What do you think?
Rate this book
The Sad Son
When Claire walked into a room, men paid attention. She was beautiful, she was blonde, and she dressed like a Kardashian.
Then Claire met “him.” And it's hard to see evil in a man who's so hot.
How many hot men does it take to screw up a life? Just one.
The Sad Son reads like tequila shots with a friend- It's straight up, a little salty, and contains an inconspicuous worm. This true story unravels how Claire went from partying with rock stars, hitting all the hip nightclubs in Chicago and LA, and owning every dance floor she set foot on to becoming a single mother to a son she feared would kill her in her sleep. Her life veered to pure loneliness and denial as Claire unconditionally loved—and desperately tried to protect—a son who didn’t deserve his sad existence. And it’s a story of finally letting go when nothing else seemed to work.
*This Book Contains Adult Content. Please Read A Note From The Author Below*
I wrote this book to raise awareness of the many challenges family members face when someone they love is mentally ill. Even though this is a serious topic, I honored my personality and unfiltered tone with a conversational writing style so my story would be entertaining instead of . . . well, just sad. That said, if you’re looking for a wholesome, serious, informational book on mental illness, this is not the book for you. However, if you’re looking for a raw, humorous (and a little naughty) inside look at what I went through as a mom raising a mentally ill son, then grab a glass of wine and get comfy. And one more thing: if you can’t take a joke, set down this book and return under the rock from which you crawled. Consider that last sentence a test.
Then Claire met “him.” And it's hard to see evil in a man who's so hot.
How many hot men does it take to screw up a life? Just one.
The Sad Son reads like tequila shots with a friend- It's straight up, a little salty, and contains an inconspicuous worm. This true story unravels how Claire went from partying with rock stars, hitting all the hip nightclubs in Chicago and LA, and owning every dance floor she set foot on to becoming a single mother to a son she feared would kill her in her sleep. Her life veered to pure loneliness and denial as Claire unconditionally loved—and desperately tried to protect—a son who didn’t deserve his sad existence. And it’s a story of finally letting go when nothing else seemed to work.
*This Book Contains Adult Content. Please Read A Note From The Author Below*
I wrote this book to raise awareness of the many challenges family members face when someone they love is mentally ill. Even though this is a serious topic, I honored my personality and unfiltered tone with a conversational writing style so my story would be entertaining instead of . . . well, just sad. That said, if you’re looking for a wholesome, serious, informational book on mental illness, this is not the book for you. However, if you’re looking for a raw, humorous (and a little naughty) inside look at what I went through as a mom raising a mentally ill son, then grab a glass of wine and get comfy. And one more thing: if you can’t take a joke, set down this book and return under the rock from which you crawled. Consider that last sentence a test.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2020
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
December 24, 2020
This is a great book! True story about her life and her son! Every mom that struggles with raising a child with disabilities should read this. This book is very uplifting. Makes you laugh and cry at times. Her faith in God is unwavering.
August 12, 2020
The Sad Son was a harrowing read—I really enjoyed it.
November 24, 2025
At first I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this book. The authors style of writing is hard to get used to. I realized it’s like she is having a conversation with you- and sometimes a bit too casually. However I soon became invested in whether or not she would accept her son’s condition, and what would come of it. As both a parent and a teacher I found this book so heartbreaking, but also, there is nothing more true than what I read here. What a fantastic read on mental health and the issues with the current system. While you could choose to critique or judge the choices she made, as a true story, one cannot imagine the situation unless you yourself were in it. I really appreciate this new perspective. Thank you for sharing this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2020
I loved this book
Thank you, thank you, thank you Claire for writing this beautiful story. We adopted a bipolar and fetal alcohol baby who is now in his 20s, and I could relate to so much in this book. I laughed, cried, and and was overheard muttering yes, yes, yes the whole time I was reading it. Even if you can't relate to the story, I think you'll immensely enjoy this beautifully written story of a mother's unfailing love for her son.
Thank you, thank you, thank you Claire for writing this beautiful story. We adopted a bipolar and fetal alcohol baby who is now in his 20s, and I could relate to so much in this book. I laughed, cried, and and was overheard muttering yes, yes, yes the whole time I was reading it. Even if you can't relate to the story, I think you'll immensely enjoy this beautifully written story of a mother's unfailing love for her son.
July 22, 2020
Brilliant!
I read this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down! I know only too well the how the finger is always pointed at the mother. Raising a child with a mental illness is no picnic, and Claire describes the experience beautifully.
I read this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down! I know only too well the how the finger is always pointed at the mother. Raising a child with a mental illness is no picnic, and Claire describes the experience beautifully.
September 2, 2020
My heart goes out to this momma. I could not even begin to imagine going thru what she has!! ❤❤❤❤
October 3, 2020
Wow....what an amazing story. I could not put this book down. Absolutely a 5☆!
November 26, 2020
Refreshingly honest
This is a book that must be read. It's not just a story of what a mother will go through for her son but also what her son has gone through. For the author's first book her writing is wonderful. You will feel as if you are having a long overdue visit with an old friend. I admire Claire more than words can express. Read this book!
This is a book that must be read. It's not just a story of what a mother will go through for her son but also what her son has gone through. For the author's first book her writing is wonderful. You will feel as if you are having a long overdue visit with an old friend. I admire Claire more than words can express. Read this book!
December 23, 2020
Such a great read!
January 7, 2021
I loved this book and read it in 2 days! It was emotional, sad, funny, frustrating and heartwarming. I teach special education and loved reading from a parent perspective. I would highly recommend this book.
Read
August 13, 2020IDK whether to laugh, cry, or give the author...
...an award for bravery!
How she kept her sense of humor through the years of raising this young man is a testament to a mother's love for her child. Unfortunately, nobody will EVER love your child like you will, so even if you meet someone and they say, "I love him just like he's my own son," and you FEEL that it's true, the TRUTH is just the opposite. There is no way on this earth someone will ever love your child like you do.
And don't try to convince yourself that you, as a step parent, can love your spouse's children the same as if they were your own either. You won't. EVER. It's nothing to be ashamed of. It's just how it is. And how it should be, really. That depth of love is reserved for our own children. It cannot be replaced, and shouldn't be. If Claire had to give even a small portion of the love she had for Grayson to a child that was not her own there's no way she'd have been able to do all she did for him...and that things would have turned out the way they did.
I hope that anyone struggling with a child, no matter what age, will read this book and take some inspiration from it. No matter how hard it seems, don't lose your sense of humor, don't give up hope, turn to your friends when you need to (especially that one SUPER GOOD ONE that won't blame you for your child's behavior), DON'T ask anyone who doesn't have kids for parenting advice (DCFS is FULL of staff without children, which I find is a huge issue), stay away from judgmental people, ignore judgmental looks and stares (they don't know you or what you're going through), and eventually things WILL work out.
Oh...and read this book!
...an award for bravery!
How she kept her sense of humor through the years of raising this young man is a testament to a mother's love for her child. Unfortunately, nobody will EVER love your child like you will, so even if you meet someone and they say, "I love him just like he's my own son," and you FEEL that it's true, the TRUTH is just the opposite. There is no way on this earth someone will ever love your child like you do.
And don't try to convince yourself that you, as a step parent, can love your spouse's children the same as if they were your own either. You won't. EVER. It's nothing to be ashamed of. It's just how it is. And how it should be, really. That depth of love is reserved for our own children. It cannot be replaced, and shouldn't be. If Claire had to give even a small portion of the love she had for Grayson to a child that was not her own there's no way she'd have been able to do all she did for him...and that things would have turned out the way they did.
I hope that anyone struggling with a child, no matter what age, will read this book and take some inspiration from it. No matter how hard it seems, don't lose your sense of humor, don't give up hope, turn to your friends when you need to (especially that one SUPER GOOD ONE that won't blame you for your child's behavior), DON'T ask anyone who doesn't have kids for parenting advice (DCFS is FULL of staff without children, which I find is a huge issue), stay away from judgmental people, ignore judgmental looks and stares (they don't know you or what you're going through), and eventually things WILL work out.
Oh...and read this book!
February 9, 2021
The author Claire Josephine took a very serious very sad and very dear to her heart story about her son and found a way to make me laugh through the hard stuff, to laugh through my tears. Most of the time I forgot I was reading a true story because Claire's young life couldn't possibly be so freaking cool.
Thank you Claire for opening my eyes about mental illness and how it looks different in children than it does in adults with mental illness and for sharing your story and Greyson's story. Thank you for digging deep and finding a way to write your life on paper showing the hard stuff but also making me laugh.
Thank you Claire for opening my eyes about mental illness and how it looks different in children than it does in adults with mental illness and for sharing your story and Greyson's story. Thank you for digging deep and finding a way to write your life on paper showing the hard stuff but also making me laugh.
December 16, 2020
I am a voracious reader who has never reviewed a book anywhere before, but after reading this book, I feel like I must. The story Claire told had me laughing and crying at the same time. As a mother of two grown "normal" sons, my heart went out to her. From being in awe of this perfect child she gave birth to, to seeing the genius seeping through his pores, to seeing the downward spiral of Greyson over which she had no control. But yet, she fought on, trying to keep her marriage together, raise two other children, work full-time, and advocate for a son who didn't want to be advocated for. I am in awe of this woman and her strength. I hope someday she'll share more of the "adventures of Greyson and Eva." I pray that the two of them can continue to live this life, albeit different than the norm, that they've created together. It is their normal, and that's good enough. Kudos Claire, you're an amazing mother and an amazing woman.
August 11, 2020
With Or without having a Child...This is an eye opener of a book.
5 Stars are not enough for this Mother & her Son.
I have nothing but praise for Claire, having been a single parent with a child with Adhd & Ocd, I know how hard life can be...
This is on another level that would have seen me possibility give up & give in, or have a nervous breakdown
It is heart breaking... Funny...And emotionally raw in equal measures.
I started & finished reading it in one sitting... I had to know the outcome for both Mother & Son & the impacts of raising a child with such complex mental issues..
The struggle is real beyond any imagination.
5 Stars are not enough for this Mother & her Son.
I have nothing but praise for Claire, having been a single parent with a child with Adhd & Ocd, I know how hard life can be...
This is on another level that would have seen me possibility give up & give in, or have a nervous breakdown
It is heart breaking... Funny...And emotionally raw in equal measures.
I started & finished reading it in one sitting... I had to know the outcome for both Mother & Son & the impacts of raising a child with such complex mental issues..
The struggle is real beyond any imagination.
October 11, 2020
Brutally honest
I was looking for a book that would distract me from the stress and craziness of our school going virtual again due to rapidly increasing number of positive Covid test results. This book accomplished that for me. I have spent the day immersed in the author’s brutally honest story of raising a child with mental illness. Her conversational writing style made me feel like I was watching her experience as it happened, not reading it from the comfort of my couch. I look forward to future books by this author.
I was looking for a book that would distract me from the stress and craziness of our school going virtual again due to rapidly increasing number of positive Covid test results. This book accomplished that for me. I have spent the day immersed in the author’s brutally honest story of raising a child with mental illness. Her conversational writing style made me feel like I was watching her experience as it happened, not reading it from the comfort of my couch. I look forward to future books by this author.
June 9, 2020
A brilliant and honest book dealing with mental health issues I can relate to this book having a sister who was eventually diagnosed with skitzofreniah I applaud you for being s honest people just don't understand unless they have walked in your shoes good luck for the future xxxxxxxxx
Brilliant honest account if you've had a family member suffering mental health issues you can totally relate to this story
Brilliant honest account if you've had a family member suffering mental health issues you can totally relate to this story
July 15, 2020
I am not a reader, I have never finished a book I try but loose interst. Until I read the sad son! I am so proud to say I have read and finished my first book it was sad son. I was hooked! The title caught my eyes as soon as I started reading I couldn't put it down, I wanted to finish the book. It had humour, it was sad but well written book it was easy to read. It related to me as a single mum. I loved the book. It's worth reading. Clair is an amazing strong person. Thank you Claire for writing such an amazing book and sharing your life
July 26, 2020
I enjoyed this book, and I would definitely recommend. Mental health affects the majority of people, but all in different ways. There were so many times I wanted to jump in and help, listen to her when she was asking for help, tell her she was right, that she wasn’t a bad mum. It had me hooked so a sign of a good book.
I only dropped a star as ever now and then I found it a little repetitive, but I still hung off of every word!
I only dropped a star as ever now and then I found it a little repetitive, but I still hung off of every word!
August 2, 2020
So real and so addicting
I saw this book advertised on Instagram. I decided to download the sample book. As soon as I started reading the first pages of the sample I knew I was going to purchase and read the entire book. From the very first chapter to the last I was in the writer's world, as if living along side her, watching her life. I couldn't put the book down. Her humor and honesty are so refreshing. I fully enjoyed reading real life stuff. Let's be honest, Social Media isn't always real life. I'm not much of a reader but this book captivated me and I went to bed reading and woke up grabbing the book because I couldn't wait to read what happened next. I read this book in two days. I highly highly recommend reading this book. I hope she writes another book.
I saw this book advertised on Instagram. I decided to download the sample book. As soon as I started reading the first pages of the sample I knew I was going to purchase and read the entire book. From the very first chapter to the last I was in the writer's world, as if living along side her, watching her life. I couldn't put the book down. Her humor and honesty are so refreshing. I fully enjoyed reading real life stuff. Let's be honest, Social Media isn't always real life. I'm not much of a reader but this book captivated me and I went to bed reading and woke up grabbing the book because I couldn't wait to read what happened next. I read this book in two days. I highly highly recommend reading this book. I hope she writes another book.
September 8, 2020
Extremely upfront with the challenges of life with mental health ussues
I lovedthe humor, the deep emotion and love expressed in this story. It would take immense courage to share this story so full of dreams, hopes, love, reality, disappointment, courage, pain, heartbreakk, honesty, determination, acceptance, and more. All packed into one novel. I look forward to more from this author!
I lovedthe humor, the deep emotion and love expressed in this story. It would take immense courage to share this story so full of dreams, hopes, love, reality, disappointment, courage, pain, heartbreakk, honesty, determination, acceptance, and more. All packed into one novel. I look forward to more from this author!
September 19, 2020
Awesome book from a realistic perspective. I so could relate to this book within my personal experiences at work and home. This book will not only inspire you but also give you a true insight into a day and life with a child with certain diagnoses. It might stop a lot of the old stigma and judgment. Just hope someone who is judging that one day has read this or read this and thinks twice before throwing judgement. I will definitely recommend this book to many at my work and personal lives.
October 8, 2020
Heartwarming, some tears and laughter. An excellent example of a mother’s unconditional for her for her very special son. Strong family support, yet isolated from her peers. I received my copy on Sunday and completed it Wednesday. I believe it’s an important read for the loved ones of family members with mental health issues. It’s an even more important for people who do not have relationships with people with mental health issues. We can all use a healthy dose of compassion for special children and the caregivers. Well written, grateful definitely add it to your reading list. It doesn’t disappoint.
November 10, 2020
Thank you Claire for your courage and honesty in telling yours and Greyson's story. I had to put the book down from time to time because it brought back my own memories (fears, sorrow, frustration, fierce love, protection, anxiety, on-my-knees prayers) of raising my oldest son who suffers from a milder form of mental illness. I don't feel so alone. Praying for you, For Greyson's future, for Eva, for your children. I never know from year to year, month to month, day to day when the phone will ring with a frantic call for help. But I do know God is there in the midst of it all.
July 5, 2020
Wow what a book
Where do I start. This was such a good read . I was different than what I expected . I'm glad she told her life story along w greysons . I really was expecting kinda a different ending of something bad happening to him but I'm so glad it didn't and he got the help he finally needed . She went thru hell her whole adult life.
Where do I start. This was such a good read . I was different than what I expected . I'm glad she told her life story along w greysons . I really was expecting kinda a different ending of something bad happening to him but I'm so glad it didn't and he got the help he finally needed . She went thru hell her whole adult life.
July 23, 2020
Struggles of mental illness
Mental illness is a real struggle for the family of those surrounded by it. This book depicts the struggles of everyone involved. The book greatly moved me and hopefully will enlighten others to the real difficulties of families dealing with mental illness!
Mental illness is a real struggle for the family of those surrounded by it. This book depicts the struggles of everyone involved. The book greatly moved me and hopefully will enlighten others to the real difficulties of families dealing with mental illness!
October 20, 2020
What an unimaginable journey it is raising a child with mental illness. I loved her humor, my kind of people! My heart hurt for her on her journey with her child. My daughter had mental illness her journey was very similar. Now I am raising her son with mental illness. Thank you for your honesty and your candor. I look forward to reading more of your works.
May 20, 2020
About your book
Absolutely awesome book funny sad yet so informative you are an amazing person Claire and I admire you so much x wst a lady n mum u are x well written fantastic story x love to you and your beautiful family xxx
Absolutely awesome book funny sad yet so informative you are an amazing person Claire and I admire you so much x wst a lady n mum u are x well written fantastic story x love to you and your beautiful family xxx
June 14, 2020
Fantastic
I see the word "unputdownable" used far too often in book reviews...in this case, it's true.. Simply put..don't miss out on this gem...inspiring and bare bones honestly brutal at times.worth every minute of my time reading
I see the word "unputdownable" used far too often in book reviews...in this case, it's true.. Simply put..don't miss out on this gem...inspiring and bare bones honestly brutal at times.worth every minute of my time reading
June 16, 2020
Must read!!
Excellent book. Such a raw insight into the life of a mother and her son. An eye opening book about the hard life of persons suffering with mental illness and those who love them.
Excellent book. Such a raw insight into the life of a mother and her son. An eye opening book about the hard life of persons suffering with mental illness and those who love them.
August 5, 2020
So good!
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to have a child with special needs, this is the one for you. Told from the single parent’s perspective to give it a larger than life feel. Lots of emotion along the way as well. So glad I found this book!!!
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to have a child with special needs, this is the one for you. Told from the single parent’s perspective to give it a larger than life feel. Lots of emotion along the way as well. So glad I found this book!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews