Location: Canada
Member Since:
April 02, 2021
Richard
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Smashwords book reviews by Richard
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Prince With No Inheritance
on April 06, 2021
Minor grammar and spelling aside, this is a fascinating, yet difficult read. Mr Schreyer will likely not recall, but I did meet him many years ago. The occasion was a Scouts Canada 'Trees for Canada' event at Rideau Hall, (probably 1983), for which I was the official photographer. I still have some photos of Toban playing video games etc., probably in the 'tent room.' Many times people have talked to me about schizophrenia; suggesting that it is something bad, yet I've never really understood it. I have a good friend and well respected psychiatrist, who tried to explain it to me ... but really ... he could not. Toban offers a very different and refreshing perspective, being someone who has actually suffered from the disorder. Yet ... despite his best efforts, I still do not understand. I've had some experience with people suffering from different mental conditions ... and the story is oddly similar. I am convinced that I do not understand mental disorders because nobody; not the doctors, nor the patients, nor the families, who have to deal with these things ... really do. This must be horribly frightening and disappointing for those who must live this reality. While I do not understand ... I am at least listening. Canada is in many regards a wonderful country. However, with respect to law enforcement and its understanding of mental illness, Canada is still at best 'medieval', though better at least than the USA, which probably ranks as 'stone aged.' Clearly, we need to do better. Honestly ... I felt awkward reading this book, because it conveys far more personal information than it probably should. Yet I enjoyed it and I gratefully acknowledge the author who has so freely shared his experiences. Thank you.