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A Divided Mind ( The Divided Series Book 1 ) by M. Billiter – Review by Carla Clemmons

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! This story grabbed me from the beginning. It also really hit home for me. The realness and raw emotion in this book is amazing. I can’t tell tell you how many times I clasped my hand over my mouth and cried while reading this book. The love and thoughts that go through Tara’s mind are very relatable and so real. Reading about Branson gives such an understanding about mental illness that most people never see. I so recommend this book! I cannot wait to read the next one and will devour all books by this author!

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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book1) by M. Billiter- Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A divided mind is a book about a young man’s spiral into mental illness. His psychotic break and how he and his family process his schizophrenia. This was a raw, well written story. It was family oriented so you were able to see all sides and how they handled it. This book makes you feel his frustration and his pleading to just make it stop. I felt so much for Branson and all he was going through. I thought the books subject matter was intriguing as someone who has first hand experience with mental illness but I think it would appeal to others as well. I look forward to reading book # 2!

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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Kristy Nelson

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book wasn’t really what I was expecting. I typically read mostly psychological thrillers, and thought this would fall into that genre. I would classify it more as a contemporary novel about mental illness. I can still appreciate it for what it was, and overall enjoyed the novel. I love when books are told from different perspectives, however I found the mother hard to relate to and therefore didn’t enjoy her chapters as much. Overall I would recommend this book if you have an interest in psychological disorders.

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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Helen Woodhull Parsons

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure what I would think about this book when I first picked it up.
Turns out, I had a lot to learn.
Reading Branson’s inner thoughts while he was dealing with his inner demons was a true eye-opening experience.
I really enjoyed getting two experiences through this book. Branson and Tara’s separate but same journey throughout this book had me reading this in one setting. One cannot assume or fathom what the other is feeling and why.
Turns our hind sight can really change the outcome of a story.
I hope to read the next installment of this story really soon.

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A Divided Mind (A Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter Review by Mandy Ott

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

M. Billiter’s first book of The Divided Series, A Divided Mind, explores one family’s journey with mental health diagnosis. Branson finally admits to hearing voices after blacking out and coming to with bloody knuckles. A Divided Mind looks at mental illness from the perspective of the individual with the illness (Branson) as well as the perspective of those around him (his mother and siblings). Based off the author’s own personal journey, and that of her son, this book delves deep into the roller coaster ride of diagnosing and treating mental illnesses. A Divided Mind has me smiling, frowning, and crying (lots of crying). Not only were the characters realistic, right down to a dramatic mother, but the back and forth narrative from Branson to Tara (his mother) allowed me to see how others view mental illness. I am looking forward to reading Book 2 in this series!

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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Changley Cavins

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This story is told from two POV’s- the mother, Tara, and the son, Branson. You can feel the struggle of the mother to find out and handle when Branson says he’s been hearing voices.

I really struggled to get with Tara. I felt she was super dramatic. I struggle saying that honestly because I haven’t been in those shoes. Just felt her character was little on drama-overdrive.

My heart went out to Branson.

Overall I cant say that I felt this was a “thriller” as it was a bit slow-moving or maybe slower than I anticipated but overall I liked the storyline and the realness it brought to mental illness and its effect on people and their families.

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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Krista Vaughan

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Krista Vaughan

This is a book that will stick with me for a long time. As a person living with mental illness the view into Branson’s world and how it affects the people around him was super intriguing. There was the anguish and denial of his mother, the ignorance of his father and the realization of Branson himself that there was something wrong. Mental illness can be horribly debilitating, and it is referring to have a novel step into the depths to try to show what it can be like to have an issue like this. This is one to read.

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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Crystal Pizzimenti

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This amazing book was so well written. I started off not sure how I would feel about it because mental illness touches very close to home for me. But the way the character Tara talks about her emotions while dealing with the news from Branson is so raw and emotional. And then Branson’s side of his emotions is heartbreaking and true to how so many young adults feel. I laughed and cried as I sped through the chapters. I highly recommend this book and commend M. Billiter for writing such a beautiful story.

Reviewed by @capizz92

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A Divided Mind by M. Billiter – Review by Meghan Jones

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mental illness is always a hard one to describe and give it justice. The author did an amazing job doing so in The Divided Mind. I definitely felt the struggle that the family had to deal with along with the “patient”. The way that the author takes clinical terms and breaks them down through the character’s voices is so helpful in understanding this mental illness. Although I didn’t have much knowledge about the topic, I definitely felt like I ended the book having a lot more empathy and understanding for those who deal (family and patients) with mental illness of any kind. This is a very believable storyline, and I loved it.

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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Crystal Pizzimenti

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This amazing book was so well written. I started off not sure how I would feel about it because mental illness touches very close to home for me. But the way the character Tara talks about her emotions while dealing with the news from Branson is so raw and emotional. And then Branson’s side of his emotions is heartbreaking and true to how so many young adults feel. I laughed and cried as I sped through the chapters. I highly recommend this book and commend M. Billiter for writing such a beautiful story.

Reviewed by @capizz92

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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Stephanie Nicole

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Divided Mind was a different kind of read for me, knowing some people that suffer from mental illness. But this book is written very wonderfully as you go through a young mans diagnosis and you really see the struggles that his family faces, in trying to help him cope with his diagnosis. While this book isn’t too long it’s 322 pages and 39 chapters it definitely sucks you in from the start. But upon reading this book I definitely will say that you need to read it with an open mind, Ms. Billiter really captures how real and raw mental illness is, and gives us a plot and characters that deliver it and it’s consequences brilliantly.

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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter- Review by Heather Goodman

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book right here is one of those that will mark you for life. If you have ever dealt with mental illness or had family/friends that do this book is definitely for you. It’s so raw and vulnerable. It gives you different perspectives as well. I love how the author made you feel like you were right there with her. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and just shout out loud why?!?!?

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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Chrissy Spulak

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Divided Mind by M. Billiter is the first book in her Divided Series, and let me say, I am so glad it’s only the first book. This is seriously one of the best psychological thrillers I’ve read in a long time. Experiencing this story through the eyes of Branson and his family makes for a page-turner. This book addresses mental illness as it affects an entire family and is actually believable. Watching Branson’s character change and develop through the book kept me interested and on the edge of my seat. This isn’t your typical “run-of-the-mill” story of mental illness. The way that this author puts such a unique voice into her characters makes them pop off the page. Oh, and don’t forget to read the epilogue. This book is “good till the last drop.” 5 stars.

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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Rebecca Hill

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Divided Mind tells the story of a mother whose son, Branson, is mentally ill. The story is told from her perspective, her son’s perspective, and some other character’s perspectives. It was fascinating reading about Branson’s illness and how it progresses. While reading, I suspected that some things he experiences may not have been real. I also grieved alongside his mother, Tara. What a difficult road. This was a phenomenal, in-your-head read, but I hated the epilogue. Well worth the time to read as I have continued to think about Branson and Tara since I finished the story.

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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Kaitlynn Taylor

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Divided Mind (The Divided Series #1) by M. Billiter

5-stars

Wow!! This was a truly emotional and phenomenal read, one that at times I had a hard time reading. This author did an exceptional job with these characters, they were dynamic, honest and real. I felt such strong empathy for them and felt so invested in their story, and I was not disappointed with how it all turned out.

This story had me feeling all kinds of emotions as I got further into the story of Branson and his mental health struggles. I believe stories like this one should be read by all, this is a really misunderstood mental illness and I feel as if I was able to learn and understand more about it in a real and relatable way.

I really look forward to reading more from this series asap!!

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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Dani Dando

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. This was one emotional story that got me right in the heart over and over again. Billiter writes with such respect and such honesty, giving valuable and heartfelt insight into the difficulties faced by those who struggle with their mental health, and the difficulties faced by the people that love them. It showed that there is no easy fix and took the reader painstakingly through the long arduous journey of coming to grips with a diagnosis and everything that means.
It was by no means an easy book to read, but I think that anything that deals with this subject matter would never be particularly easy to read. Either way, I recommend this, you won’t regret it.

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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Kayla Octaviano

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. An amazing book. I could not put this book down. A Divided Mind is a book about Branson, a teenage twin, who has some mental health issues that he and his family are trying to decipher. His mother shows her unconditional love, but she and Branson have a hard time communicating during this period in his life. His twin brother Aaron can tell there is something wrong, but isn’t sure how to help. Branson is having a hard time finding who to talk to about the voices in his head because he doesn’t want people to think he’s crazy. Once he finally finds a friend, Trevor, his family isn’t sure he is the best influence on him. This book shows how important mental health is and how necessary family support is even when you feel like what you’re doing isn’t enough. If you enjoy haunting and exciting books that keep you on the edge of your seat, this is a great book for you.

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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Kayla Kearney

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“All these rough patches you’re going through right now are all the years you’re going to learn the most about yourself. During the happy times, you don’t learn anything.” For anybody who has read this book, they know just how much this one quote from the daughter of Tara, the mother of the main character of the book, sums it up. At the point in this novel in which this line is said, Tara has reached her wits end, no longer certain on how to help her son Branson, who has been struggling with visual and auditory hallucinations.

In M. Billiter’s A Divided Mind, the reader experiences first hand what it is like to no longer be certain of what is and isn’t reality, helping them experience schizophrenia on a first-hand basis. This is one of the best novels with a focus on mental illness that I have ever read, right up there with J.D. Spero’s Boy on Hold and Boy Released that I read earlier this month. I knew from the moment that I read the description of the novel that I would enjoy this book, and boy was I right! I’m excited to read more from this author, and hope that I find myself reading more books like this by them in the future.

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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Angela Renee Diaz

A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1)A Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Trigger warning of mental illnesses. I can relate to Branson with depression and ptsd. I also relate to Brandon’s mom, Tara because she just wants her child to be better and that’s my dad. I understand Branson not wanting to taint his twin Aaron with Branson’s demons. M. Billiter wrote this book expertly.

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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Jennifer Gordon

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, this is an emotional and insightful story looking at mental illness from two perspectives, the person suffering with it and their family. Branson Kovac is a high school senior when he starts hearing voices in his head and then realises that his friend isn’t really there. Scared and confused Branson turns to his mother, Tara for help. Tara is a mother of four, and when one of her twin sons admits to her that he is hearing voices it is the start of her very worrying and harrowing journey into mental illness. This book really took me on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading it, the storyline focuses on Branson and the people around him as he is diagnosed and treated with a form of schizophrenia. Told from two points of view that of Branson’s and Tara, his mother, this is a raw and honest story of mental illness and how it not only effects the one diagnosed but their family. A very difficult subject has been written about sensitively and honestly by the author. Although at times this was a difficult and upsetting book to read, I felt engaged with the main characters instantly and was completely immersed in their story.

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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Rayne East

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gripping and thought provoking

This intense, psychological thriller puts you through the wringer and spits you out with no apologies at the other end. I was so riveted to each page and felt so many emotions after each reveal. The turbulent journey left me breathless and the twists kept me guessing. Even after I finished the book the story kept going through my mind. The author really captured the multifaceted aspects of mental illness. So brilliantly written – a must read!

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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Ashley McMillon

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First of all, let me say that this book was so refreshing! I was at the edge of my seat and it was getting so good I did NOT want to put it down! The imagery of the author, the style of writing from the POV of the character, and the way that the story still haunts me after it is over are all breathtaking! I’m looking forward to the rest of this series. I think the best thing about the book is me forgetting the initial synopsis, and simply walking through the story with Branson and his entire family. This is one book that does not disappoint and shines a bright light on the state of mental health in this world.

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Reviewed by @isingloudnmycar

A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Natasha Hlinka

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As someone who lives with mental illness everyday I really liked that Billiter had the story in two points of view and then in three. Showing the story from the mother, Tara’s point of view and the son, Branson’s point of view, who actually has the mental illness. Then they throw in Trevor’s point of view which I think adds a lot more dimension to the story! Reading what Branson is going through and how tough it is on his mom really shows that when someone has mental illness they aren’t the only ones that it effects. Even though it might effect them the most it has an effect on everyone they love. As the story goes on it’s interesting to see how Branson’s mental illness develops and how he’s been dealing with it for so long. Also, the ending kind of reminded me of the movie Split, it was just the ending though the rest of the story was all it’s own it even talks about a different mental illness than Split. I think it’s important that more people are aware of mental illnesses, how many there actually are, and how it really effects the person and the people around them. I think this book is perfect for people to kind of know how it might effect peoples lives even though it’s fiction it’s a perfect book to kind of get an idea and kind of a stepping stone if you want to learn more.

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A Divided Mind by M. Billiter – Review by Corine Lombardi

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Genre: Fiction, Psychological Thriller & Domestic

Pages: 322

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a MUST read! This author has you hooked before you turn the first page.

The title is understatement of the year, A Divided Mind is a novel that encapsulates you in the world of mental health & denial that has you asking for more, more and more.

Trigger warning: be prepared, this book is a mental and emotional roller coaster that in the end proves how strong family and a mother’s love truly is.

How many “real” friends do you have?

Billiter has the right idea, engrossing us into the mind of a teenage boy named Branson.

Five stars to the detail within the words that transports you into every scene as if you are not reading but watching the book play out live.

A Divided Mind keeps you searching for the answer, wondering did I miss something? It is an OMG driven book that you cannot put down.

This book is what everyone needs in their collection, it highlights real issues perfectly wrapped into the world of fiction.

Bravo!

“The noise was a welcome relief, because for a minute, it shut out the static.”

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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Brittany Porter

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Divided Mind is a fictional story about a teenage boy facing worsening mental illness and schizophrenia. We also some deep insight into how such a diagnosis affects the loved ones around him, such as his Mother, twin brother, siblings, and girlfriend. I’ve always been intrigued by psychology and this book really took me on an unexpected journey of emotions. Having known people with schizophrenia, I found myself getting very attached to Branson throughout the book. I was really cheering for him and hoping he could still achieve at least part of him dreams of going to college, joining the armed forces, and even just being an average teenage boy. Some parts of this story really broke my heart, but I do feel it was a very realistic representation of what could happen to someone in a similar situation. I can’t stop thinking about the ending and how things end up for Branson. I hope we get a part 2!

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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Betsy Melano

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Divided Mind by M. Billiter is an interesting fictional story that gives the reader a deeper look into mental illness. I appreciate that the author took this story in a direction that makes us think more about mental illness. As I was reading this story, I could connect with how Branson was feeling and the emotional toll it takes no only on him but also on his family. This book takes us through the family’s emotions and situations in a way that made me feel like I could understand how Branson’s mother was feeling – overwhelmed and not having answers to help your child. I couldn’t put the book down once I started to connect with the characters. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I’m sure I’ll be reading the second installment.

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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Nakyshia Leger

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book hit my soul hard. M. Billiter takes you through a lifelike experience of a mother and her son as he battles mental illness.Branson is a teen who feels alone as he navigates his world. He hears noises that eventually turn into voices telling him what to do. Branson has to live his life in high school hiding the voices and appearing “normal” until he no longer can. M. Billiter did not hold back, exposing gritty scenes that no one wants to believe can happen. I thought I understood mental illness before this book, but now I feel my eyes are far more open. I am looking forward to reading book two. Thank you M. for sharing the “not so perfect” side of people!

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Review by @nrl0522

A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Erica Shoebridge

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an amazing peek into the mind of someone with schizoaffective disorder. I loved this book, not only is the topic interesting and unique, but the writing is fantastic, and the character development is sensational. I loved that Billiter gave us this one from various points of view, allowing us to feel the confusion, heartbreak, and personal struggle of a mother parenting four children, including one whose mental health is rapidly changing, but we also get to hear from a teen who is rapidly questioning his own sanity and ability to believe himself and his memories. Watching the two of them come to terms with these developments, and also hearing from the rest of the family and see how their lives and understandings shift is awesome. Extremely well written, frank, and deeply empathetic, I loved this one from start to finish.

Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Shelly Kittell

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, this book is definitely worth the read. Branson tells his mom, Tara, that he is hearing voices. The story evolves through raw feelings for his mom as she tries to deal with this. for a fiction story, the author did a lot of research into schizophrenia and depression. I have a child with this awful disease and I recognize these meds. The plot will get you just as you think every thing is fine (remember, this is book 1) . Not all is as it seems. What you perceive may not be. I highly recommend this one. Run over and read book 2 when you finish this one.

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A Divided Mind (The Divided Series Book 1) by M. Billiter – Review by Lorrene Huisman

A Divided MindA Divided Mind by M. Billiter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book, it was a book I truly loved in more ways than one. The book was something more people should know about as well as understand. The book faced the elephant in the room, head on, that is what we call mental illness. The book was by far one of the best that I have ever read, that addresses issues such as this. It was very well written, as well as the emotions of the family! It was a by far amazing read.

The book centers on a family yes. More specifically, a boy that has been diagnosed with Schizophrenia Brandon, the boy whom had been diagnosed, was going through a lot, hearing voices and trying to understand and comprehend what was going on in his mind was not easy. His family took a till on this as well, wanting to help, but at times not knowing what the best approach or the method would be. I found the diagnosis affected all the family members differently. I feel truly that his mother had the greatest burden of all, and she had a lot of guilt and shame inside her heart..

The book was more than realistic to my eyed. I cried a lot reading this, as you truly felt the emotional wave the family was going through. And the acceptance and needing to be strong as a family to get through this hard time, but knowing its not the end, they will get through it, one day at a time. The author very much educated me with their writing on things of schizophrenia I was not aware of, and I found I was able to understand it better and knew more of the mental illness upon reading this boo. The author did amazing at this story and it was one of the most beautiful books I have ever read.

The author did such an wonderful job. The story line, though complex, it really gave everything and more to us as the readers. I am so happy and touched that the author chose to write a book about something most would choose not to. In this growing world, its something more and more people need to be accepting was and talk about. Not just sweep it under a rug. The book is a must read. No questions asked. Its a read that really makes you feel what a family with this diagnosis would be feeling and its realistic in more ways than one. It is heart felt and real with every word on the page! A brilliant book of writing!

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