American Snake Pit: Hope, Grit, And Resilience in the Wake of Willowbrook

by Dan Tomasulo

"We have a situation that borders on a snake pit."
- Robert F. Kennedy

In 1987, following a public outcry about its questionable medical practices, Staten Island's Willowbrook State School for people with intellectual disabilities closed its doors for good.

Flat broke and almost finished with graduate school, Dan Tomasulo -- now a core faculty member at Columbia University's Spirituality Mind Body Institute -- was hired to relocate Willowbrook's most severely disabled inhabitants into a groundbreaking community-based group home.

American Snake Pit is the story of the disregarded souls who ended up in Tomasulo's care; of the eccentric, resilient staff who helped make such a momentous success possible; and, most of all, of one man's persistent struggle to give voices to those who could not advocate for themselves.

Genres: Nonfiction

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2018

Reviews

[Alyson Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW-this is a true story that will make you appreciate all you have. Tender and heartbreaking, all the characters will stay with you long after you finish the book.

[Sharon Danzger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredibly eye-opening. Tomasulo gives an incredibly vivid description of the tremendous challenges facing individuals with severe intellectual disabilities as well as the obstacles and difficulties facing their caregivers. His personal character shines through in his storytelling - Dan Tomasulo is an exceptionally kind and caring human being. Most people would have taken the easier path of abandoning these challenging residents and the experimental home he was managing. Not this guy. He assembled a team of like-minded, incredibly gritty staff to help bond the housemates and enable the residents to each achieve their greatest potential. Through their tireless work, they were able to change the mindset of a town that was closed to those who are differnt. And, throughout this and other difficulties in his life, it is clear that Dan always maintained his fantastic sense of humor. Tomasulo has written a memoir that is inspiring and truly difficult to put down!

[Rie Hama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow... I enjoyed reading this book. It was clear, captivating, touching and heart-breaking at the same time. I cannot write too much as I don't want to review too much of how I related to someone in the book.. but yea... I learnt it is acceptable to feel what I feel and no need to be guilty feeling it. I loved how the book ended, how helping others ultimately helps ourselves.. I read Dr Dan's other book about learned hopefulness but couldn't really enjoy that one, this one I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Shawna Rizzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. Super interesting. Tough to read about these patients with mental health being cast aside and discarded like trash. Fortunately there are good people in this world who had faith in them and saved them. Amazing what one person can start.

[Linda Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so interesting, heartbreaking, thought provoking and up-lifting.

People could learn so much about humanity and the importance of accepting and understanding differences and things we may not completely understand.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A poignant, funny, heartfelt memoir about working with the developmentally disabled.

[Liz Healy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and engaging regarding the host of how we have treated those with mental illness was and intellectual challenges

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has very little to do with Willowbrook, it's an after-story, but it was an easy, engaging read.

[Laverne Metcalfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

American Snake Pit

A remarkable story of redemption and kindness. It validates all of us as humans engaged in community and what it takes to just accept and be nice.

[Alessa Juarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mental health and intellectual disability case worker, I cannot imagine not reading this- though I remain frustrated with the deinstitutionalization and grow toward advocacy for awareness and sustainability for current programs.