My Bipolar Backpack

My Bipolar Backpack, written by Susan Ralphe, is a memoir written based on the authors own experiences with Bipolar Disorder and Mental Health. In the book, the author discusses her experiences with mental health issues, having a family member with alcoholism, and things that she discovers about herself looking back on her life.
I greatly enjoyed this book, and the way the author looks at her life, and recognizes the parts that Bipolar Disorder and her mental health struggles have manifested, from an early age. I think she did a wonderful job describing her time growing up, going to college, and her married life with her two boys. I also feel that she did a beautiful job describing the way she came back to religion. She recognized that although she wishes she were closer to God during the times she was really struggling with Bipolar Disorder, she still knew that she needed medication to cope with the hand she has been given. I feel that when it comes to religion it can be very easy to "give it up to God" and think he wouldn't give us anything we couldn't handle, but the author was very careful to not fall into this trap.
Thank you to NetGalley, and to the author, publisher, and narrator of this ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Susan Ralphe’s “My Bipolar Backpack” is an insightful and deeply moving memoir that offers an intimate look into the lived experience of bipolar disorder. With honesty and courage, Ralphe opens up about her journey, providing readers with a raw and authentic account that is both enlightening and inspiring.

Ralphe’s writing is poignant and engaging, drawing readers into her world with vivid descriptions and heartfelt reflections. She skillfully balances the narrative with moments of struggle and triumph, capturing the complexities of living with bipolar disorder. Her ability to articulate the emotional and psychological challenges she faces makes this memoir an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand the condition more deeply.

One of the standout aspects of “My Bipolar Backpack” is Ralphe’s unwavering honesty. She doesn’t shy away from discussing the difficult aspects of her journey, from the dark periods of depression to the overwhelming highs of mania. Her transparency fosters a sense of connection and empathy, allowing readers to truly appreciate the resilience and strength required to navigate life with bipolar disorder.

Ralphe also offers practical insights and coping strategies that have helped her along the way, providing hope and guidance to others who may be facing similar challenges. Her reflections on therapy, medication, and the importance of a supportive network are both informative and encouraging.

“My Bipolar Backpack” is more than just a memoir; it is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to persevere in the face of adversity. Susan Ralphe has crafted a powerful and uplifting narrative that will resonate with readers long after they have turned the final page. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to better understand bipolar disorder, offering a compassionate and compelling perspective that is both educational and profoundly moving.

A brutally honest autobiography from Susan Ralphe: politician, mother, activist, wife & friend who reflects on her life and mental health. Narrated excellently by Janice McNally. Biographies in general are not my thing but I am interested in learning more about people with a bipolar diagnosis. I appreciated that the book wasn’t in full chronological order but flowed through her reflections in a more natural way, so we don’t hear about Susan’s childhood until she discusses it in therapy. Not being diagnosed at an early age and society’s negative reaction to mental health at that time must have been brutal to cope with, as we hear in the text. I felt that I understood so much more by listening to this audiobook, and I'm delighted that with the right drugs, moving towns and the support of her doctor, she feels able to share her story. I hope that this supports people with a similar diagnosis, their friends and family.