The Memory Palace Audiobook (Unabridged)

" Interesting for the fact that it opened my eyes more to the life of a schizophrenic and the lack of resources available to them, especially in the US. But it was a bit sporadic in that it jumped around from a description of her mother's mental illness to some of the author's own travels throughout the world. "

" Beautifully rendered memoir that captures the impact of schizophrenia on the family, the power and limits of family bonds, the resiliency of the human spirit. Highly recommend. "

" This is a moving memoir about a choice we are sometimes forced to make -- the choice to save ourselves, even though it comes at the expense of someone we love deeply. "

" I don't know if this was the author's intended consequence but my reaction to the homeless has been much more loving and generous since reading this book. "

" I ended up loving it! After losing my mom recently to cancer oddly enough it comforted me when i got towards the end. "

" Another 3.5 and & another book it took me more than half way through it to really like it, a harrowing non-fiction book about a mother, a brilliant pianist who is a schizophrenic, making the lives of her two artistic daughters so hellish that they change their names and don't see her for 17 years until she is dying. Obviously there is much guilt and sadness here. The books includes writings from the mother, wonderful drawings by the author, and appropriate quotes. "

" This was a mixed bag for me. It was extremely well written by a talented author, but despite the fact that it is a memoir of the author's mother's mental illness, I found myself far more drawn to Mira's life. Not to sound cold, but there was a stagnancy and inevitability to the mother's story. I wanted to see how Mira's played out "

" Just finished this book. I admit I skipped a huge portion in the middle. I can only take so much of someone's terrible life. The last paragraph was great and I'm glad I read it, but I don't think I missed anything by skipping the middle. "

" I started reading this after reading Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother. It seemed much heavier, and I was not as drawn to it. "

" Only got 1/4 way through- but horribly depressing and nit very engaging...can't finish it. "

" What a wonderful story of the power of love amidst mental illness "

" Touching book but way too much narrative. "

" This was my second time reading this memoir (It was this month's book club book) and it was just as good the second time through. Ms. Bartok's use of the present tense draws the reader into her struggle to deal, not only with her schizophrenic mother, but also with her own faulty memory. "

" Such a sad, overwhelming story, but I simply could not put this book down. "

" This is the most depressing thing I have read in a while. Given the subject matter, that shouldn't have surprised me. "

" This wasn't exactly terrible, but I didn't find it particularly good either...the mentally unstable mother theme, though tragic, is getting a little old for me. Glad my mother is a religious fanatic instead of bipolar/pschitsophrenic... "

" It was very good but very heavy!! Wow what a life and how did she survivie it!? "

" I would have liked this book more, but it seemed to drag on. The things that were going on with her mother were more important, but weren't talked about as much as I would have liked. It was hard to get into. "

" I may have to come back to this book. I had to put it down, was hard to follow. "

" 4.8 A striking, beautiful, disturbing memoir about growing up with a schizophrenic mother. Remarkably readable for that complexity of both the events and the emotions. Worth it for subtle repetitions. "

" Such a beautiful, lyrical story. The author masterfully pulls you into her experience of growing up with a schizophrenic mother. I couldn't put it down. "

" I wanted to like this more. Parts were very interesting, as the author provides insight into being the child of a mentally ill mother. "

" Intriguing , captivating and sad. This one tugs at your heart. "

" A heart-wrenching and captivating true story of living with a mother who has schizophrenia. The daily interactions, haunting stories and guilt over turning away from a loved one are wonderfully written. My heart was with Mira for the whole read. I'm glad I read this book. "

" I really like her writing. It is different, but I enjoyed it and really appreciated her story. I can't believe what some people can endure. "

" Eh....I did not love the author, I felt more sorry for the mother that was not able to access help for her mental illness and practically no support from social services/police/doctors. I guess my family seems pretty normal after reading about this one! "

" Hats off to Mira Bartok for writing this book about growing up with a schizophrenic mother, and bless her and her sister for all they endured, and for bringing to light this devestating illness. I hopethis is read by many and that it opens their eyes to this illness. "

" When I first started reading this it reminded me of Jeanette Walls Glass Castle. Anyone who had dealt with family members with mental illness will be particularly touched by the book. "

" Some interesting tidbits in this memoir but author seems as kooky as her mother with some disconnected ramblings.... "

" couldn't finish, just very down and depressing, to much anger and language I didn't want to put in my head, if I had some familiarity with the subject it might mean more, but luckly I can not relate to this mental illness. "

" Why is it that everytime there is some best-seller out there that I see is a must read - I never think it is that great? Is there something wrong with me? Don't get me wrong, this was a good book, just nto as good as the literary world made it out to be. "