Title: January First: A Child’s Descent into Madness and Her Father’s Struggle to Save Her
Author: Michael Schofield
First published January 7, 2012
304 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780307719089 (ISBN10: 0307719081)
Rating: 3.9
Overview
January First: A Child’s Descent into Madness and Her Father’s Struggle to Save Her by Michael Schofield is a heart-wrenching memoir that tells the story of a father’s unwavering fight to save his daughter from the grips of a severe case of mental illness. At just six years old, January, or Jani as she is known to her family, is diagnosed with a rare form of child-onset schizophrenia that leaves her hallucinating for 95% of the time she is awake.
Despite the potent psychiatric drugs she is given, Jani has hundreds of imaginary friends who reside on an island called “Calalini” in her mind, and some of these friends are dangerous. As Jani’s parents struggle to keep their daughter and son safe, they also face an uphill battle against a social system that has failed them.
This is a story of the daily battles and sacrifices made by a family who refuses to give up on their daughter and their faith in a better tomorrow. January First is an inspiring and honest account of one family’s journey through the darkest moments of their lives.
Editoral Review
January First: A Child’s Descent into Madness and Her Father’s Struggle to Save Her, by Michael Schofield, is a heart-wrenching memoir that explores the author’s journey to save his daughter from a severe mental illness. First published on January 7, 2012, the book falls under the non-fiction genre and is written in a straightforward and honest style that evokes a strong emotional response from readers.
The book tells the story of Jani, a brilliant and creative child who begins to show symptoms of schizophrenia at the age of five. As her condition worsens, Jani’s father, Michael, becomes increasingly desperate to save her from the clutches of this debilitating illness.
He embarks on a quest to find the best treatment for Jani, navigating a complex and often frustrating mental health system.
Schofield’s memoir is a gripping and harrowing account of his daughter’s illness and his family’s struggle to cope with it. He portrays Jani’s condition with sensitivity and compassion, providing readers with a unique insight into the world of mental illness.
The book is set in Los Angeles, and Schofield vividly describes the city’s landmarks and neighborhoods, adding to the book’s immersive quality.
The book is significant in that it sheds light on the challenges that families of mentally ill individuals face. It highlights the inadequacies of the mental health system and the need for better resources for families dealing with mental illness.
The book also explores the issue of stigmatization of mental illness, urging readers to examine their own biases and prejudices.
The book’s strength lies in its raw and honest portrayal of the struggles faced by Jani and her family. Schofield’s writing is clear and concise, and he effectively conveys the pain and anguish that he and his wife go through as they try to save their daughter.
The book is also well-paced, with Schofield expertly building tension and suspense throughout the narrative.
However, the book also has some limitations. It is heavily reliant on Schofield’s perspective, and Jani’s voice is often lost in the narrative.
The book also lacks a clear resolution, leaving the reader with a sense of incompleteness.
Overall, January First is a powerful and poignant memoir that serves as an important reminder of the challenges faced by families dealing with mental illness. It is a must-read for anyone interested in mental health and the complexities of the human psyche.
I would give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars for its evocative storytelling and insightful observations.
