No drugs. No alcohol. So, how does a fifty-three-year-old develop schizophrenia? That's the question puzzling Joseph's family when his mind descends into madness, filled with grandiose delusions and paranoia. He roams the world as a self-proclaimed prophet-of-God-purportedly arrested in Israel, advised the Mafioso in Italy, and hailed as a prophet in Africa. When he returns to the United States, he faces down drug dealers and prostitutes while homeless, then disappears.
Shrouded by secrecy related to stigma and confusion of a complicated medical system that hinders rather than helps, his wife and three kids race to find answers before he slips away forever. Their biggest fear-he will die a faceless stranger on the streets. Alone.
An IBPA Benjamin Franklin Silver award-winner in psychology, Losing Dad, Paranoid Schizophrenia: A Family's Search for Hope is a compelling true story told through multiple perspectives-the children, spouse, and patient; it offers a glimpse into a world that will either feel hauntingly familiar or shocking.
The foreword by Dr. Xavier Amador, Founder, LEAP Institute, Author
of I am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help!
explains the neurological condition of anosognosia. Includes supplemental materials including a discussion of laws, exclusive family interviews, photographs, and reading guide questions.
Losing Dad
is a standalone book. If you would like additional information after reading, there is a follow-up book called
Finding Dad, Paranoid Schizophrenia: An End to the Search
by Amanda LaPera.
EDITORIAL REVIEWS
"hard-hitting, powerful ... highly recommended."
-D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer,
Midwest Book Review
"Written with compassion, emotion, and insight
...
with a hard-won emphasis on healing and hope
, ... it offers a visceral, often heart-rending portrait chronicle, with welcome attention paid to the rippling effects of mental illness." -
BookLife
Reviews (
Editor's Pick
)
"shows that
behind every severe mental illness there is a human being
." -Xavier Amador, Ph.D., Founder, LEAP Institute, Author,
I am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help
"
a uniquely powerful. deeply personal chronicle that will resonate with readers
. Characterization is top-notch and intimate." -
Prize
will inspire and encourage loved ones not to give up hope
even when getting help seems all but impossible." - Amy Raines for
Readers' Favorite
(
Five-Star Review)
NATIONAL AWARD-WINNING BOOK
IBPA Benjamin Franklin Silver Award in Psychology
Award Finalist in Non-Fiction - Grief/Hardship
Publishers Weekly
Prize Quarter-Finalist