Published in the 1990's, this book is a look inside a psychiatric hospital and the mental health system; the good, the bad, and the ugly. Mostly, it seems, that the bad and the ugly predominate, but there are glimmers of the good, of hope. There seem to be more caring people than not at this particular hospital, although the uncaring seem to wield more power.

I chose this book because I know little about the subject. I found it to be discouraging at times. At other times it was inspiring, hopeful, and even frightening. It was almost always riveting.

I came away with more compassion for the dangerously mentally ill, and with respect for those who battle to improve conditions for those with mental illness as well as for those who battle this disease on a daily basis.

It was well worth the read. ( )