The book is a gripping and engaging memoir by a law professor who just happens to have schizophrenia as well.  It is a hopeful book because Elyn's life proves that some people with a serious mental illness can still function at a very high level if they are given the help and support they need, and are tenacious in following their goals.

 She describes how difficult it is to accept one's diagnosis, and especially how hard it is to stay on one's medication once one is feeling well again.  Her desciption of her psychotic episodes are vivid, and terrifying, but at the same time enlightening for anyone who might encounter someone in their own circle with this type of illness.  She relates how stigma is still a part of daily life for anyone with a mental illness, and is an advocate of the importance of talk therapy accompanying any necessary drug therapy.