Customer Reviews

Closing the Chasm: Letters from a Bipolar Physician to His Son

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If you've ever wondered what it is like to live with a mental illness, or you know someone who suffers with one and would like to better understand the "why" behind his/her behavior, then this gem of a book is a "must read" for you! Compelling, brutally honest, insightful--Closing the Chasm opens a window on the world of mental illness. From the heart knowledge of experiencing the emotional highs and lows to the head knowledge of learning about this disease (the "Five S's"), to the spiritual journey...it's all there. I commend Dr. Diven for his professional courage in writing this book--physicians aren't supposed to be sick, right?! Moreover, I thank him for his personal courage because both he and his family are open to to review through this book. Very well done!!

The author shares his stories and experiences as a physician and as a person suffering from bipolar disorder. Touching book that will open your eyes to the struggles and the hardships of people struggling with bipolar. Dr. Diven should be commended for his honesty and his courage. The letter format of the book makes it much more personal.

Highly recommended Read!

I read this book because I knew the author. I realized my suspicions that my mother was bi-polar were probably correct after reading this book. In January she was diagnosed as severe bi-polar and began treatment. Very timely. I liked the way this book revealed the fact that individuals with bi-polar can be productive and highly intelligent, while hiding their disease and needing treatment. With 3 members in my family diagnosed as bi-polar over the past few years it helped me tremendously to have a better understanding of this most difficult to treat illness. I am grateful for the way Dr. Diven opened his life up with the hope it would help others recognize that there is help to be had for this situation. It was also an interesting story.

I have always wondered what are the bipolar symptoms. This book answered my questions in a pragmatic way using a bipolar physician as an example. Great book written for laymen like me.

Dr. Diven gives a straight forward, honest account of his life with bipolar disorder. This book is the one I have been looking for to share with others who want to learn more about bipolar, not scary, just a thorough description of normal life and how it looks from the inside. Thoughtful and brief and accurate and well put together. Letter format makes it easy to read and understand. I highly recommend this book.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I read "Closing the Chasm" as I had no previous knowledge about bi-polar disorder.I decided to read the book mainly to learn more about this subject, and was interested in the viewpoint from a doctor as he maintains to keep his professional life in check. As I was apprehensive of yet another "biography" of someone's "personal struggles", (Let's face it there must be tons) I was really absorbed in Dr. Diven's tale and found it an incredible account. He is honest, and shows us the very real side to bi-polar disorder: failures, drugs, tears and all. Many times when reading there were my own tears as I was touched by his personal accounts!

I would recommend this book because it is not sugar coated and it doesn't patronize or give advice, its just Dr. Diven's account in all its raw reality. One of my favourite chapters in the book was Dr. Diven's philosophies and struggles with Christianity when finding the balance part of identifying his own spirituality in spite of his manic episodes. I found myself looking at anyone that suffers from this disease with more clarity and understanding.

The author writes a poignant look at what its like to have bi-polar disorder as a physician. His insight into the illness and its affects on his life in retrospect is remarkable. The book is an easy read filled with emotion, passion and truth.