• The Center Cannot Hold

  • By: Elyn R. Saks
  • Narrated by: Alma Cuervo
  • Length: 12 hrs and 10 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,430 ratings)

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The Center Cannot Hold  By  cover art

The Center Cannot Hold

By: Elyn R. Saks
Narrated by: Alma Cuervo
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Publisher's summary

Professor of psychiatry Elyn R. Saks writes about her struggle with schizophrenia in this unflinching account of her mental illness. In The Center Cannot Hold, Saks draws readers into a nightmare world of medications, a misguided health-care system, and social stigmas. But she would not be defeated. With a strength and force of will that most can only imagine, Saks reclaimed her life and went on to achieve great success.
©2007 Elyn R. Saks (P)2007 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"In this engrossing memoir, Saks...demonstrates a novelist's skill of creating character, dialogue, and suspense." ( Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about The Center Cannot Hold

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okay

Fascinating in some ways but a toot of the author's own horn most of the time. I still haven't figured out how one institution can give the author two awards that are each classified as the highest honor possible.

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Insightful!

Amazing to hear such an intimate account of Elyn’s struggles and huge accomplishments while ensuring with a SMI and beating the odds.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

They are NOT Crazy

This a great book to familiarize yourself with Mental Illness. There are people that are crazy in our society but they do not include the mentally ill. Mentally Ill people have a biological problem not of their choosing, but crazy people are those without any excuse but choose to behave very badly. Many of societies leaders fall into this category. Elyn Saks is a wonderful person who has persisted against tremendous adversity to fullfill her dreams. She is one of my heroes. Read this book to get to know one of America's true heroes, it is worth the time and money spent. .

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fascinating!

loved it, such a fascinating view into Saks' struggles and successes while living with schizophrenia. very unique and eye opening.

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Phenomenal audiobook!

Very well read and well written. I am a psychiatry resident and this book transformed the way I understand schizophrenia and the treatment of psychotic illnesses. A must read for any mental health professional.

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Great story and narrator about mental health

The narrator did a great job expressing tone and feeling in the story. Very good story with a nice message about mental health.

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What an incredible book.

Saks permits entry into her world through her detailed narrative and deeply insightful reflection. This book allowed me to gain a new understanding and awareness of schizophrenia. Thank you!

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Spectacular

Eye opening, insightful and inspiring. Tough read in parts because of the subject matter, but beautifully written and authentic. I feel enriched for having read Dr. Saks' story.

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loved this book!

this was a wonderful telling of her struggle to balance illness with her personal life.

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A Very Important Book

Prof. Saks shares her life story as an amazing form of advocacy against stigma and misunderstanding about mental illness and behavioral health treatment. As a psychiatric nurse I was intrigued by the importance of analysis in her treatment. Her writing is beautiful and I'm so happy to own this book, as I know I will turn to it again. I may also purchase a print copy, as she makes many statements that I want to have close at hand. Her story and the way she tells it will positively inform my interactions with patients.
Thank you, Prof Saks

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