Living With Schizophrenia
by Stuart Emmons, Craig Geiser, Kalman J.Kaplan, and Martin Harrow, 1997 Schizophrenia is disabling in two ways: it impairs the way in which schizophrenics look at the world, and it impairs the way in which the world looks at schizophrenics. Stuart Emmons and Craig Geiser are diagnosed as paranoid schizophrenics. Through hospitalization and medication, both are able to function in society. But they sometimes find that society isn't ready to function with them, hence this book. Emmons and Geiser each recount his own story, and then Emmons presents his poetry, and Geiser his artwork. Kaplan and Harrow comment on what Emmons and Geiser have to say.
The narratives are both fairly easy to follow. Emmons sometimes refers to things the reader doesn't know about. Geiser's explanations of his actions are easier to follow. Emmons' poetry is story broken into lines, and they provide a greater understanding of his story. The artwork does not seem to be similarly explanatory. Although Kaplan and Harrow note their interpretations of Geiser's artwork, it still doesn't add to the story.
Question: When does caution become paranoia?
Happy reading.
