Vince Granata

One does not have to read many pages to realize that the title is amiss: "Everything Is -- not -- Fine" with this family as many others have said. This memoir is all about Vince's brother, Tim, who has a history of mental illness with schizophrenia. Tim has been through the works with drugs, psychiatric evaluations and tests with the feeling like the Devil is directing his thoughts.

Then one day when he was alone with his mother, the unthinkable happened. Tim killed his mother brutally with a knife. He immediately called the police and admitted what he had done while Vince was thousands of miles away getting the call from his dad. He immediately came home to join his family in Connecticut to mourn what happened and try to figure out what to do next.

In this memoir, Vince, along with his dad, brother and sister were desperate to try to resolve their feelings. Vince started drinking excessively and then went to a therapist describing fearful dreams. Together, the family looked back on memories from the past trying to think if there could have been a better way of reacting to every single sign of possible threats by Tim to prevent this violent act. It was too late. They were at the trial watching graphics of their mother.

It's clear from reading this book and other news reports that mental illness is a growing concern in our country. It's difficult to control someone who refuses to take their meds because they think they are fine. It's a subject most ignore and no one really understands it until you are inside the circle. The memoir is well written and will leave the readers thinking how this disease needs more attention especially as our country faces uncertainty with so many causes.… (más)

So incredibly personal and deeply emotional, reading this memoir felt almost like an invasion of privacy. Through memories and investigative journalism, the author brings to life a powerful and compelling journey.
This book chronicles the heart wrenching mental anguish of a family in the wake of trauma, the failings of the mental health system, and the extraordinary strength it takes to cope. Though shocking and tough to read in some parts, there is also compassion, reconciliation and love.
This family's story is a thought provoking, educational, and humanizing look at a misunderstood disease.
*Many thanks to Atria Books, Vince Granata, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.… (más)