57 pages • 1 hour read
Crazy: A Father’s Search Through America’s Mental Health Madness
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Book Brief
372
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 2000s
2006
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Crazy: A Father’s Search Through America’s Mental Health Madness by Pete Earley follows the author's journey as he struggles to get a proper diagnosis for his son Mike's mental illness, which leads to Mike's arrest and legal battles. Earley intertwines his son's experience with those of other mentally ill individuals in Miami, offering a critical look at the criminal justice system and mental health care in the U.S. The book addresses sensitive topics, including severe mental illness and interactions with law enforcement.
Informative
Dark
Unnerving
Emotional
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
4,765 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Pete Earley's Crazy is praised for its compelling exploration of America's broken mental health system, blending personal narrative with investigative journalism. Readers appreciate Earley's emotional honesty and thorough research. However, some critique the book for its occasionally repetitive content. Overall, Crazy is a powerful and eye-opening read.
Who Should Read Crazy?
Readers who would enjoy Crazy by Pete Earley are those interested in mental health advocacy, personal memoirs, and criminal justice reform. Similar in tone to An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison and The Center Cannot Hold by Elyn R. Saks, this book appeals to those who appreciate deeply personal and societal-level explorations of mental illness.
4,765 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
372
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 2000s
2006
Adult
18+ years
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