People Always Remember The Way You Make Them Feel
This memoir is an extremely honest portrayal of a profoundly serious mental illness which continued for David from young adult hood to middle age. I am sure some readers will feel disconnected as well as frustrated, wanting the answers to 'why'...As with drug addiction and alcoholism sometimes knowing 'why' is the least significant issue, because medical opinions differ so widely. Achieving physical, emotional and spiritual stability in order to function even minimally in the community and within a viable family without pathological danger to oneself or others is sometimes the best we can achieve. The memoir is honest, intense, graphic and hopeful..I feel it needs editing as the message and story could be told with fewer words
Rated of 5
by Rosemary C. (Austin, TX)
Sharp by David Fitzpatrick
Mr. Fitzpatrick sure can write, and he has quite a poignant, compelling story to tell. The book is a tough read at times, but I'm glad I went on his journey. The man has been to hell and back with his intelligence, humor and insight intact. I don't know how he survived his mental illness, but if anything, this is a story of an individual's resilience and the people in his life who provide lifelines along the way. This book, with graphic descriptions of the author's self-abuse, will not appeal to all readers, but to me it was worth it to try to understand his motivations and to "listen in" on the therapy sessions between him and his most important psychiatrist. Mr. Fitzpatrick's return from madness is reminiscent of the brilliant mathematician of A Brilliant Mind fame battling schizophrenia.
Rated of 5
by Debra P. (Belmont, NC)
Shocking
I confess I have never understood the need to self mutilate, especially cutting into ones body. However, I believe I have a better understanding of the motivation behind this act after reading David Fitzpatricks memoir. It is extremely disturbing to be exposed to someones inner thoughts and feelings if we know before hand of their diagnosed mental illness. I can't help but blame some of his situation on the hazing and bullying he experienced in college which is all to prevalent in our society. I hope his honesty and full disclosure may help others, especially young people dealing with peer pressures. This book should make a good discussion in book groups and may serve well as a required summer reading for entering college freshmen.
Rated of 5
by Jeff S. (Murfreesboro, TN)
Sharp is not an easy read, but is worth it
I was not sure how I felt about reading Sharp, it's not my usual reading subject of choice. I do however read a large variety of books and wanted to give it a try. I wound up enjoying Sharp very much. It is definitely a well written book and is told in a voice that I cared about from the very beginning. The subject matter of the book, however, is very disturbing. I have never known anyone with a mental illness, at least not one where it required stays at all of the different types of places like David Fitzpatrick stayed. David seemed extremely likable from the very beginning. It is very scary to see how he went down hill, how hard he struggled and all of the horrible things he did to himself, but I cared very much about his making it through and wanted to get to the end just to see how we was. This book is a very good read and in the end a very inspirational story.
Rated of 5
by Chris H. (Wauwatosa, WI)
Sharp
I found this book to be a compelling and insightful look into the life of someone who self-mutilates by cutting. As this is not a topic that is not talked or written about as much as other addictions, I thank and applaud the author for the courageous telling of his personal story.
Rated of 5
by Kelly H. (Chagrin Falls, OH)
Sharp and raw
I recommend "Sharp" to any reader who loves someone struggling with emotional or mental illness. The story is an insider's look at the painful descent into illness and back and how the illness affects everyone surrounding the author. The story often evoked tears and visceral feelings of fear, anger and frustration. I would enjoy following the author through a sequel!
Rated of 5
by Sharon W. (Two Rivers, WI)
Sharp
I am a big fan of memoirs, but this was a little hard for me to get through. I could not imagine living the life he did. Cutting and burning the body, in and out of mental facilities, being bullied. Started out having a great life, but it went downhill. It was great to see that his life turned around and was able to write this book
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of 5
by Barbara F. (Saint Louis, MO)
