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January First: A Child's Descent into Madness and Her Father's Struggle to Save Her Reprint Edition

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Michael Schofield (Author)
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Michael Schofield (Author)
4.3 out of 5 stars 425 customer reviews
ISBN-13: 978-0307719096
ISBN-10: 030771909X
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Product Details

  • Paperback: 320 pages
  • Publisher: Broadway Books; Reprint edition (August 6, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 030771909X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0307719096
  • Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.7 x 8 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (425 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,596 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 starsA father's descent into madness...
By A reader on December 24, 2012
Format: Hardcover
I wanted to like this book. I truly did. After seeing a documentary about Jani, the daily struggles of a schizophrenic child piqued my interest. But, sadly, the father's ego and sense of entitlement got in the way of her story. His self-aggrandizing position of superiority above those around him and dozens of inconsistencies in his actions proved to be too much to stomach:

His description of his daughter is akin to viewing her as a science experiment, and yet he seems truly amazed that despite her "genius" she wants to be a normal child. It's sad that I know Jani's IQ (stated ad nauseum throughout the book, to the point of embarrassment) but not HER hopes and dreams. My heart goes out to poor Jani. While Mr. Schofield clearly loves her, he has yet to realize that gifted intelligence is by no means unique to his daughter.

Jani's aggression is well-documented throughout the book, yet consistent discipline is presented as a `novel' concept towards the end of the book, only after a therapist suggested they not give in to a five year old's demands. Seriously? One might question whether some of her behavioral issues could have been curtailed with parenting 101 - don't negotiate with a toddler.

The family insists on keeping a dog, despite repeated attempts by Jani to harm or attack the poor animal. Worse, the father and mother at various points in the story feel compelled to include Jani on walks and during play.

The father describes ongoing beatings, but as a teacher at a local college, makes no mention of whether inevitable bruising from such forceful blows would cause others to raise questions. Seems odd that bloody lips, scratches, and kicks wouldn't be noticed.Read more ›
33 Comments 163 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback...
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2.0 out of 5 starsInteresting story buried beneath the author's ego
By Lily on November 4, 2012
Format: Hardcover
This is an interesting story that might have been more effectively told if the author could have reigned in his ego. He seems to have some of the same problems from which his poor daughter suffers--excessive anger, the insistence on turning every exchange with other people into a power struggle and chronic impulsivity. While I felt great sympathy for the parents and have no doubt their daughter has some form of mental illness or disability for which there are few services, he was so unsympathetic that it diminished the book's impact. The topper was when he called his father to ask if there was any mental illness in his family and then later reveals he was hospitalized for explosive anger and fire-setting as a youth. Did he forget that little detail? He seemed to identify with his daughter to an unhealthy degree and blame his wife when she was not willing to sacrifice everything and everyone to make Jani happy for the moment. He seemed more like a pal than a parent at times. Perhaps a professional writer would have been more objective. Use of the present tense made me feel I was trapped in the father's angry head for the whole book and I wondered if some of the episodes were exaggerated a bit. Not a great reading experience.
5 Comments 47 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback...
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5.0 out of 5 starsA wonderful, compelling read
By Susan Collier on August 7, 2012
Format: Hardcover Verified Purchase
I know of Jani from TV. I arrived home from work and found that January First had arrived. I was tired and grumpy and had many work tasks to complete this evening. I took a peek at just the first chapter and never stopped reading. I think Michael has written a wonderful, honest, heartbreaking story and I am so grateful he has written it. I do not have a family member with a mental illness but since learning about Jani I have been paying more attention and have come to realize that help for these families is just what Michael describes, hard to come by. It is difficult for me to realize how arduous and lonely and scary such a struggle would be. I think it is so important that you were honest, that you shared your doubt and your conflicting emotions. Living in a state of exhaustion and fear is a state of being where few could tread with certainty. I honor your journey and am grateful Jani has you both. I found the triumph of love to be the enduring message.

I highly recommend this book. It is an invitation to take a walk with two people who have been to the depths of despair and came up with hope. It is also the story of not giving up, period. Ever.
13 Comments 80 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback...
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1.0 out of 5 starsParenting license required
By M.Yates on February 27, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I had great expectations of this book having read and seen advance publicity promoting it. I've also taken the time to check out some videos of this child. I work in the field so I'm not unfamiliar with the subject matter.
If the father intended to sound opinionated and arrogant he succeeded spectacularly. Initially I felt sympathy for his wife but that was short lived. Both these parents have contributed to this child's dysfunction. It's evident in early videos that the parents were perpetuating the 'imaginary friends' scenario. Dad's 'playing along' with these imaginary friends has ensured their continued existence.The child presents on the autistic spectrum and her massive behavioural issues are directly related to her parents. I'm pretty well speechless at what the parents have created here and apparently have done with their second child also.
On a literary level, the book is poorly written. Anyone who thinks this book is otherwise is deluded. I persevered with this book hoping that Dad would develop some insight into his unpleasant personality but again I was disappointed.
30 Comments 59 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback...
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 starswow

I got this book because I've seen Jani's specials on Discovery fit and health. I was very interested in the book after doing some research on her, and her family. Read more

Published 1 month ago by Mark and Amanda Harris
4.0 out of 5 starsGood read

It was more about how the father dealt with everything, and he seems pretty self entitled, however I still enjoyed the book. . . Didn't take long to read

Published 1 month ago by Dena
2.0 out of 5 starsSad Story, but he's even sadder.

Yawn. This guy comes off like he is the only one who cares about his kid. He's just the one kicking himself. Sad story,

Published 1 month ago by Berta Birt
3.0 out of 5 starsFascinating story, could be better

This book is fascinating in the story of Jani and her journey with mental illness. I cannot imagine going through this with my family or another loved one. Read more

Published 2 months ago by Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 starsYou will be so glad you read this book!

This book is riveting...I could not put it down. Having mental illness in my family of origin, made this book a must read for me! Read more

Published 3 months ago by Susan Larson
5.0 out of 5 starsA Parents Seach for Help

A heart wrenching story of a young child and her parents trying to understand what is causing the child's behavior problems. Read more

Published 4 months ago by Pat C.
5.0 out of 5 starsAn Emotional Rollercoaster

In this tear-jerking memoir, Michael Schofield describes what life is like raising his schizophrenic daughter Jani, who was officially diagnosed with an acute version of the... Read more

Published 5 months ago by Garrison Haines-Temons
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

So interesting!

Published 5 months ago by marianne Elizabeth Saint
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

This has become my new favorite book after reading it. It's an amazing story, I highly recommend it!!!

Published 5 months ago by Ev3lyn
5.0 out of 5 starsSuch a beautiful and engaging book

Astonishing. The father was the foil and somehow Janni was the protagonist and antagonist. I read this book cover to cover in one sitting. Read more

Published 6 months ago by Lisa

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