Title: A Common Struggle
Author: Patrick Kennedy
This book, by former congressman Patrick Kennedy, is subtitled, A Personal Journey through the Past and Future of Mental Illness and Addiction; and it is an extraordinary, comprehensive and important journey. A must-read for anyone interested in or touched by addiction in its many forms, or (often related) mental conditions like bi-polar and depression. Mr. Kennedy's personal story is very compelling, and he relates it with thoroughness and candor. The long and hard-fought battle to achieve parity for the treatment of mental and addictive conditions -- in government policy, in insurance coverage and in the court of public opinion -- is detailed thoroughly. The author is candid in discussing his well-known family -- father Ted Kennedy, mother and acknowledged alcoholic Joan Kennedy -- but thankfully, without salacious details and only to further inform the dialogue on addiction (genetic or family histories, etc.)
Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Jan.
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