About the Book: You’re homeless, living on the street, fighting to keep body and soul intact. Not so long ago, you were successful, competent, and liked, and your future was assured.
But the unimaginable happens.
Aliens begin watching you through their super-evolved technology. No one is aware of them except you. Then they begin speaking to you.
After that, things get crazy.
Approximately one in a hundred people suffer from schizophrenia, a disorder characterized by delusions and/or hallucinations. For Eugene Uttley, the delusions are profound and kaleidoscopic, involving spirits and extraterrestrials, celebrities and spies. In his extended period of psychosis, Eugene also hears voices nearly constantly, and believes himself to be in telepathic communication with the objects of his delusions.
Albert Morton examines Eugene's life and illness in great detail, bringing us fully into Eugene's world, revealing the fascinating workings of the schizophrenic mind. Joining Eugene on a mad journey spanning decades and continents, the author captures the essence of the illness and the bizarre, desperate behavior it can cause. From a good job and comfortable lifestyle, Eugene is reduced to raving in the streets. Struggling for survival in Asia, on the road in America, and even in jail, Eugene weathers a turbulent storm of thoughts from which he can find no shelter. Morton painstakingly tracks his progress in this raw and gripping chronicle, which includes unflinching accounts of drug abuse, homelessness, and despair, as well as true friendship, love, and hope.
My Review: This is a very well written book where the author tells the story of Eugene, a well educated person who teaches at a college and start dealing with schizophrenia. Initially he does not think that there is anything wrong with him and does not look for professional help. But as time goes by, after suffering a lot and seen his life almost go to the drain, he notices that something is not correct. The book describes in a very realistic way all his struggles with relationships and the ways he tries to deal with the fact that he is hearing voices and having hallucinations. The thought of extraterrestrials trying to contact him and spirits, celebrities, spies and telepathic contacts, all contributes to the plot. In his journey through schizophrenia he finds friends, love, and people who really care about him. He goes from America to Asia and back, always using his credit cards to the limit. In this realistic description of an schizophrenic mind, we learn how a person can suffer and go from success to losing everything, without realizing what is affecting his/her mind in time to search for a professional help. I recommend this book to all readers that enjoy a well written book and want to improve their knowledge in this journey through an ill mind.
I received this book from the author for reviewing and I was not requested to write a positive review. Opinion expressed here is my own.
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