Connections: The Journey of a Schizophrenic [Paperback]

Mike Hedrick (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 2010

Rob Black, a college sophomore, has been experiencing some complications. Battling crippling paranoia and delusions due to an undiagnosed case of schizophrenia, he inadvertently projects his fears onto the failures of society. Sensing he is being called to action, Rob sets off, vastly unprepared, on a trip across the nation to take matters into his own hands. After repeated failed plans and expectations about his "mission" he finds himself cold, delusional, and at the point of collapse on a desolate backcountry road. His salvation comes in the form of a lonely middle aged woman named Sharon with numerous problems of her own. She is perhaps as mixed up as Rob, but in a different, more latent way. Rob's saga ends as he is returned home to a mental hospital and finds that, through a seemingly insignificant turn of events, he has inadvertently saved Sharon from taking her own life. Connections is a compelling look at what happens when a dangerously delusional mind takes on an endeavor that is far too large for its own good. It received the award for best premise at the Pike's Peak Writer's Conference 2007 American Icon contest.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mike Hedrick is 24-years-old. He lives and works in Boulder, CO and has written for several different publications. Connections is his first novel. It is based on his own experiences.

Product Details

• Paperback: 194 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace (January 15, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1450537111
• ISBN-13: 978-1450537117
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,169,876 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Mike Hedrick is the author of 'Connections' and 'Delusionalism: The Collected Ramblings of a Schizophrenic'. His work has appeared in several magazines and newspapers and his blog at http://www.delusionalism.tumblr.com. Mike lives and works in Boulder, CO.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A unique and enjoyable read through unfamiliar and eye-opening territory., May 24, 2011

By 

Josh Gaines (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Connections: The Journey of a Schizophrenic (Paperback)

Written in the first person, it follows the wanderings of a young man named Rob Black. It is clear early on that Rob has some delusional thoughts and suffers from increasingly more intense paranoia, which leads him on a journey to seemingly random destinations, guided by a string of messages he believes he is receiving from a number of different sources.

The book is aptly titled Connections, as these are what drives the character forward. In Rob's mind, anything and everything can be seen as a sign or signal with greater significance; C-SPAN coverage on TV, songs shuffling in a particular order on his iPod, the bodily gestures of complete strangers, even the placement of certain colors. As the reader, it is heartbreaking to be given such insight into the mind of a man who is clearly losing touch with reality and unraveling his funds and safety at the same time. Yet he is persistent until being left with virtually nothing; lost and far from home, hungry and broke.

The story moves smoothly, in a style similar to Less Than Zero or Catcher in the Rye, where the character's habits become so familiar you can almost predict their next action. And while Rob is... well, going crazy and a bit of a cynic, you can't help but like him and even to empathize on some levels. There is a clear desire in him to do what he so firmly feels is right and an undercurrent of deep appreciation and care for beauty and mankind. His character displays a vulnerable and unique insight into the mind of a schizophrenic, one of the non-violent assortment who really just want to better the condition for everyone.

The writing style has an often humorous adolescent quality to it (not humorous because it's bad, humorous because, well... the character says funny things).

The whole beauty and meaning of Connections is not fully realized until literally the last sentence. While the book is not aimless, the final words have a way of blessing all that came behind and instilling far more worth into the, at times, confusing journey. As a whole, Connections was a good little read with a pleasantly unique premise and an incredibly refreshing conclusion.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great insight into schizophrenia, March 14, 2011

By 

Mark Macy (Boulder CO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Connections: The Journey of a Schizophrenic (Paperback)

I met Mike's dad, who assured me the amazing and unsettling experiences in this book are true... making it the best story I've read to date showing how the schizophrenic mind works. The 'personal messages' that Mike receives from his surroundings compel him to save the world and lead him to the United Nations in New York (where better to materialize such a lofty dream?)... which is closed for the weekend (thudding the author down to reality)... leaving Mike to drift for awhile... hopeless, homeless... eventually winding up groping through the north woods toward Canada on blistered, painful feet.

The unlikely (but true) conditions that save his life show that guardian angels are real, and they can come in surprising forms.

5.0 out of 5 stars An uncensored view inside his mind, August 21, 2010

By 

AndreaVahl - See all my reviews

This review is from: Connections: The Journey of a Schizophrenic (Paperback)

I found this book to be an amazing view inside the mind of someone experiencing a schizophrenic episode. Mike takes you on his journey battling himself while he tries to figure out what is true and what is in his mind. Raw and uncensored. Loved it!

I've recommended it to other families dealing with the recent diagnosis of schizophrenia within their family. It provides some great insight and has a message of hope.