Beautifully Bipolar: An Inspiring Look into Mental Illness

By: Erin Callinan

Narrated by: Heidi Tabing

Length: 2 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's Summary

"I was frustrated," says Erin Callinan about the genesis of her critically-acclaimed memoir Beautifully Bipolar. "I could no longer sit back while conversation surrounding mental illness was negative, scary, insulting, and inaccurate. I have a voice, and I have a story. I felt a passion, and I went with it. I just started writing: no judgments, limits, or rules." Her purpose: To challenge people to address and remove the stigma associated with mental illness. Reviewers have enthusiastically praised the volume, one calling it the "perfect first non-clinical book for family members, loved ones, or even sufferers themselves, who are just adjusting to the unsettling diagnosis of bipolar disorder." Ultimately Erin's story is impossible to set aside and vitally import to know.

©2013 Peace of Mind (P)2014 New Street Communications, LLC

A Trip Back To Arizona

As I listened to the author's story and her description of the places she'd been hospitalized I searched my memory in attempt to recall her. From 1995 to 2007 I was employed in working with the mentally ill and substance abusers in the Phoenix area. I didn't recognize either the places she was hospitalized or any of the people she described but the outline was certainly familiar with the stories of many of those I dealt with in those years.
Late adolescence/ early adulthood is the time that both schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder will either begin or the individual's ability to hide it is overwhelmed. I worked with any number of young men and women who were facing the reality of a lifetime illness; an illness that carries a huge stigma. The lack of treatment available to the mentally ill is a disgrace; those who are able to get treatment are able to do so only a matter of days. The fact that the author suffered only two episodes serious enough to lead to her hospitalization means she is one of the most fortunate of those who have a SMI; most sufferers aren't that lucky.
This was an excellent if short exploration of mental illness. The true weakness of the work is the overly high, overly chirpy voice of the reader that sounds as if would be better for a children's story. While that is something of a negative this work is more than worth the discounted price; it is heartily recommended.

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Hard listening

Always good to hear another's story of this illness, unfortunately this was nearly impossible to listen to. Narrator sounds like she's reading a Judy Blume book to a class of fifth graders, not someone's experience with mental illness. What a terrible disservice to Erin's experience.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Nourishment for the soul!

I'm in the early phase of a diagnosis of Bipolar 1 and was recommended this book by a member of an email list for mental health support. I'm about the same age as the author and having the perspective of a fellow young adult with mental illnesses gives me all the more confidence that I'm not alone and I can get through this!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Great listen for Bipolars, their friends & family

If you could sum up Beautifully Bipolar: An Inspiring Look into Mental Illness in three words, what would they be?

reflective
on-point
hopeful

What was one of the most memorable moments of Beautifully Bipolar: An Inspiring Look into Mental Illness?

When Erin admits to not being able to stop wetting the bed because of her illness

Did Heidi Tabing do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

there really wasn't a need for it in this book. N/A

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes. I would have listened to it all at once bc I heard so much of my own story being told in Erin's, but alas life still must go on outside of books.

Any additional comments?

Thank you Erin Callinan for sharing your story and also expressing how important it is to be proactive in our own care. We are our own biggest advocates. Heidi Tabing was a distraction for me at times.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

absolutely loved it. it helped me realize that I'm

this was an amazing book. I really enjoyed it. It helps me to not feel alone in this world. thank you so much Erin callanan

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Good

From a side of a friend who has bipolar, I learned a lot of the struggle he has been through. Good story. Liked it a lot.

good book<br />

loved this book, could relate to alot of things. excellent way to express the problem at hand

Must read for you, your family and close friends

Excellent sharing of the struggle one faces with a chemical imbalance (bipolar). I highly recommend this especially to family members. She is strong and I know my daughter will be strong too.

Amazing narration

What made the experience of listening to Beautifully Bipolar: An Inspiring Look into Mental Illness the most enjoyable?

The acting Heidi delivered made it enjoyable as I could feel how the character felt about her mental illness and her thoughts about the people around her.

Any additional comments?

As per usual, Great job Heidi,

1 of 2 people found this review helpful