47 pages • 1 hour read
An Unquiet Mind
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Book Brief
224
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
United States • 1990s
1995
Adult
18+ years
1240L
Super Short Summary
An Unquiet Mind, by Kay Redfield Jamison, is a memoir detailing her experiences with manic-depressive illness, covering her childhood, the emergence of her mood swings, her diagnosis, the struggles and impact of the disease on her personal and professional life, and her journey toward stabilization through therapy and medication, set against the backdrop of her dual expertise as both a patient and a clinical psychologist. The book includes graphic discussions of suicidal ideation and attempts.
Emotional
Informative
Challenging
Inspirational
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
87,534 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison is widely praised for its candor and insightful depiction of living with bipolar disorder. Reviewers commend Jamison's eloquent writing and expertise as both a psychologist and a patient. However, some note its intense emotional content might not be suitable for all readers. Overall, it's a compelling, informative memoir that sheds light on mental illness.
Who Should Read An Unquiet Mind?
A reader who would enjoy An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison is likely interested in psychology, personal memoirs, and mental health. Fans of The Center Cannot Hold by Elyn R. Saks or Darkness Visible by William Styron, which offer powerful, personal insights into mental illness, will find Jamison's narrative compelling and enlightening.
87,534 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Kay’s Brother
Kay’s Brother
An economist who played a pivotal role in Kay's life, providing support and protection throughout her struggles with mental illness.
Kay’s Father
Kay’s Father
An Air Force pilot and meteorologist whose own mood swings and alcoholism suggested a genetic link to Kay's manic-depressive illness.
Kay’s Mother
Kay’s Mother
Described as warm and friendly, her mother supported Kay during her battle with mental illness and following her suicide attempt.
Kay’s Sister
Kay’s Sister
Had a contentious relationship with Kay and held anti-medication views, which Kay had to distance herself from during her recovery.
Kay’s First Husband
Kay’s First Husband
An artist whose relationship with Kay was characterized by love and impulsivity, ultimately ending due to her worsening illness.
David Laurie
David Laurie
A psychiatrist with the British military who met Kay at UCLA, later becoming a caring and accepting partner who understood her illness.
Richard Wyatt
Richard Wyatt
Kay’s second husband, a schizophrenia researcher, whose moderate temperament and understanding of Kay's illness offered grounding support.
224
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
United States • 1990s
1995
Adult
18+ years
1240L
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