Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
33(33%)
4 stars
35(35%)
3 stars
32(32%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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The story had a good beginning.

It captured my attention right from the start and made me eager to know what would happen next.

The characters seemed interesting, and the setting was well-described.

However, as the story progressed, it started to lose its charm.

The plot became predictable, and the ending was rather disappointing.

It felt rushed and didn't tie up all the loose ends.

I was left with a sense of dissatisfaction and a feeling that the story could have been so much better.

Overall, it was a missed opportunity to create a truly engaging and memorable piece of writing.

Despite the good start, the disappointing ending left a sour taste in my mouth.

I hope the author will learn from this experience and improve their storytelling skills in future works.

July 15,2025
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I wanted to read more from this author after I finished "Your Blues Ain't Like Mine".

This book was okay. While I didn't find it particularly compelling, I felt she did a wonderful job telling the story of the toll mental illness takes.

Most especially on caregivers, and most especially those caregivers who aren't ready to accept how mental illness changes the ones they love.

I just felt like the story got pretty repetitive. However, I think that's the nature of telling a story about handling mental illness.

It's not an easy topic to cover, and perhaps the repetition was necessary to drive home the point.

Overall, I still enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others who are interested in learning more about mental illness and its impact on families.

Maybe the author could have found a way to make the story a bit more engaging, but I understand the challenges she faced in trying to convey such a complex and emotional subject.

I look forward to reading more from this author in the future and seeing how she continues to develop as a writer.
July 15,2025
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OMG, there is an abundance of things that I could express regarding this book. It is truly an emotional roller coaster that takes you on a journey from the very beginning to the final page. God rest her beautiful soul, but Bebe Moore Campbell has penned this sad, yet captivating story of a mother's unwavering fight to save her child who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

This book is an absolute must-read for anyone who has an appreciation for her writing. It has the power to make you laugh at the situations that she is unable to change, bring you to tears along with her during the setbacks, and fill you with joy as you witness the positive steps her daughter takes towards the path of healing.

Once again, I cannot emphasize enough that this is a must-read! It is a powerful and poignant tale that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.
July 15,2025
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Despite the fact that an alarming number of people are affected by mental illness, it is often overlooked and scarcely discussed. This issue remains hidden beneath the surface, with many individuals suffering in silence. It is truly eye-opening to come to the realization that the struggle of mental illness is not confined to the patient alone. Their caregivers and families also bear a heavy burden. The challenges they face are numerous and complex, highlighting the many inadequacies that exist within our mental health care system. The desperation of those seeking help for their loved ones who are in crisis is palpable. This situation is both deeply sad and, at the same time, educational. It serves as a wake-up call, urging us to address these issues and improve the support and resources available for those affected by mental illness.

July 15,2025
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This story was a really tough listen.

The mother is doing everything in her power to do what's best for her teenage daughter who has mental issues. She has to deal with working within a dysfunctional system, which is no easy feat. On top of that, she also has a difficult ex-husband to contend with.

Being the primary caregiver for a person with mental issues is a 24/7 job. There is absolutely no personal time for the mother. She is constantly on call, dealing with the various challenges and needs of her daughter.

It was a difficult listen, but I'm glad I did. It really made me appreciate the struggles that parents in similar situations face. It also made me realize how important it is to have support systems in place for those who are dealing with mental health issues and their caregivers.

I hope that more people can become aware of these issues and offer their help and support.
July 15,2025
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I had to read this for a class.

At first glance, it didn't seem like something that would interest me.

The topic didn't really catch my attention, and I was a bit reluctant to start.

However, as I began to read, I found that there were some interesting points within the text.

It presented different perspectives and ideas that made me think.

Although it wasn't my favorite thing to read, I realized that it could still offer some value.

I tried to approach it with an open mind and ended up learning a few new things.

In the end, even though it wasn't really my thing, I'm glad I read it for the class.

It broadened my knowledge and gave me something to discuss and think about.
July 15,2025
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This was an okay read.

It provided me with some valuable insights regarding people who suffer from mental illness and their loved ones, as well as the challenges they have to endure.

I have perused books penned by this author in the past, and I am determined to continue delving into the works of this author.

The exploration of the experiences of those affected by mental illness was both touching and eye-opening.

It made me realize the importance of understanding and supporting those who are going through such difficult times.

The author's writing style is engaging and accessible, which makes it easy for readers to connect with the subject matter.

I look forward to seeing what other thought-provoking books this author has in store for us in the future.
July 15,2025
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Ok, we read this book for my disability lit class. It was truly an engrossing read and without a doubt, it is likely the best novel I've read in quite some time. From the very first page, I was completely hooked. The story pulled me in and held my attention captive. I simply couldn't put it down. In fact, I finished it way too far ahead of schedule. I found myself reading late into the night, eager to see what would happen next. It was such a great experience. The characters were so well-developed and the plot was full of twists and turns. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read. It's one that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

July 15,2025
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I have a deep affection for the writing.

It is truly remarkable, with its artful turns of phrase that add a touch of elegance and charm.

The interwoven stories and metaphors create a rich and engaging tapestry that draws the reader in and keeps them hooked from beginning to end.

This is an excellent read for anyone, regardless of their interests or background.

However, it holds particular significance during mental health month.

It offers a unique perspective and can provide valuable insights and inspiration for those dealing with mental health issues.

The power of the written word to heal and inspire cannot be underestimated, and this piece is a prime example of that.

It is a must-read for anyone looking to expand their literary horizons and gain a deeper understanding of the human experience.
July 15,2025
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This is an extremely important book.

It holds great significance as there are very few literary works that specifically explore how Black families interact with and experience the mental health system.

The subject matter is not only relevant but also crucial in shedding light on a topic that has often been overlooked or underrepresented.

However, it should be noted that the plot arc of the book becomes rather predictable after the first half.

Once the initial setup and main themes are established, it becomes relatively easy to anticipate the subsequent developments and resolutions.

This predictability might slightly detract from the overall reading experience for some readers who enjoy more unexpected twists and turns.

Nevertheless, the book still manages to offer valuable insights and perspectives on the experiences of Black families within the mental health context.

It serves as an important contribution to the literature and can potentially raise awareness and understanding of this important issue.
July 15,2025
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This was truly an excellent read

I am neither a black woman nor bipolar. However, I have endured depression and anxiety. I'm not certain how or why I chose this particular story. But I'm extremely glad that I did. A single-word description for it would be: authentic. I wholeheartedly believed and felt the experiences, fears, and the delicate glimmer of hope within it. If you're in doubt - go ahead and read it. You will most definitely not regret it. It offers a unique perspective that can touch the hearts and minds of those who may not have directly experienced the specific circumstances described. It serves as a reminder that we all have our own battles and that there is a common thread of human emotion that binds us all. Through this story, one can gain a deeper understanding and empathy for others.

July 15,2025
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A great and gut-wrenching, barely fictional account reveals the profound meaning of living with a family member afflicted by a mental disorder. It also exposes how little the system actually does to assist. This is the case even in a so-called 'civilized' and economically-developed country, regardless of what that might imply.


Beyond the remarkable talent to make one acutely feel the drama of mental illness in highly realistic terms, Bebe Moore Campbell possesses a unique ability. She can transpose the reader into African-American culture with nuanced and veridic details. I was truly enamored by how this work reminded me of Toni Morrison and her distinct style of prose. It's as if Campbell is following in Morrison's footsteps, adding her own voice and perspective to the exploration of complex human experiences and cultural identities.

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