I had a hard time getting into this book. At times the stories were very detailed and there were a lot of extended family members to keep track of. Overall it was an interesting read.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

An interesting book that showed us a look into mental illness, alcoholism and family dysfunction.* I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review *

An interesting memoir, Because I Come from a Crazy Family describes Dr. Hallowell's trip to becoming a well-known psychiatrist. It was interesting, though I do not think the term 'crazy' is accurate based on the information provided. The memoir was based (and acknowledged) in a WASP viewpoint, which presents difficulties that were not addressed. Additionally, the book is tilted in a pro-psychoanalytic point of view.

Edward M. Hallowell is recognized for his expertise and writing on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a neurological disorder with more than 3 million newly diagnosed American cases per year. In the opening of his memoir “Because I Come From A Crazy Family: The Making of a Psychiatrist” Hallowell explained his typical family traits of alcoholism, mental illness and politeness--how a family member could be tipsy, sloshed, completely off their rocker, “even as mad as a hatter” yet if they were polite, and didn’t take anything too seriously, true happiness was always possible When he was only 11 years old, Hallowell listened and followed his inner voice that suggested he become a psychiatrist.

A fun and engaging storyteller, we learn a great deal about Hallowell’s less than ordinary happy family that originated in Chatham, MA. After returning stateside from military service in WWII, his father was admitted to Trenton State, Baldpate and the VA for psychiatric care, his parent’s eventually divorced. Uncle Unger became his stepfather, a southern gentleman, who promptly relocated the family to Charleston S.C. Hallowell, who was nicknamed “Ned” was surprised that his mother and Uncle Unger drank so much gin, bourbon and Manhattans, and tried to hide-out in his room. Uncle Unger would take him as his “navigator” on 120 mph. late night drives in his new Thunderbird, and Ned became frightened over his irrational anger and temper. Ned was relieved when his grandmother agreed to pay for him to attend the Fessenden School. Next, Hallowell would attend Exeter, and graduated from Harvard University magna-cum-laude.
Despite his high GPA, testing scores and excellent letters of recommendation, Hallowell did not gain admission to med school without working first as a research assistant. Eventually he was admitted to med school at Tulane University in New Orleans. Hallowell lived in a tiny apartment. In addition to studies in anatomy and physiology, he learned a great deal from his patients and the colorful customs and culture-- his experience there would inspire him to specialize in child psychiatry when he returned to (MMHC) Massachusetts Mental Health Center.

The second half of the book is better and highly interesting. Hallowell shares with readers his experience of deciding to enter psychoanalysis, his decision to literally jump out a nearby window at a painfully boring psychiatric conference. The best dialogue is between Hallowell and his favorite senior supervisor Dr. Doris Mezner Benaron, a chain smoking Swiss Jewish psychoanalyst that didn’t believe in God due to the Holocaust. Hallowell’s lengthy educational dialogue with Dr. Benaron is worth the price of the book; there are more serious levels to the book due to his psychiatric training, though Hallowell always tells his story in an easy going lighthearted manner readers will appreciate. **With thanks and appreciation to Bloomsbury Publishing via NetGalley for the DDC for the purpose of review.

Interesting book about a man who grows up to be successful and helps others despite his troublesome upbringing. Definitely a book I will suggest students from troubled homes read so they don't feel alone, understand that it could be worse and that you can rise above.

With a lifelong interest in psychology and fascination with dysfunctional families, having come from one myself, I was captivated by the title and subject matter of Because I Come from a Crazy Family. Besides, I had read Driven to Distraction years ago and knew the author by reputation.

This memoir starts off tamely, without the outrageous anecdotes I've come to expect, thanks to The Glass Castle, Running with Scissors and others of that ilk. The craziest incident early on turns out to be (spoiler alert) the author's own conception during his father's escape from a mental institution! There's plenty of alcoholism, mental illness, upheaval and abuse in Hallowell's background, to be sure, but also lots of love and support within the extended family. I found myself wishing for fewer names and details and hoping the story would pick up a bit. Further along I became increasingly interested and engaged. As a psych major from Massachusetts just one year younger than Hallowell (born in 1950), I was fascinated by his professional quest to become a psychiatrist - my personal 'road not taken'. Hallowell's empathy and respect toward the institutionalized, often indigent mental patients in his charge were admirable, as was his willingness to put himself on the line, bending rules to try innovative approaches that might help them. Anecdotes about patients - and many of the doctors - he encountered during his years of training are often hilarious but always infused with love,  respect, and the desire to get to know and understand them.

This book does not cover Hallowell's attention deficit work for which he is best known, but if you're interested in mental illness and the fields of psychology and psychiatry, I recommend this book.  Dr. Edward Hallowell's compassion toward those often feared and despised by society is truly inspiring.

This book was an interesting look into mental illness and addiction such as Bi-polar and alcoholism,. I felt the author did trail off a lot at times but, overall I found this book to be insightful and educating.