Title: Schizo
Author: Nic Sheff
First published September 30, 2014
263 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780399164378 (ISBN10: 0399164375)
Rating: 3.67
Overview
In Bitcoin Billionaires: A True Story of Genius, Betrayal, and Redemption by Ben Mezrich, the thrilling tale of Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss’s journey into the world of cryptocurrency is told. After being rejected by venture capitalists due to their infamous fight with Zuckerberg, the brothers stumble upon an obscure and mysterious concept: cryptocurrency.
Unsure of its potential, they take a chance and enter the unfamiliar and sometimes dangerous world of crypto. From the Silk Road to the Securities and Exchange Commission, this book takes readers on a wild ride and offers a glimpse into the future of economics.
The Winklevoss brothers’ story is a testament to the power of taking risks and seizing opportunities. Join them on their journey to become the first bitcoin billionaires in this captivating book.
About the Author
Meet Nic Sheff, the talented author who has bravely shared his addiction struggles in two powerful memoirs. His first book, Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines, quickly became a New York Times bestseller.
Nic’s second book, We All Fall Down: Living with Addiction, is another inspiring account of his journey towards recovery. Today, Nic resides in sunny Los Angeles, California where he spends his time writing for both the big and small screen.
Editoral Review
Schizo by Nic Sheff is a gripping novel that explores mental illness, addiction, and the struggles of adolescence. Nic Sheff is an American author and journalist, known for his memoirs Tweak and We All Fall Down.
In Schizo, he fictionalizes his own experiences with schizophrenia and drug addiction, creating a harrowing and thought-provoking story that will leave readers deeply moved. The novel tells the story of Miles, a teenage boy who is dealing with the devastating effects of schizophrenia.
As Miles struggles to navigate his delusions and hallucinations, his family and friends try to support him, but they are often left feeling helpless and frustrated. Alongside Miles, the reader will meet a cast of complex, fully-realized characters, from his devoted parents and his loyal best friend to his gruff but caring therapist.
Set in San Francisco in the 1990s, Schizo provides a nuanced portrait of a city in transition, grappling with issues like gentrification, homelessness, and the AIDS epidemic. Sheff’s writing is vivid and assured, immersing the reader in the sights, sounds, and smells of the city.
The novel is also steeped in popular culture of the era, with moments of humor and nostalgia that will resonate with readers who came of age during that time. At the heart of Schizo is a profound empathy for those who struggle with mental illness, addiction, and trauma.
Sheff’s writing is unsentimental but deeply compassionate, and he never reduces Miles or any of his characters to mere stereotypes or plot devices. Instead, he invites the reader to see the world through their eyes, to feel their pain and their hope, and to recognize that even in the darkest moments there can still be glimmers of light.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. At times, it feels overwritten and overwrought, with Sheff lingering too long on certain scenes or descriptions.
The pacing can also feel uneven, with the narrative dragging in some places and accelerating too quickly in others. Additionally, some readers may find the novel too intense or triggering, as it deals with themes of self-harm, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation.
Overall, Schizo is a powerful and affecting novel that will resonate with readers who are interested in mental illness, addiction, and the human condition. Fans of Sheff’s memoirs will appreciate the way that he brings his own experiences to bear on this fictional story, while newcomers will be drawn in by the vivid setting, complex characters, and harrowing plot.
Recommended for mature readers who are willing to confront difficult subject matter, Schizo is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars