“Manic: A Memoir”, a great read!

“Manic: A Memoir” By Terri Cheney

(best read to make me take a break from school)

I am amazed how many people read about my divorce everyday. I guess there are not many resources out there so I am glad my own rambling has helped some people know that divorce is just another stigma that society has bestowed.

On the topic of societal stigmas, I have mentioned that I suffer from bipolar disorder. I don’t like saying I AM bipolar, I have it – just like people have diabetes. But the stigma from that is huge; often embarrassing and most people who know me don’t even understand it or how it affects my life. It is hard to put to words and I have spent my life trying to hide it and for the most part that has worked. A lot of people think I am totally together and don’t see me with an illness. It has been many years of therapy and a regiment of medications and a therapist and doctor that saved my life. But it still exists and I am struggling with it right now as I post this. I try to share it with people as a way to bring awareness as well as help myself through it. Although, it is very difficult to share and I always hear people not knowing anything about me making comments about people with “real” mental issues. Sometimes I wish I was more courageous.

I just finished a memoir that touched me greatly and I am so thankful that the author wrote it, in a way that breaks your heart and still gives hope. The courage and brilliance of this woman is an inspiration for me to keep strong and NOT ashamed. For me, it make all the little things that go on in my head seem normal… well, normal given the circumstance. Terri Cheney captures the difficulties many of us face everyday while still being overachievers and artists. She is able to give words to issues that I find difficult to express myself but she takes you on a journey that is so honest and touching that I could not put the book down.

“Manic: A Memoir”

By Terri Cheney

I have to recommend this book with all my heart. The book speaks to me on a personal level but I think it raises an awareness that is so important as more of you know someone with this “dangerous gift” than you think. I wish Terri the best of luck with this book and she is just another fabulous woman to support in her wonderful first work!

— click on book image for further info and buying info —-

OR http://www.terricheney.com/index.html

More to come as school breaks are needed… summer events in the city and spotlight on great concerts and fun.

Summer Reading!

Ok, school is out and I can finally hit my wish list.
As an International Studies major I read more this past year than I have my whole life and so many great books relating to the history of the world and its relation to the here and now. But I did get a little depressed dealing with oppressive women’s cultures, genocide and cultural conflict and then just dissecting the world news at large.

I did take one vacation from schoolwork and went to South America with only pleasure reading materials. So I started my summer reading list. The first book I started with was Jennifer Baumgardner’s “Look Both Ways, Bisexual Politics” and it was great! I am a huge fan of Jennifer’s work and suggest her other books that she wrote with Amy Richards, Manifesta and Grassroots. They will go on the suggested reading list when I put that together (this is a work in progress) but pick this one up. I personally think there is not enough talk around bisexuality and Jennifer’s very honest dissection of her own relationships as well as sex, sex roles and great interviews. Ani fans take note, Ani opens up to Jennifer about fans, relationships and orgasms!

Here is what I wrote to Jennifer after I read the book and it was fresh on my mind. My best way to explain to you all.
Jess to Jennifer -
“I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed “Look Both Ways”. I read it in 2 days on vacation and it was fantastic. It was strangely perfect timing for a read about relationships as I reflected on life on my first vacation in… FOREVER. I was divorced last year and the ex and I had been separated for a long time.

I appreciated the candid and honest reflections of yourself and of the
women you interviewed. With your personal experiences, research,
interviews and humor, the book is an enjoyable and informative read.
Congratulations. I was most interested in roles of a relationship and
comparing the desirable qualities in both sexes. How does one find a
strong friendship and lover all while relating to the real world?
After being married myself, I liked your analysis of wanting a “wife”.
My ex and I were not our parents; I made the money and had the health
insurance and made the decisions but I was still the “wife”. There
are many other topics in the book I could go on but will spare you☺”

The book is so relevant to all women!

CLICK ON BOOK IMAGE FOR MORE INFO AND TO BUY!!!!

Next books on my reading list
Baby Love by Rebecca Walker
Full Frontal Feminism: A Young Woman’s Guide to Why Feminism Matters by Jessica Valenti
The Anti 9-to-5 Guide: Practical Career Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube by Michelle Goodman

That is enough to start.
What is on your list????????

Happy reading.
Jessie