was like a random collection of childhood memories which was fine but more personal than communal and no mention of the ADHD that this author is so renowned for, so I thought, okay 3/5. Glad I hung in there because the last 200 pages (5/5) were a gold mine of insight from a clinical perspective in the field of psychology! Very cool anecdotes shared during his internship. Again, only a few references to ADHD, but Ned clearly is a creative problem solver, and he really has a heart of gold.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a lifelong interest in psychology and fascination with dysfunctional families, having come from one myself, I was captivated by this title and the subject matter. Also, I had read Driven to Distraction years ago and knew the author by reputation.

This memoir starts off tamely, without the outrageous anecdotes I've come to expect, thanks to The Glass Castle, Running with Scissors and others of that ilk. The craziest incident early on turns out to be (spoiler alert) the author's own conception during his father's escape from a mental institution! There's plenty of alcoholism, mental illness, upheaval and abuse in Hallowell's background, to be sure, but also lots of love and support within the extended family. I found myself wishing for fewer names and details and hoping the story would pick up a bit. Further along I became increasingly interested and engaged. As a psych major from Massachusetts just one year younger than Hallowell (born in 1950), I was fascinated by his professional quest to become a psychiatrist - my personal 'road not taken'. Hallowell's empathy and respect toward the institutionalized, often indigent mental patients in his charge were admirable, as was his willingness to put himself on the line, bending rules to try innovative approaches that might help them. Anecdotes about patients - and many of the doctors - he encountered during his years of training are often hilarious but always infused with love,  respect and the desire to get to know and understand them.

This book does not cover Hallowell's attention deficit work for which he is best known, but if you're interested in mental illness and the fields of psychology and psychiatry, I recommend this book.  Dr. Edward Hallowell's compassion toward those often feared and despised by society is truly inspiring.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Carin · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first ran across this book, I saw he'd also written Driven to Distraction, and I asked my husband, and yep, we have a copy of that on his bookcases somewhere. It's interesting to hear what background brings someone to psychiatry, to be sure, but even more so when it's someone famous.

In his adult life, Dr. Halloweell brought ADD and ADHD into the public awareness, wrote a half a dozen bestselling books, and has been on probably hundreds of TV shows talking about these issues. But he got interested in all of this because, as he says, he himself came from a crazy family.

And it's true. There was a lot of instability in his immediate family. Luckily, he had a strong and robust support system in more extended family, but they couldn't help as much when he moved away. He jokes about how his family has the usual WASP problems of drinking and mental health issues and an unwillingness to deal with any of these problems. His step-father was pretty awful, and after all of the uncertainty, abuse, and alcoholism in his life, as an adult, he wanted to help people like his own father, who lived in a mental hospital for years. (In fact he was conceived one day when his father escaped from the hospital. It was a pretty harrowing description.)

The read felt a little old-school, more in the vein of telling me about his childhood, rather than showing. It was still fascinating, but keeps the reader at arm's length, and never allows you to fully be immersed in the story. But it is a great example of resilience, and how some people just have that trait naturally and can get through horrible experiences relatively unscathed.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title alone suggests all you should know about this book; it is about how one mans journey from a somewhat dysfunctional family made him into the psychiatrist he is today. I love reading medical based memoirs, but actually stories of patients only made up a small part of this book. The first two hundred pages frustrated me a little, because I wanted to get to the stories of psychiatry, but the author uses this space to prattle on about his family and the various idiosyncrasies of random family members. It makes it hard to keep up with who is who and how they fit into the authors life.

This book reads more as a story than a memoir, it’s peppered with various bits and pieces of how the author came to specialise in psychiatry over other disciplines. This was also a long book and highly detailed, but it felt like much of the detail could be glossed over without much difference to the books outcome.

The author is truly dedicated to his work and very self aware of his abilities. Overall, he comes across well and does not seek to boast about his achievements. This was an interesting if strange book.

[Asher J. · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a clinician, and someone with my own ADHD diagnosis (...and, ahem, FAMILY), I really, really love Edward Hallowell. Like, a lot. His deep love and regard for his family shows up throughout the book—along with a clear desire to show all the ways they’ve shaped him for the good.

That said: this book needed a really hard edit. The general authorial advice to kill your darlings? Needed to happen, here. There are amazing stories, all over the place; but it’s honestly kind of hard to find them, amid the endless declarative statements of how wonderful everyone and everything were (often juxtaposed with profoundly Not Wonderful experiences).

It’s a little bit painful for me to post this review. Dr. Hallowell is one of the people in my field who has shaped me, and the book really does only enhance my regard for him. And I *get it*, because especially having been trained as an MFT, where we do this a lot... writing about your family, in a way that does them and you and your experience justice, AND is comprehensible to an outsider, is damn hard. And in most books that tested my focus this hard, I’d have set it down and moved on. I stuck it out, but if you want some hard data about how much work it took—go compare the time I spent on this book, with my usual reading timelines. I just couldn’t DO it, all at once.

Tl;dr: there’s good stuff here, but you’ll have to do some mining for it.

[Lisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher. and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book. This book was an interesting look at mental illness and addiction such as Bi-polar and alcoholism,

[Tanya W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an interesting look into mental illness and addiction such as Bi-polar and alcoholism,. I felt the author did trail off a lot at times but, overall I found this book to be insightful and educating.

[Josephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The spoiler is that I love Dr. Hallowell. The book is a total reflection of his personality and drive. I was lucky to attend a week long seminar that he led, and his big smile in the author photo is a total reflection of the positiveness that he exudes.

[Athena Stephenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book that showed us a look into mental illness, alcoholism and family dysfunction.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but I come from messed up and enjoy learning of others' lives... I am a big fan of Dr. Hallowell and find his writing style entertaining and easy to read. I love that he shares his personal stories of his parents and I found it inspiring that he learned to overcome all the obstacles to be psychiatrist - no small feat. I shared this book with a friend who also like it.

[Jodi Polak · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting into this book. At times the stories were very detailed and there were a lot of extended family members to keep track of. Overall it was an interesting read.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[Rhonda Lomazow · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at mental illness alcoholism the author is open honest& it makes for a fascinating look at his life struggles. # NetGalley

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know why I can't rate this book more highly, particularly as I came to be fond of Hallowell over the course of the read. I suspect I am a prisoner of my own envy, of an inability to set aside the pangs that I felt when Hallowell announced that he was taught and coaxed into life by Buechner and was a colleague of Vaillant's. One could not hope for a better start than to be guided by two of the most renowned of Harvard's sons of suicide.

I struggled with the early life chapters and almost set the book aside. The stories of home seemed to have been cloaked in some sort of gauze, and perhaps that is so, perhaps there was some self-protection in that, just as much as in the redemptive joy found at boarding school, which seemed to have been a far cry from Dead Poet's Society.

And I also could not shake the sense that there was an apology of some sort running underneath Hallowell's writing, but to whom and for what I cannot say: for survival? For not succumbing to the distresses that plagued his family? Very hard to tell.

Other spots in the book tell of a life that is implausibly picture perfect. Perhaps this is good, though, perhaps I should have simply accepted the work, and the life, as presented.

And I suspect that I underestimate the courage required to announce oneself, as a psychiatrist, as a believer. That may have taken more wherewithal than I might imagine.

All in all I am left wanting to learn more about this fellow and his work. A few hours well spent, then.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr Hallowell‘s memoir is all about love and hope. Under every sparkle of craziness laid the best outcome out of his goodness. The unconditional love and support from the big family (almost every single one of the character mentioned) build up resilience, thus gave the author an unusual path to get out of tragedy.
As a loyal reader of his books about adhd and anxiety, I assumed Dr Hallowell grew up simple and easy with tons of security. No. Not even close. As intelligent and goodhearted the family has been, there lied mental health struggles, learning disability, divorce, the difficult transition from military to civilian life and other unpredictable incidents. Yet out of bitter and sweet memories the author turned out to be a passionate physicist with big heart, keeping his marriage strong and has a huge influence on breaking the stigma of mental disorders.
Thank you Dr Hallowell, for your resilience and willingness to help share the life story.

[Alison Donnelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Hallowell's life is kindly typed for us to savour in this almost unbelievable autobiography. From his unique conception involving an accidental release from a mental hospital ward to his eventual psychiatry doctorate, he writes as if we're all chatting together about our lives and it can be easy to forget just how ridiculously smart he is. Touching anecdotes about his patients and the way Hallowell reveres his family of wildflowers show us an empathic soul who has done much good in the world of psychiatry.

[Jane Lack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read with great anecdotes and continual story lines. More fascinating because I randomly picked it up and had no idea he is an authority on ADD / ADHD, which I am now researching for my son.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

well-written, heartful and full of empathy for the mentally ill.

[Andy White · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing style is like listening to an older relative tell a haphazard review of their life. It was at it's best when he talked about his education, residency and career.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this memoir. Part of it was dealing-with-family-trauma and part of it was "how-I-became-a-psychiatrist. And I found both parts equally interesting. The author starts off by mentioning the WASP triad : mental illness, alcoholism, and politeness. And that's the introduction to a New England family that for generations walked a tight balance between outward success (fancy prep schools, Harvard educations) and private misery (I counted a manic-depressive great-uncle, a bipolar father, an alcoholic mother, a psychotic brother and a stepfather with an anger management problem in the author's family tree.) But it's also a story of how the author somehow survived and thrived, and found alternative sources of emotional nurturing. Cousins, aunt and uncle, all with their own quirks, were the anchors of his childhood, along with teachers at the boarding schools he attended. By then the author is more or less firmly set on a road of optimism, a trait that stands him in good stead as he works his way through medical school, internship and medical residency. Returning to his Massachusetts roots after a spell in New Orleans, he starts learning how to engage with and treat psychiatric patients in one of the less fancy clinics, and one of the parts of the book I enjoyed most was reading about his teachers and mentors along the way. Some of them were old-school Freudian analysts (and the author himself chose to undergo psychoanalysis, a process he says has helped and changed him in many ways, although it wasn't clear to me how, exactly.) and some of them were pioneers in the field of biological psychiatry. I think the author is therefore representative of a school of older psychiatrists who could straddle both worlds. On one hand, the art of engaging with a mentally ill patient and building a therapeutic relationship, and on the other hand, the science of knowing which drug to prescribe for what patient. More than the prescription pad, and more than the analytical couch.

I felt that the author, in his 60s, is at peace with his tormented family history, and has actually managed to come out of it with a sense of gratitude and wonder. And somehow, he managed to transmit that to me, his reader, so that I closed the book feeling optimistic and (dare I say it) uplifted. Something that, right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, we all sorely need.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, reading it at the same time as a couple of "self-improvement" books. It was my bedtime and early morning read.

Fascinating life. Lots of daunting abuse in his 'crazy' family background. And neglect. And mental illnesses down the generations. It seems to have imbued him with a lot of empathy and caring for people with mental illness AKA his patients.

Full review (previously on Hubpages:)
Edward M. Hallowell MD's memoir, Because I Come From A Crazy Family: The Making of a Psychiatrist, is a poignant and insightful exploration of the author's life, shaped by the mental health challenges in his family and personal triumphs. In this captivating narrative, Hallowell takes readers on a journey through the complexities of his upbringing, offering a unique perspective on how personal experiences can fuel one's professional journey in the field of psychiatry.

The memoir opens with a gripping scene, as Hallowell vividly recounts the chaotic and emotionally charged atmosphere of his childhood home. The title itself, Because I Come From A Crazy Family, sets the stage for a narrative that is equal parts heartbreaking and uplifting. Hallowell navigates through the turbulence of his family dynamics, portraying the raw and unfiltered aspects of mental health struggles within his closest relationships.

The strength of the memoir lies in Hallowell's ability to blend vulnerability with resilience. He artfully exposes the challenges he faced growing up with a mentally ill father, a mother who grappled with her own demons, and a brother who tragically succumbed to suicide. Hallowell's honesty invites readers into the depths of his emotions, creating a connection that transcends the pages of the book.

As the narrative unfolds, Hallowell weaves together the threads of his personal narrative with the evolution of his career as a psychiatrist. The book becomes a testament to how one's own struggles can become a source of inspiration and motivation to help others. Hallowell delicately explores the impact of his family's mental health challenges on his decision to enter the field of psychiatry, showcasing the transformative power of compassion and understanding.

Hallowell became a Pediatric Psychiatrist, which he attributes to wanting to understand his own chaotic and sometimes traumatic childhood. He underwent a long period of 'pschological analysis' in his own life, an expensive process while he waas still a struggling student, but one that gave him invaluable insights into the way the mind works, and began to help mend some of what he saw as "brokenness" from his past.

He eventually became an expert in the area of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and has written several books on that subject. Because of what he learned during his Pediatric training with children with ADHD, he states that he found out that he also has an ADHD diagnosis.

The memoirs, though, are more fully dedicated to looking at the complexity of the earlier parts of his life and career with only a paragraph here or there describing his later career with its focus on ADHD. His most popular book in that area is Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder.

The author's writing style is both engaging and accessible, making the complex world of psychiatry relatable to a broad audience. Hallowell skillfully incorporates medical insights into the narrative, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the nuances of mental health without overwhelming them with technical jargon. The memoir is a masterclass in storytelling, seamlessly blending personal anecdotes with professional reflections.

Hallowell's journey is not without its share of heartbreak, and the memoir does not shy away from the difficult moments. The narrative is marked by a palpable sense of grief, but it also radiates hope and resilience. The author's ability to find light in the darkest corners of his life is a testament to his strength and determination to break the cycle of mental health struggles within his family. Those struggles included alcoholism, bipolar disorder, and complex PTSD. Besides the mental illness, he also saw the usual eccentricities and disordered thinking that go into making the full spectrum of dysfunction. The family members he found most belonging and connection to were an aunt and uncle with a farm and children who were 'double cousins'—almost like true siblings to him in that his uncle was his father's brother, and his wife was his mother's sister.

The supporting cast of characters in the memoir is vividly portrayed, from the eccentric yet endearing family members to the mentors and colleagues who played pivotal roles in shaping Hallowell's professional path. (I was particularly interested to find that his early-workplace mentors included Dr. John Ratey and Dr. Bessel Van der Kolk, both outstanding psychiatrists and writers.) Each character contributes to the richness of the narrative, adding layers of complexity to the author's story.

One of the strengths of Because I Come From A Crazy Family is its universal appeal. While deeply personal, the stories rise above individual experiences, offering a broader exploration of the human condition and the interconnectedness of mental health, family dynamics, and professional growth. Hallowell encourages us to reflect on our own journeys and find solace in the shared struggles that define the human experience.

Because I Come From A Crazy Family: The Making of a Psychiatrist is a compelling and emotionally resonant memoir that navigates the intersections of family, mental health, and professional identity. Through his courageous storytelling, Hallowell invites us to confront our own vulnerabilities, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding that extends beyond the confines of the book. This memoir is a testament to the healing power of resilience and the transformative potential of turning personal challenges into a force for positive change.

[Jeanine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted more crazy and less family but was really rewarded at the end. I enjoyed meeting all of Dr Hollowell's family but, at first, didn't really see the connection between his choice of career and his family. I have always believed most who go into the sciences are more analytical. I have known a fair amount of people with diagnoses and enjoyed the personalization of his patients. There was a theme of education, life choice, family, and religious thought. This book made me think and made me laugh out loud. It could have made me cry but I didn't. The next time I am really bored I will think about jumping out the window!

[maggiewithj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Edwards’s amazing book about ADHD drove me to his life story about becoming a psychologist. The first half is about his own grow-up in the ”crazy” family where his dad is chronic schizophrenia and his mom later beaten up by alcohol and his journey of discovering his own ADHD. The second half is about many anecdotes with his patient during the medical school training/internship/fellowship which opens a door about how psychiatrists and their patients work look like. The two parts are well connected, full of human and genuine story, insights and reflection about human minds and human nature. If you are interest minds or seemingly ”crazy” ppl, you might love this holy whole!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Driven To Distraction years ago and think about it all the time. Recently I attended two webinars by Ned Hallowell that confirmed how much interesting stuff he has to say about living with ADHD and anxiety. This memoir was fascinating. I loved reading about his education at Exeter and then Harvard; his clear love of the teachers and of learning, and his appetite for life, made these settings sing. Also fascinating to read about the early days of psychiatry as a “science,” and how psychiatrists were trained at the Massachussetts Mental Health Center. Paired really well with descriptions of MMHC in The Body Keeps The Score.

[LeeAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lighthearted book, mainly because of Hallowell's innate positive outlook and a good sense of humor even during some of the toughest times of his life. At times he rambles on about some banal things but when he describes his work, his colleagues, and the processes they all use to help and guide their patients, it is absolutely fascinating. I found myself thinking about the people, their mental health struggles and how they coped. I wondered how their lives turned out. I really didn't want those parts to end.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hallowell's memoir is a series of brief anecdotes from his life, childhood to early years of his career in psychiatry. His family definitely had wildflowers (his affectionate name for the crazies) with psychoses, nearly all his relatives were alcoholics or on their way to being, which seriously diminished their appeal for me, but was his normal until they crossed the red line into abusiveness. He began his residential training at an interesting time, when psychoanalysis was giving way to new methods and medications. Hallowell's accepting and congenial nature comes through.

[Valeri Drach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Psychiatrist Edward M. Hallowell was born because his father was suffering from a psychotic episode and his mother was able to divert his attention. Learning much from a challenging childhood that could have crushed him, Dr. Hallowell gives some insights into mental illness. He is good at pointing out the thin boundary between functioning and sinking in to mental illness. His education at the Massachusetts Mental Health Center with innovating mental health staff and his perceptions gained from himself and family members helped him explore ADD and come up with new strategies.

[Mamiko · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like stories, especially autobiographies, by psychiatrists or professionals who deal with the mind. My most favorite is Irvin Yalom, but since I've read all his books, I decided to venture out and arrived at this book. I enjoyed it mildly, but since I don't know any of his work, I didn't find this book particularly interesting. I finished three quarters and then gave up on reading it closely, and just skimmed and called it a day. It's an easy read, and it has some interesting anecdotes, but not interesting enough to keep me going.

[Peggy Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've wanted to read this book for sometime simply because of the title. I mean, who can't identify with that?

I enjoyed all of it, even though I keep saying I hate memoirs. This one was quite well done - honest, but never self-aggrandizing, never cruel or bitter, and seemed rather insightful. It was rather like a cross between Oliver Sacks and Jeannette Walls.

Recommended to anyone who enjoys memoirs or is interested in psychology or psychiatry. Or, of course, has a crazy family.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I bought this audiobook to listen to, I was not expecting the story that I got. I was expecting stories from patients he interacted with. What I got was a delightful story of the authors life. Although some parts were very heartbreaking, there is a lot of hope and inspiration, mixed with hilarious stories. This was definitely an unexpected surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed. I did find it unnecessarily long with something like 70 chapters. I would still recommend this.