The Quiet Room

A Journey Out of the Torment of Madness

By: Lori Schiller, Amanda Bennett

Narrated by: Brittany Pressley, Gregory Abbey, Cheryl Smith

Moving, harrowing, and ultimately uplifting, Lori Schiller's memoir is a classic testimony to the ravages of mental illness and the power of perseverance and courage.

"A book of rare power, passion, and intelligence."— Diane Sawyer, award-winning television new anchor

At seventeen Lori Schiller was the perfect child—the only daughter of an affluent, close-knit family. Six years later she made her first suicide attempt, then wandered the streets of New York City dressed in ragged clothes, tormenting voices crying out in her mind. Lori Schiller had entered the horrifying world of full-blown schizophrenia. She began an ordeal of hospitalizations, halfway houses, relapses, more suicide attempts, and constant, withering despair. But against all odds, she survived.

In this personal account, she tells how she did it, taking us not only into her own shattered world, but drawing on the words of the doctors who treated her and family members who suffered with her.

*Includes reading group guide*

Excellent but with one note

I really appreciated the insight this book gave me on multiple people's perspectives on a schizophrenia diagnosis and experience. I really liked it and am rating it highly. It was particularly unique to hear the examples of her voices/"visitors" as audio rather than text.

I don't wish to critique the story in terms of content because it is a personal experience and was a very compelling listen. However, I do think a warning may benefit some readers regarding the way weight is spoken about in this book:

Repeatedly there are comments regarding how weight ties to Lori's personal experience with mental illness and how her weight increase and weightloss is a reflection of her care and view of herself as well as a side effect of the medicine. Though I am not someone who has this struggle, I could see her perspective on weight and the derogatory comments about her own size (like referring to herself as a whale, only being pretty when she's considered skinny, etc) being very painful and unexpected with regards to other people's struggles. I thought maybe that would be covered later and some self-reflection on fatphobia, but it was never acknowledged other than losing weight being a good part of recovery. This may be unexpected to some readers who aren't prepared for that, so I hope a warning may useful here and as a consideration when recommending it.

Wonderful

One of my favorite books. I already read it and now listened to the audiobook because I'm obsessed!

Amazing book!

You helped me so much to learn about mental illness. Thank you for sharing, you are amazing.

Incrdible multi POV

Anyone who is interested in mental health must read this. Such a touching account of how mental illness influences everyone. The point of view changes is so impactful to the accurate telling of this difficulty but ultimately triumphant journey.

Fantastic Read!

As a therapist, this book was very helpful and insightful. I highly recommend this book. It was incredibly beneficial to hear about the author from many different viewpoints.