Book Review- Robert Kolker's Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family

Hidden Valley Road is the true story of the Galvin family, who had six of their twelve children diagnosed with schizophrenia. Kolker investigates this phenomenon with the help of youngest daughter, Lindsay, who has stayed in contact and helped many of her ill siblings. This fascinating and heartbreaking book is part biography, part medical mystery, and part a history of the science of psychology as it relates to schizophrenia.

Through exploring the dynamics in the Galvin family, Kolker reveals the complexities of living in a family dealing with mental illness. The unpredictable nature of schizophrenia, including the different ways the disease affects the six Galvin boys who are afflicted, leaves the other family members fearful, endangered, and heartbroken. They don’t know how to help those loved ones with the disease, often putting other family members at risk. The Galvin home is fractured and chaotic. Additionally, it doesn’t help that the Galvin’s are a large family and live an unconventional life, two aspects that exist outside of the mental health issues. One quirk, is Don and Mimi, the parents, have an a hobby of catching and training raptors. Their beloved birds are not the safest of pets, yet are an oddity that the children must embrace.

In tandem with an exploration of the Galvin family, is a through history of schizophrenia analysis and treatment. Kolker explains how doctors have been looking for correlations between schizophrenia and genetics. As adults, the Galvin family submitted themselves to research to help further explore the theories behind heredity and this research is continuing with the next generation of the family.

Hidden Valley Road is a difficult read because of the damaging and insidious nature of schizophrenia. It inflicted damage on every single member of the Galvin family and continues to plague them. It is also an absorbing and captivating book. I learned so much about schizophrenia and psychology. It was fascinating. I recommend this to anyone who has an interest in psychology or medical mysteries, but can also stomach reading about horrific family trauma.

Book Review- Laura Clery's Idiots: Marriage, Motherhood, Milk and Mistakes

Thank you to LibroFM and Simon & Schuster Audio for a copy of the audio version of Laura Clery’s memoir, Idiots: Marriage, Motherhood, Milk & Mistakes.

Prior to Idiots, I had not heard of Laura Clery. I just thought Idiots sounded like a book that I’d enjoy and I’ve since learned that she is an actress, comedian, and has quite a large social media presence.

Clery is very funny and completely open about her life, including some less than stellar personal moments. She gets cringy. She includes stories that were too personal or horrific to include in her first memoir, stating that she now feels ready to share them. I admire her willingness to be so open, especially as some of the content was quite shocking.

Clery narrates the audio version of her book and I felt this added to the experience. Admittedly, it took me a bit of time to get used to her voice, especially when she gets enthusiastic and changes her tone for effect. She can be loud! However, I liked that I could experience her stories in the way she wants listeners/readers to experience them, through her vocal changes and pauses. Adding to the comedic effect, Clery does hilarious accents/voices, such as her British husband and her elderly neighbor. Clery is a solid storyteller, both through her writing and her vocalizations.

Although there is plenty of humor, Idiots also deals with serious subjects such as addiction, infidelity, and parenting issues. Clery explains the difficulties and joys of being neurodivergent. Not only is she neurodivergent, but so are her son and husband. Clery shares her thoughts on the importance of celebrating all types of people, and that despite the challenges, having a different way of thinking can be an asset to both an individual’s life and to the greater world. It’s a hopeful and kind message.

I throughly enjoyed Idiots. I look forward to reading Clery’s first memoir and future works.

Book Review- Taylor Jenkins Reid's Daisy Jones & the Six

Daisy Jones & the Six follows the rise of a 1970’s rock band in California. The title character is a magnetic personality, who joins the already established band to contribute her song writing skills and unique vocals. Daisy is untrained, yet talented and driven to become a star, but she is also an addict, which threatens her dreams. The band must also contend with envy, romantic drama, and individual aspirations.

The story is told through modern day interviews from the band and their associates, such as mangers, producers, and spouses. I’m not sure that having the entire story in this format worked for me. It occasionally slowed the pacing and contributed to a story that was unequally interesting. I think a mix of interviews with narrative would been stronger. Daisy Jones & the Six is being turned into a television mini-series with Riley Keough as Daisy. I usually always prefer the book, but I have a hunch that the mini-series will really work and I’m looking forward to it.

Reid excels at creating strong, compelling characters. She also is fantastic at conflict and writes page-turners. I’m originally from Los Angeles, so I loved and felt connected to the setting. I currently live in Colorado, so when I get story that is firmly rooted in my hometown, I feel a bit of familiarity. I also really like stories set in the Los Angeles before I was born, allowing me a glimpse into a different era. Reid is great at writing historical fiction. Despite being uncertain about the interview format, I still enjoyed Daisy Jones & the Six. I recommend it, especially as a vacation read.