Genre: Biography
Tag: Ghost Written Books
Publisher: Pan
Publication Year: 2009
Format: Ebook & Paperback
Length: 336
ASIN: B003GK22CA
ISBN: 9780330513036
'This is another testament of the strength and courage of women and lengths that women will go to to protect their children,' June Messmer, Amazon
When Alice was a teenager, strange things started happening to her. Hours of her life simply disappeared. She'd hear voices shouting at her, telling her she was useless. And the nightmares that had haunted her since early childhood, scenes of men abusing her, became more detailed . . . more real. Staring at herself in the mirror she'd catch her face changing, as if someone else was looking out through her eyes.
In Today I'm Alice, she describes her extraordinary journey from a teenage girl battling anorexia and OCD, drowning the voices with alcohol, to a young woman slipping further and further into mental illness. It was only after years lost in institutions that she was correctly diagnosed with multiple personality disorder. When her alternative personalities were revealed in therapy she discovered how each one had their own memories of abuse and a full picture of her childhood finally emerged. As she learned to live with her many 'alters', she set out to confront the man who had caused her unbearable pain.
Moving and ultimately inspiring, this is a gripping account of a rare condition, and the remarkable story of a courageous woman.
Reviews
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'Alice's book, Today I'm Alice, is a compelling account of the strategies she has used to survive more than two decades of grotesque sexual, physical and emotional harm... Her book tells this story in the manner of a curtain being drawn back.'
The Times
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'This isn't a misery memoir, but an account of mental illness that's so beautifully written it reminded me of Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar. Jamieson survived 100 overdoses, alcoholism and cocaine addiction to find love with a church warden. You won't be able to get her story out of your head.'
London Lite
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'an intelligent, first hand account of mental illness, written by a remarkable woman still learning to live with herself.'
Financial Times
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A first person account of the worst abuse, betrayal and resulting psychological afflictions one can imagine. In a nutshell, DID or multiple personality disorder totally consumes and destroys an already damaged young persons life. Alice has a story that will shock even the most hardened person. I am happy I finished the book but can appreciate if others find it too much.
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This book is an excellent read. Not only for professional people but everyone. Fascinating how someone can have multiple personalities and how it affects the person, family and friends. When most of us know 'who we are', we maybe surprised that we don't really know ourselves at all!
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I couldn't put this book down and its actually the second time I have read Alice's heartbreaking story. She is so brave to share her harrowing life story. I grimaced at the flashbacks while trying to understand each of Alice's complex "alters".
I don't know if "enjoy" is the right word but if you find these real life stories interesting, then this will make your top 3.
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I respect the authors honesty and openness in the topics tackled in her recollection of a tragic childhood. This book does a fantastic job in bringing to light the true issues of childhood sexual abuse and the devastating effects of incest. The insight into the world of D.I.D is both fascinating and concerning. The concern coming from the lack of awareness and acknowledgement even in he medical profession of the lengths in which our brains are capable of going to in order to 'save' us from indescribable injustices. Excellent book, likely to cause triggers.
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How can I judge this book ? The subject is beyond my comprehension . It's an appalling story and a difficult read but I did gain an insight into multiple personality disorder .Alice very clearly describes her condition . Just one thing.... I would like to know something of Alice's father's background . And of the relationship between her parents . To understand not to excuse.