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Written from the perspective of a daughter who bears witness to her mother's descent into a vicious cycle of chronic depression which began as a postpartum episode, this book simultaneously manages to describe the horrific impact on the entire family buy in a way that you want to keep reading to find out what happens. Ms. Graham's mother undergoes hundreds of electroshock treatments over the years, numerous hospitalizations and all the while, the medical establishment consistently and miserably fails to address the impact on the family and to find an effective means of helping her mother. It is only decades after the initial episode that her mother finds a semblance of peace after finally being prescribed lithium. However, the damage have been wrought on the family and Nancy Graham writhes of the individual impact on each of the family members in a way that is heartwrenchingly honest, candid and with compassion. The book handles enormously difficult material laden with emotion but is so well written you are compelled to keep turning the pages. Most of the information treatment providers encounter is factual and informative. What Afraid of the Day manages to accomplish is to convey the facts but in a way that touches your heart and creates a lasting impression for how you might do your work differently in dealing with depression, substance abuse and many other issues. This is a book that is a must read for both service providers and those who might have experienced the same devastating experience. Nanci Harris
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“You have written a fine book and it breaks new ground. It is fascinating, poignant and sticks to the bones. I am left with great admiration for your ability to see your parent’s whole – not so much as damagers as damaged themselves. Your generosity is the background healing chorus throughout the book.” June Callwood, writer, journalist, social activist Toronto Ontario “I have been very moved by your story and I certainly think others would be too. It’s well written and has many powerful passages. Your feelings of having caused your mother’s depressive illness are quite heartbreaking, and your personal struggles to achieve sanity and to live an authentic life are poignantly told. The passages quoted from your own diary are wonderful.” Helen McLean, writer and painter " C 'What really knocks me out is a book that, when you're all done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call her up on the phone whenever you felt like it. That doesn't happen much though.' " I guess I'm pretty lucky." Jean Kowalewski,
Carol
Garry, Intake Clerk, Webmaster Nancy. Just wanted you to know
that I sat down and read the entire first part of your book in one sitting, could NOT put
it down. You have captured so intensely what it was like that I can only once again
marvel at the unbelievably courageous journey you have put yourself on this last decade.
And to feel such unutterable sadness at the bungling of the mental health and
medical systems that kept your family mired in a hell that was to a large degree
preventable or able to be more manageable. Jean Tweed Centre Sharon Day, Boulder Book Club,
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"I have read your book. For the first few days I could only
read a few chunks at a time and then I'd have to take a break - it is so tragic in the
beginning - I found it quite difficult perhaps because I know what depression feels like -
as well as a sense of alienation from a mother - of course our circumstances were not the
same, but either way, we were not connected to the very people logic tells us we should be
- it is difficult to bear - still your book ends on a hopeful and positive note and the
last half was easier reading than the first - I loved it. The Quill & Quire Review
The Hamilton Spectator Review
Siren Magazine Review
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