The Storm

A Family's Battle with Mental Illness

De: Michael R. Lewis

Narrado por: Sean Schroeder

In the 1950s, mental illness was in the closet, a condition rarely discussed beyond immediate family members. A young mother struggles with bipolar disorder, abusing alcohol and prescription drugs before seeking psychiatric help. Their solution: mind-altering shock and insulin treatments.

Her husband, fighting to keep the love of his life, focuses on her recovery, working two jobs to cover the costs of a decade-long cycle of depression. Her son, just entering his teenage years, feeling abandoned and lost in his anger at the disintegration of the family by forces he can't understand, explores the dark side of his character.

There are no winners in this family tragedy, just survivors. The familial strands are stretched and strained, almost to the breaking point.

"The Storm" is a testament to the resilience of families and individuals, not the triumph of modern medicine or the saving grace of a miracle. It is a story of love and responsibility overcoming adversity of the worst sort, of going ahead when the future is most uncertain.

©2013 Michael R Lewis (P)2014 Michael R Lewis

wonderful insight on mental illness

If you could sum up The Storm in three words, what would they be?

Descriptive , entertaining and informative

Which character – as performed by Sean Schroeder – was your favorite?

I really felt for the author and connected to some of what he experienced as he was growing up

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I would use the same sub-title

Any additional comments?

The author's words had me feeling as though I was there. They were very descriptive and heartfelt. I also enjoyed listening to the lilt of the narrator.

Good story and very well told

If you could sum up The Storm in three words, what would they be?

story of hope

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Storm?

The whole story was excellent especially about how the author grew up.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene was just before the author went away to college. He was talking with he father about his father's regret. Very well done.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

see above

Any additional comments?

The narrator did an excellent job. His tone and pace easily drew me into the story.

A heartfelt story of a family dealing with mental

What disappointed you about The Storm?

The length . I think Mr Lewis could have discussed the effect that his mother's illness had on him as an adult ad not just his turbulent childhood.

Would you ever listen to anything by Michael R. Lewis again?

Yes

What does Sean Schroeder bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Mr Schroeder did a good job with narration and listening to books allows me to multitask.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Painted a clear picture of the family dynamics of mental illness.