Detour from Normal

This book was well written and the research that went into it was very evident. The amazing thing is this could happen to any of us, and we could be thrust into the world of mania and mental illness as haplessly as he did. It is interesting to see how the human mind works and that here is a spectrum of mania's influence and degrees of it. The last few chapters are full of really valuable insight and life advice that is useful. I appreciated the advocacy for individuals with mental illness, as this is severely lacking in our culture. I had no idea people could be court ordered to take medication against their will,

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn't think of any reason it should receive less than five stars. For those that have a loved one or friend who has suffered or continues to suffer from mental illness, I think this true story is a necessary read. This amazing tale reminds you to appreciate what you have, focus on the present, and be a better listener to everyone, especially the crazy people you try so hard to ignore. This was a fun and interesting read that won't disappoint the casual reader or one looking for answers.

This book is an intimate look at mental illness, the challenges faced by all involved, and the shortcomings of our medical/mental Heath care system. This book will challenge your thinking on those involved with caring for the mentally ill and on the state of our medical responses to those who become mentally ill.

Ken did an excellent job writing this book considering he never had a writing class and is an engineer used to technical writing. There is so much for men to learn from reading this concerning the importance of a healthy diet without junk food because lack of that is what started Ken on this trip to Hell and back. It is shocking to read how adults are treated in the mental health facilities and that some who are in there through no fault of their own, are with people who will never be cured. Clearly, communities need better places for those who develop mental disorders as the result of reactions to hospital drugs. There are many among us and I hope they are as strong as Ken Dickson.

This is a phenomenal read for anyone with a mental illness or loves and Cares for someone with a mental illness. Especially if you are new to the world of psychiatric drug's and their effects and what some institutions can be like. So much can be learned from this and well worth your time to read it.

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, your vulnerabilities, and your insights. I hope that many "patients," family members, health care/law enforcement/social service professionals, and policy makers will read and be guided by your insights.

I found this book quite compelling. I never knew about mania brought on by steroids until it happened to Jane Pauley. My son suffers from manic depression, so any information from those who have experienced it enables me to better understand and have compassion for him. Thank you for writing this book.

I couldn't put this down. Thankfully neither myself or anyone I know has been through what Ken went through. I'm so glad he is okay now. I learned a lot about the medical community. Thank you! Also learned a lot about what drugs can do to your body.

Very interesting book non-fiction about one man's journey through severe reactions to medications that landed him in metal institutions, What is it like to lose your freedom, and control of your life and ife changing decisions?

The book overall was enlightening regarding the abysmal state of the healthcare system in the U.S. By the end of the story though I was anxiously waiting for Ken to be well so the story could finally end. In the beginning I was under the impression the story was about his personal experience but that wavered a bit as the story went on and then when I found out there's a sequel. One thing I did gain is a strong dislike for his wife, Beth. What a complete failure at helping and protecting her husband.

I enjoyed and gained something from the parts of this book that were focused on the author's perception of his mania. It seems like it could have been about a hundred pages lighter though. A lot of filler.

Informative, interesting and entertaining. Insight into medical and mental care or lack of care. I appreciate the public service this author / patient has given by sharing his frightening experience.

As someone who is bipolar I appreciated the outlook of this book. It's just plain fascinating how far mania can go. It's sad the treatment he got though, there's a lot to be desired in mental health Care in this country.

Very well written.. Mr. Dickson clearly shows us a window into a state of mind that few of us will ever experience.. I think everyone who reads this book will be more considerate of other folk's state of mind..

I appreciated this true story of mental illness brought on by misuse and overuse of medications. Thank you, Ken, for sharing your story. I believe it will help many and perhaps even save some lives!

I usually don't bother doing reviews unless the book touched me in a very unusual way.
After reading this book I felt I had to write something. Ken went to hell and back and yet gathered the strength to register his story in such detail and in such eye catching style without fear of being discriminated - once more - for his temporary mental state.
The incompetence of the medical community touched me much less than Ken's humanity, strength of character, persistence and ability to turn things around pushing towards what he believes.
You won Ken, you were able to show the world which values are worth to fight for. You showed the world what a human being should be made of.
I am sure your wife Beth doesn't deserve less. You two are lucky to have each other.

I would definitely recommend this book to all people. If you have not at least had a brush like this with the medical or mental health services, you will. May your loved ones never have to go through something like this. Health professionals are human but you or an informed loved one is your best advocate.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is dealing with mental illness whether their own, a friend's or a loved one.
This book lets into the mind of someone who is going through being "not normal". Even if you are just curious about the thoughts and reasoning of a metally ill person this book is a must read.
The book will take you by the hand and lead you into what exactly is going on in the mind of someone who is living in a different reality than what is considered normal.
That this illness led the author on a spiritual journey at the same time is simply amazing.
Overall a very good book

What a real reminder of how vulnerable and human we all are. We put so much faith into medical professionals and essentially trust them with our lives. This book was such a reminder of the importance of patient advocacy as well as the fact that even those who are mentally ill are people too. No matter the situation each person you meet should be treated with kindness and compassion.

Frankly Terrifying. I don't like doctors anyway. And the system as a whole is just broken. Ken takes you on a journey through that system, and his mind. If you are not scared healthy after reading this, you may already be on your way out.

Well executed from painful emotions, hopeless imprisonment and sincere expression of thoughts. As a retired nurse Im proud of Ken for exposing doctors who practice poor medicine and the indiscriminate use of drugs without appropriate follow up. Very well written.

unbelievable what happened to the author. A scathing indictment of mental health so called professionals and medicine in general. I hope he sues every hospital and doctor he suffered from. So many uncaring, unfeeling nurses, technicians and ocial workers. Time for a big change. His story should be national news.

The descriptions in this book about this poor man's journey through mental illness is exactly how I've heard it described by close friends and members of my family. It was an interesting read. Terrifying and real. Even if some of the descriptions were long winded, I think they were intentionally so. Overall this book was a fascinating read.

unbelievable what happened to the author. A scathing indictment of mental health so called professionals and medicine in general. I hope he sues every hospital and doctor he suffered from. So many uncaring, unfeeling nurses, technicians and ocial workers. Time for a big change. His story should be national news.

The descriptions in this book about this poor man's journey through mental illness is exactly how I've heard it described by close friends and members of my family. It was an interesting read. Terrifying and real. Even if some of the descriptions were long winded, I think they were intentionally so. Overall this book was a fascinating read.

As a person who knew little about mania and yet have lived so close to this and depression in family
members I found myself a bit manic in reading Ken and Beth's stormy journey .Well worth reading .

The details were amazing. I never knew that manic behavior stands on it's own ... I was waiting for depressive actions to be described. The forcing of meds makes my blood boil! I wish this book, esp the last chapter, would be mandatory for those in the profession .... 'n in colleges for those studying psych or premed. Very strong info, Ken Dickson.

An interesting read.
it is an almost unbelievable account of what can happen to a human being going through the psychiatric
evaluation and so called treatment.
It is well worth your time to read this.

It really was quite boring most of the time, just talking about procedures and such, as you'd expect. But I found myself skipping through most of it. Which is something you don't want people doing in your book.

If you've ever wondered about what goes through the minds of the people you see who don't seem quite right, this book will open your eyes. Just because you think some one is different, that doesn't mean you should dismiss them. This book shows what it is like to walk more than a mile in their shoes. Give it a chance.

It's hard to believe that Ken survived his journey into mental illness, given the absence of proper treatment that he encountered. I applaud him for taking the time to research and try to figure out why he so suddenly plummeted into mania. I like how he was able to relate so clearly how his body and mind were working, both while he was manic and afterward, when he was able to reflect. This should be required reading for anyone working in the mental health field.

This book grabbed my interest from the start because even though it sounded frightening for someone to experience, I wanted to know about it. I was amazed at the way Ken was able to remember and describe his journey, and also the way he was able to adjust to the mania. It kept me reading and interested. I believe it will help those in the same situation.

It is obvious after reading Detour from Normal that Mr. Dickson is a gifted, compassionate spirit. Anyone who experiences mental illness, particularly Mania or is associated with mental illness at any level will be extremely fortunate to discover this book. Not only will his teachings benefit one that is plagued with an unfortunate mental disorder, this book will touch anyone with a heart working as mental health care professional. I only regret that I did not find this book when my son was suffering and I was desperate and ignorant.

Insightful, informative and frightening. He shares his experiences with power, and without bravado. It is unfortunate that the medical, psychiatric, and legal communities seem to be largely devoid of any common sense, because the issues Ken experienced could have been avoided if the physicians he saw would have simply listened to what was happening and then acted appropriately. My heart goes out to Ken and his family, and I thank them for allowing us into this intimate, personal, painful part of their lives. It is my hope and prayer that a greater good can come from this. Well done, Ken!

This was an interesting, fascinating book about Ken and his family and their experience with mental health. As a health care professional I know too well the serious lack of services and funding available for mental health and how people who are ill with mental disorders are not afforded the same options and levels of service as those with physical illnesses. I felt Ken gave a wonderful, amusing and insightful personal experience of mental health and what it is like from the perspective of the person experiencing the problem.
A great read and definitely recommended.

In depth. I recommend this 'tale from the inside' to everyone who has a loved one, acquaintance or friend in some state of mental angst, because we don't really have a clue what the world is like for them. Narratives as such help the helpers.

As someone who has and will have more hospital visits in the future due to a chronic disease, I will now be more mindful of what I am "given". Ken really opened my eyes and his story is a brave one, filled with lots of interesting experiences and insights. Thank you for telling your story, the advice passed on in this book is immeasurable. :)

An indictment of the medical profession. How they passed him along, unhelped, undiagnosed. His story has a happy ending. Many other stories do not. The writing is just ok. Lots more detail than I needed, but the story is one that needs to be heard.

My brother went through something very similar after a simple hernia surgery and went through years of alcoholism and jail before finally getting sober and sane. Such a brave and important book to write!!

I am thankful to Ken for reporting from inside both his mania and the institutions to which he was subjected. If you ever have surgery or are hospitalized for a serious condition, it would be good to ask if you are being given steroid s. My only wish is that he had devoted a little less space to the particular subject of his mania.

Very interesting book. Opened up my world to mental health, specifically mental health in America and how individuals who truly are mentally ill or may be perceived as mentally ill are treated. Good read and especially attention grabbing due to being a true story that happened only a few years ago. Worth the money and time to read.

Very interesting read. Makes you think how easily life can take a very unfortunate turn in the blink of an eye. Thought provoking - what would you do? how would your family cope? I really cannot ever imagine being out of control like this - but I'm sure neither did he before everything unfolded.