Customer Reviews

Surviving Madness: A Therapist's Own Story (Living Out: Gay and Lesbian Autobiographies)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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Difficult to imagine that this revered guru of same-sex relationships was for many years the victim of her own internalized homophobia. The highs and lows of Berzon's life are vividly recounted, punctuated with names of friends like Anais Nin, Evelyn Hooker, Paul Monette, and Michael Murphy. It's no spoiler to say that she ultimately found happiness in a long-term relationship, making her tale that much more inspiring. Highly recommended.

This book is well-written and covers a lot of ground; it was just too impersonal for my tastes. The book starts out with the air of a traditional memoir, but towards the latter half it changes tone and becomes more of an historical account. It's an excellent history of the gay/lesbian rights movement as seen through Berzon's eyes; unfortunately, if you're not familiar with the players in that movement then it's easy to lose your bearings. Berzon's rise from the depths is inspiring, however, no matter what your background. It just got lost for me in all the names and dates towards the end of the book.

A very compelling story of a top Psychotherapist who was also a deeply closted lesbian for the 1st half of her life and a gay activist in the 2nd half. Ms. Berzon opens her heart to the reader as she shares her joys and her sufferings. She is also an excellent writer and for readers who would like to become writers, she offers some valuable insight.

An unbelievable journey that shows courage, an innate ability to survive, and a strength of character we all wish we could emulate. I know Surviving Madness was written with tears, because I shed them in so many parts of her story.

Once I started reading the book I didn't stop till I had finished. What greater review can you give....