Play Book Tag discussion

Gorilla and the Bird: A Memoir of Madness and a Mother's Love by Zack McDermott - 4 stars - My Review

Zack McDermott’s mental health memoir gives readers an idea of what it is like to live with bipolar disorder. He worked as a public defender with the Legal Aid Society in New York when he had a psychotic break and spent time in Bellevue. This book reveals the telltale signs of a manic episode coming on, his attempts to control them, and multiple stays in mental wards. The narrative reads as a thank you note to his mother for her understanding, caring, and steadfast support. It is also an attempt to destigmatize mental illness.

McDermott portrays the importance of a strong support network, medication, therapy, sleep, and knowing what to do when symptoms present. This book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in or impacted by bipolar disorder. It is also a well-written memoir with a good dose of self-deprecating and off-the-wall humor. It packs an emotional punch. I am not sure of McDermott’s plans for his writing career, but I would be curious to see what he could do in fiction.