Bipolar Expeditions: Mania and Depression in American Culture

I am really enjoying this book. It's a fascinating read, but also informative. The way the author approaches this subject is novel and interesting. I did not think it would be a page turner, but it is.

Needed this book for class. Was in excellent condition! Great read too!

Martin's examination of rationality and irrationality brings up many interesting questions. She looks at things through the lens of an "American culture" that prizes mania in some people under certain circumstances, yet reviles it and is repulsed by it in others in various contexts. (Her generalization of an entrepreneurial American culture is not fully explained nor supported). Martin explores the boundaries of normality and how decisions are made about who is sane and who is insane. Her argument that rationality and irrationality are not bounded categories, but rather overlapping and intertwining, being possible and observable in all people, is extremely compelling.

Textbook that covers an immense amount of background on the mental illness from a first hand perspective. I would say it is pretty much exhaustive in terms of how much content is here. Especially enjoyed the first hand case studies in a hospital in Baltimore with how the doctors made decisions about patients using race as a reference and a working professional from a certain class was not diagnosed as such.

As someone experienced with the ups and down of depression and anxiety, I am so grateful for this book. In "Bipolar Expeditions," Martin gives us an honest and unflinching look at the lives people lead with mania and the way depression in general is shaping our world. This work should be read by everyone and anyone affected by mental illness and those looking to understand the drastic shift from 'slow and steady wins the race' to 'last one to the finish line is a rotten egg.'P.S. Not only is there no mention of polar bears in this book, there is no 'misleading' title to indicate that possibility.

As a person recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder I was pleasantly surprised by the optimistic theme of this book I feel like a member of a group of a privileged few that have this disorder and are not at the abyss of depression that can end tragically. I now look at mania as a gift, not a curse. Thank you for this comforting book on the ins-and-outs of bipolar disorder.