Book #8: Too Bright to Hear Too Loud to See by Juliann Garey

I don't know that I've ever read a novel as frightening and intriguing as Juliann Garey's Too Bright to Hear Too Loud to See. It is the story of Greyson Todd, a successful Hollywood studio exec, who battles bipolar disorder-somewhat unsuccessfully.

The book moves between Greyson's younger years, dealing with his father's unpredictability; his time before he left his wife and tried to keep his bipolar disorder under control and out of the spotlight; the time he spent travelling the world anonymously; and his horrific treatment.

There are times in the book that are so scary, you want the scene to stop. How could someone do the things he does? Doesn't he realize what he's doing? His madness is overwhelming, even to the reader.

I started out feeling that his wife was cold and selfish, soon I realize she's not. She's suffered along with him and tried to help him the best she can, but it doesn't keep him from spiralling out of control into his psychosis.

I never wanted to put this book down. Ms. Garey does such a wonderful job laying out the scenes that I had to know more about her. Not surprisingly, she suffers from bipolar disorder. She has the unique insight needed to portray the details of Greyson's instability.

I absolutely loved this book. It was also chosen by Amazon as their "Best of the Month" in December 2012, so I'm not the only one who believes this book is amazing! It's absolutely one of the best books I've ever read and has given me new perspective on bipolar disorder.

Book #7: Faith by Jennifer Haigh

After reading a book I didn't enjoy, I was thrilled to read Faith by Jennifer Haigh. It was amazing! I'm talking I-don't-want-to-put-the-book-down amazing.

Faith is a novel set in Boston and narrated by a woman whose brother, a priest, is accused of molesting a boy. I'm sure we all remember the terrible scandal that broke regarding rampant misconduct within the Catholic church. This novel gives the reader an idea of what the families of the accused must have went through.

The narrator, Sheila, is close to her brother Art. From the beginning, she believes that he would never do such a thing as harm a child. Their other brother, Mike, thinks the accusations are true. Through the telling of the story, many other dark secrets are revealed in the family that prefers to keep things quiet.

It's hard not to feel sorry for even the darkest of characters in the story. They all have qualities that draw you in, but then you are left at times disillusioned by their actions.

Jennifer Haigh has written an amazing story. It kept me up late at night, not just from reading it, but from laying in bed thinking about it. I wish the story could have gone on and on.