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To be honest, I was very hesitant to even read this book. Like most people, when Andrea Yates killed her five children by drowning them in the family's bathtub, the only information I knew was what I heard from the media. I almost immediately formed my own opinion -- Andrea Yates was evil. So it took me awhile to open my mind to the fact that there could be more to the story. Once I started reading ARE YOU THERE ALONE? I absolutely could not read fast enough. This book is fascinating in delving into the issue of mental illness, and what it truly means. I learned about psychosis, about postpartum depression, about bipolar disorder, and much, much more. Although there are things I still don't understand (how Rusty Yates, Andrea's husband, could have left her alone with their children when he knew she was seriously mentally ill, for example), I have to say that I have a greater understanding of why Ms. Yates did what she did. Hers was a horrific crime, and one for which she deserved to be punished. But she also deserved to get help for the problems that had plagued her for many years. For that, Suzanne O'Malley and the doctors, nurses, and many others involved in the case are to be commended.Read full review
This book takes the reader step by step through Andrea Yates' horrifying compulsion to drown her five children, while also providing background on her earlier life, medical/psychological treatment, the influence of religion, and her family life. It underscores the shortcomings of the health care system and makes clear that this tragedy could have been prevented with proper intervention and alternate choices. It is well-written and provides an insightful profile of mental illness, while examining how our society could provide better support that would prevent such unspeakable acts and at the same time sympathetically and matter-of-factly unraveling the tragedy of this one particular family. I could not put this book down and read it in about 24 hours.
Great book totally reccommended
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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