Riveting and impossible to put down, Memoir of a Mangled Mind is an absorbing read from the very first page. Despite Steve’s horrendous experiences with sexual assault, his sparkling personality shines through in Memoir of a Mangled Mind. Steve is sweet and adorable, and his masterful ability to reel the reader in with superb narrative skills was greatly appreciated. I will definitely appreciate seeing Steven publish more works whether in the same genre or fiction. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at times; Steve’s sarcasm and dry sense of humor were a nice reprieve from the book’s darkness. I can’t imagine how Steven survived the trauma he was subjected to continuously from the tender age of four.

With the many betrayals from his mother and the neglect he suffered on top of being bullied for being gay, it is no wonder he tried taking his own life on multiple occasions which surprisingly kept being saved by his alters. I loved Steve’s resilient nature and stubbornness to not give up and prove his naysayers wrong; it is inspiring. I cannot imagine the overwhelming stress Steven experienced; having to go through the trauma alone for years and still being able to lead a relatively normal life is astounding. I am grateful to Steven for writing the compelling and touching Memoir of a Mangled Mind. I learned so much regarding the disorder and wish Steven nothing but the best in his future endeavors.

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.

I very much enjoyed this book. The writing was great and the characters were well developed. I hope to read more from this author in the future.

Steven Simmons Shelton’s Memoir of a Mangled Mind offers readers a deeply personal and harrowing glimpse into the complexities of mental illness. Drawing from his own life, Shelton crafts a memoir that is both raw and illuminating, serving as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of profound challenges.

The book delves into Shelton's journey through his struggles with mental health, exploring themes of pain, stigma, recovery, and self-discovery. The narrative is marked by a blend of unflinching honesty and intellectual insight, reflecting both Shelton’s lived experiences and his academic background. His dual qualifications—MA and JD—add layers of depth to his storytelling, as he navigates the intersection of personal vulnerability and broader societal perspectives on mental illness.

One of the most compelling aspects of Memoir of a Mangled Mind is its ability to humanize the often-stigmatized topic of mental health. Shelton’s writing is as eloquent as it is poignant, capturing the internal chaos of his mind while also maintaining a thread of hope and determination throughout. The book does not shy away from describing the darker moments, but it also celebrates the small victories and the support systems that make recovery possible.

Shelton’s style is reflective and vivid, pulling readers into his world with a balance of emotional resonance and intellectual engagement. His experiences are framed not only as personal struggles but also as a call to action for greater understanding and empathy toward those living with mental health conditions.

However, some readers may find the book’s intensity challenging to process. Shelton does not sugarcoat his experiences, and the graphic depiction of his struggles may be difficult for sensitive readers. That said, the unfiltered honesty is part of what makes this memoir so impactful.

Memoir of a Mangled Mind is an essential read for anyone seeking to better understand the lived experience of mental illness. It is particularly valuable for those in the mental health profession, individuals living with similar conditions, or loved ones seeking to support them. Shelton’s courage in sharing his story is matched by his eloquence, making this memoir both a moving personal account and an important contribution to conversations about mental health.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and Steven Simmons Shelton!!!

This book was disappointing. It jumped back and forth from his childhood, to adult, to teenager repeatedly. When he goes to prison there's nothing about what he went through in there or how his alters behaved. After prison there's nothing except he got married.

This was unlike anything I have ever read! As someone with higher education in both psychology and neuroscience, I found this author’s story to be invaluable and courageous. I think there needs some editing done, but nothing that seriously affected the quality of my reading experience. I will recommend this book to anyone interested in DID or psychology memoirs — truly an incredible story.