Everything In Its Place: My Trials and Triumphs with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Hardcover)

by Marc Summers (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Although for many people obsessive compulsive disorder is a debilitating condition, Summers, the host of PAX-TV's Great Day America and the former host of Nickelodeon's Double Dare, found ways to channel his OCD into a high-powered career. In this upbeat memoir-cum-guide, he describes how he discovered that his "all or nothing" approach to life and his obsession with order (e.g., straightening the fringe on his oriental rug to make each strand exactly parallel) could be more than just an idiosyncrasy. He "outed" himself on national television when Dr. Hollander, an OCD expert, was a guest on Summers's talk show, and became active in educating the public about a neurological disorder that affects some six million Americans. Summers believes his considerable career success is tied to his OCD, since it was "a way for me to channel an aspect of my disease: my need to win, to be perfect, to be the best." He also emphasizes the fear and shame he felt about his compulsions, the toll they took on his family and the need for treatment (Hollander cites "startlingly high" success rates with a combination of medication and behavior therapy). Unfortunately, Summers brings little insight or analytical depth to this material. But he provides a good deal of useful self-help information and communicates a positive attitude that will encourage many who live with OCD to seek help for their condition. Agent, Mark Reiter, IMG Literary; 7-city tour. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Only in the past 15 years has obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) been medically recognized as something from which 6 million Americans suffer, which may explain the publishing explosion on the subject. Summers, former host of Nickelodeon's Double Dare and ABC's Home Show, is an OCD sufferer and spokesperson for the Obsessive Compulsive Foundation. Here he explains his illness, beginning at the age of six, when he constantly straightened and cleaned his room. A combination of OCD and perfectionism drove him to become a performer, first as a magician; the ritual of doing tricks over and over was comforting. Summers's simple yet eloquent descriptions of the disease and the types of treatments available, as well as the stories of others afflicted, will give readers a clearer understanding of life as an OCD person. The reading level makes this an ideal source of information on OCD for middle or high school students as well.ALisa S. Wise, Broome Cty. P.L., Binghamton, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Tarcher (October 4, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874779901
• ISBN-13: 978-0874779905
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #494,904 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Affirming story of hope for those who live with OCD, November 4, 1999

By A Customer

As the parent of a child with OCD, I found Marc Summers' book to be an incredibly helpful one. The book gives solid information about this disorder and also tells Marc's personal story of his journey from diagnosis to recovery. My son watched "Double Dare" religiously. Seeing one of his idols struggling with the same disorder that he does, has helped Jake continue to win his battle as well. A good read for families and those who work with people with ocd. This is one book that helps de-stigmatize a mental illness. Bravo!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Story..., October 26, 1999

By A Customer

Believe it or not, I really felt differently about this book after reading it.

I though this was a book about OCD. But after reading it, I found out it's really a book about the trials and triumphs of life...period, with or without OCD.

It really was a touching tale about how one can never be sure what to expect in life and how one goes about dealing with the upside and downside of the world.

I would recommend to anyone with or without this terrible disorder.

For Double Dare fans, it is sad to note, that Summers doesn't talk very much about his days at Double Dare, not even dedicating a chaper to what was really his big break.

However, the story is nevertheless thoughtful and touching.

I wish Marc Summers the best. And hopefully, he will once again return to television, where he really belongs.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book..................., August 9, 2001

By	Joanne Cone "[e-mail]" (Littleton, Ma USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Everything in Its Place: My Trials and Triumphs with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Paperback)

Having a son, age 11, who suffers from OCD and who is a fan of Marc Summers, I thought this would be a great book for both of us to read and we were not disappointed. While my son's OCD is not quite as severe as Marc's, we definitely could relate to so many things that he shared. It made my son feel better to know that he was not alone and to even find some humor in all of it. I think by writing this book, Marc Summers has touched the lives many in a very positive way.