nonfiction title) is that the reader comes away with understanding of
the condition discussed, and empathy for those who have it, without
being convinced she or he also has it. "Made me feel like I was really
there!" is not desirable in this case. Does anyone read DEATH BE NOT
PROUD without being convinced that every headache is a (spoiler)
symptom connected to a brain tumor?
In this arena mental health memoirs definitely have the edge. It
sounds cruel to say that the reaction produced should sound something
like "Wow, that is Not Normal," but such a precaution is necessary in
order not to trivialize the discussion. John Elder Robison's LOOK ME
IN THE EYE, about Asperger's, is a good example.
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