Tuesday, July 24, 2012

January First by Michael Schofield

Genre: Non Fiction/Memoir
Publication Date: 7th August 2012
Pages: 288
Book Source: Crown Publishing & NetGalley

Synopsis: A brilliant and harrowingly honest memoir, January First is the extraordinary story of a father's fight to save his child from an extremely severe case of mental illness in the face of overwhelming adversity.

At six years old, Michael Schofield's daughter, January, was diagnosed with one of the most severe cases of child-onset schizophrenia that doctors had ever seen. In January's case, she is hallucinating 95 percent of the time that she is awake. Potent psychiatric drugs that would level most adults barely faze her. January, "Jani" to her family, has literally hundreds of imaginary friends. They go by names like 400-the-Cat, 100 Degrees, and 24 Hours and live on an island called "Calalini," which she describes as existing "on the border of my world and your world." Some of these friends are good, and some of them, such as 400, are very bad. They tell her to jump off buildings, attack her brother, and scream at strangers.

In the middle of these never-ending delusions, hallucinations, and paroxysms of rage are Jani's parents, who have gone to the ends of the earth to keep both of their children alive and unharmed. They live in separate one-bedroom apartments in order to keep her little brother, Bohdi, safe from his big sister--and wage a daily war against a social system that has all but completely failed them. January First is the story of the daily struggles and challenges they face as they do everything they can to help their daughter while trying to keep their family together. It is the inspiring tale of their resolute determination and faith.

My Thoughts:
This wasn't an easy read but I didn't expect it to be. There is nothing easy about mental illness. Nothing compares with watching your child suffer, no parent should have to experience that heartache, so while I thank God that this is not my experience, the very least I can do is immerse myself in the rainbow that is January First. 

Jani's father, Michael captures his 6 year old daughter's intelligence, bravery and imagination and the battle scarred journey to Jani's diagnosis with child-onset Schizophrenia. With unflagging and often cringe-worthy honesty Michael details Jani's illness, the impact on his family, his relationship with his wife Susan, the anger, frustration, helplessness, exhaustion and rock-bottom despair. The hostility and resentment that Michael felt towards his wife was particularly difficult to read because I related to it, it's ugly and traumatic and real. 

I have nothing but absolute admiration for this type of openness, through a father's words we are given an intimate look at a family doing everything in their power, against overwhelming odds, to ensure the best possible outcome for their daughter. 

Michael's candid sharing of his family's experience, the baring of his heart and soul can only be a positive for mental illness awareness, only by breaking down barriers can you hope for change. If you're coping with mental illness or grief and loss you understand the loneliness and isolation; stories like this go a little way to making you feel less alone in the struggle. 

I first thought the writing needed polish but the more I read the more I realised, the  writing is what makes Jani's story more tangible, you cannot read this and not be affected. 

January First is a testament to Jani's bravery and the love, hope, sheer determination, compromise, perseverance and strength to see our children as right and whole as they can be. 

I wish Jani and her family rainbows. Check out Michael Schofield's touching blog to see how Jani and the rest of the family are doing. Jani turns 10 this year.







15 comments:

  1. Great review Sheree....not sure if its the same family but I remember seeing a story like this on Oprah I think, or maybe Dr Phil. A real struggle for the family

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    1. Karen, I'm pretty sure I read on Michael's blog that the family were on Oprah. Very moving, it's great to see the updates on how Jani is doing.

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  2. What a lovely review. I am always drawn to memoirs about mental illness, a subject that is very personal to me, and I definitely want to read this one. Thank you for introducing it to me.

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    1. Thanks Stephanie, it's a subject I'm drawn to as well, especially when children are involved. I look forward to your thoughts.

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  3. Wow!! This sounds amazing! I need to add this to my list!!!

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    1. It really is beyond comprehension what Jani and her family go through!

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  5. I watched a documentary on this girl and was stunned...the family is incredibly brave. Great review!

    Shelleyrae @ Book'd out

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    1. I'd like to see the documentary too Shelleyrae, the book left me stunned so I can only imagine. Michael mentions on his blog that Jani is doing quite a bit better on medication now

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  6. I can't even imagine. Adults with mental disorders are bad enough but a young girl...just terrible. Think I should read this one just for the family's sake. Thanks dear.

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  7. You're right Jenny, I think everyone should read this whether you have mental illness in the family or not. Not easy but necessary!

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  8. I watched them on Oprah and thought they were such a strong parenting unit. The way they have to live apart is heart-wrenching and just knowing that Jani has to deal with this slays me!!

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  9. I can't imagine a life like this and the choices the parents must make every day. I'm not sure I could read this right now, too hard, but maybe a few years down the road.

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  10. I have complete admiration for people in that sort of position, it would not be easy at all. I am not sure I could handle a book as emotionally gripping as this at the moment but hopefully in a few years I could.

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  11. Great review, glad you mentioned you read it also. I am 50% and what saddens me the most is she is only 5 years old, devastating to say the least, very hard emotional read.

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