Broken Like Me: An Insider's Toolkit for Mending Broken People

by Joseph Reid

I'm supposed to convince you that reading this book is worthwhile. I wish I didn't have to. I wish I never had to write it. But brokenness exists.

I go through most days feeling broken and having thoughts of suicide. So, here's my book to you. I didn't write it to make a lot of money, but out of a need to survive, and to hopefully help others who read it. It is born out of my story of living with a mental illness. I write about things in this book that made life easier, and at times, probably kept me alive. You shouldn't have to wait to tell your story until you have things all figured out - I'm not even close, but I'm sharing mine. I pray what I've learned encourages you to share your experiences with someone too. Here are some things I'd like you to think about as you consider reading this book.

Do you feel like you have to pretend you're not broken and pray that your struggle doesn't get passed on to your kids?

Do you feel overwhelmed with inadequate boundaries and need help knowing where to draw the line with people?

Do you get those check-in sheets every time you go to your therapist and can't make sense out of the scale they're using?

Do you feel lost between faith and sanity, success and failure, hope and helplessness?

If you feel broken. I wrote this for you.

199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2021

Reviews

[Jen Ellison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reid is a fun and engaging author. As an "insider" he's able to communicate both basic and complex ideas to adults both clearly and without condescension. Even though I'm not, fully, his intended audience I enjoyed the book and was challenged by it.

I anticipate recommending this book (and specific portions of it) to people I know and work with because he addresses specific topics (like journaling and friendship) in specific, creative, and helpful ways that I haven't seen other places. I can see myself saying, "Check out X chapter in Broken Like Me, the author has great ideas for alternative journaling ideas when you're not a writer," or "I get what you're talking about, Reid has some great insight and practical steps about being intentional with friendships in chapter X." It's a great book for professional people-helpers to have in their arsenal.

There were a few times that I skimmed pages because a metaphor was being explained in more detail than was helpful for me, or he covered a topic I was well acquainted with. But, overall, I think this is a great book for its intended audience.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really a rather drawn out and difficult to get through book on things to help mental health. Was given a copy from the author so I read it but the cliff notes version is 1. Rate your mental health on a scale of -10 to 10 and 2. Journal (which was wayyy too long of a section with tips and things which is where the book really lost me and 3. Have good friendships. There are some exercises (most of which I thought were a little strange) that he tries to get you to do at the end of sections but I felt they were useless and not necessary for the book. I really would’ve rather heard more of his personal story with mental health struggles than this “self-help” type book that he put out there as a “toolbox” for broken people.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A message for those who are broken

What can I say? Joe is an amazing guy. I'm privileged to be his friend and to have him him my life. There are some great messages in this book and a lot of impactful stories. He poured his heart and soul into this and I'm so proud of him for creating this.
We are all broken in unique ways but this book who speak to many. Embrace who you are. You have value. You are going to be ok.

[Frankie Lowman Marcell]

Broken like me by Joseph Reid is an excellent book. It’s a good read for anyone to be prepared for what you might be dealing with now or in the future. Being the mother of a child with a mental illness, reading this book gave ME tools to work with him and to understand him. Be open to learning about some thing that is very common in our society. Remember knowledge is wisdom.

[Deborah S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encouraging advice packed with humor!

Joseph Reid shares his journey and gives the reader lot of advice laced with humor. The book offers comprehensive tools for living fully. I walked away with valuable reminders about the important things in life.

[Kristin Scherkenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Like Me is a must read for anyone struggling with depression or for anyone who loves someone who is struggling. It contains many practical and concrete suggestions for improving your mental health along with the encouragement to adapt these suggestions in a way that is helpful for you. I highly recommend reading it!

[Dan]

Not quite what I expected after hearing him speak. Helpful perspective on coping strategies. I was hoping more of an understanding of the mindset so that I can understand those around me with mental health struggles.

[Jan Kirkconnell]

This is a genuine, heartfelt true story about one mans mental health journey.
You will definitely find hope in this book!

[Nicolette9 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid introduction to using journaling and intentional friendships to support mental health. Very basic, but potentially very helpful.

[Nicole Bradford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, very heavy on journaling though. I'm not too into writing but drawing yes...