January First

This book is so incredible. I think this is the first time I have ever read a book that actually took me inside the life of a child struggling with this horrible illness. I cannot imagine for a moment how these parents were able to cope with the issues presented by their daughter, but love conquers all. I am so glad that Jani is doing better, and I applaud the family for not giving up on their child. This story should give hope to other families struggling to raise children with mental health issues.

I want to thank Goodreads and Crown Publishing for providing me with a free copy of this book through a First Reads giveaway, and for opening my eyes to the harsh reality of childhood-onset schizophrenia.
 
Michael Schofield chronicles his bittersweet journey into finding help for his young daughter, January, who was born with the illness. As I read what he and his wife went through, I experienced a gamut of emotions: frustration for our inadequate health care system, desperation for he and his wife to find peace, and hope for January to have a happy, healthy and hallucinations-free life. 

I praise the family for sticking together and doing everything absolutely necessary to help their daughter through this disease, and pray that whatever obstacles come their way will only make them stronger. And I hope Schofield appreciates the strong support he has in his wife. I was put off by the way she was portrayed in this book. Michael spoke as if January would never have received the help she needed were it not for his sole efforts. Yet it was his wife that recognized that the daughter needed help as she immediately picked up on the daughter's erratic behavior having to do with something a lot more serious than her high IQ and “creative imagination.” He makes up for it in the Acknowledgements section of the book where he recognizes that he didn't bear this cross alone and thanks his wife for being there for him and the kids every step of the way. Kudos for that and continue to remember that whatever is happening to you is happening to her as well. You are not alone.

I seriously could not put this book down. I was both horrified and captivated by the Schofield's battle to save their daughter from her descent into the world of schizophrenia. Their strength in the face of unimaginable hardship was inspiring. At times I was frustrated by the way the school system was portrayed but even though I don't have kids I understand the impulse to protect your child above all else. I totally recommend this to any adult.