His Bright Light

I loved this book and admire Ms Steele for writing it. ..It took a lot of courage oon her part for sure. Another author who write very much like Danielle, and also has lot of courage is Barara Jeanne Fisher. ! If you want to read a book that goes straight to your heart, read her Stolen Moments . . .It is a beautiful story of unrequited love. . .for certain the love story of the nineties. I intended to give the book a quick read, but I got so caught up in the story that I couldn't put the book down. From the very beginning, I was fully caught up in the heart-wrenching account of Julie Hunter's battle with lupus and her growing love for Don Lipton. This love, in the face of Julie's impending death, makes for a story that covers the range of human emotions. The touches of humor are great, too, they add some nice contrast and lighten things a bit when emotions are running high. I've never read a book more deserving of being published. It has rare depth. Julie's story will remind your readers that life and love are precious and not to be taken for granted. It has had an impact on me, and for that I'm grateful. Stolen Moments is written with so much sensitivity that it made me want to cry. It is a spellbinder. What terrific writing. Barbara does have an exceptional gift! This book was edited by Lupus specialist Dr. Matt Morrow too, and has the latest information on that disease. ..A perfect gift for someone who started college late in life, fell in love too late in life, is living with any illness, or trying to understand a loved one who is. . .A gift to be cherished forever.

This was a wonderful and touching story. I was married to a brilliant man, who was manic depressive and we went from being very solvent,living a life of luxury to his ending up in mental institution and I had to go to work and support and educate my children. Today my daughter, who was fifteen at the time, is an ENT doctor and my son who was nine at the time, has his own computer and consulting business doing well. There were no funds for their education as a result of his impulsive decisions and inability to recognize his illness. He was in denial all the way. He did not commit suicide, but threatened it always.

I just felt that I had lived this life although it was not my child. I have had that fear but all seems well. If it is a loved one, it is a painful way of life.

From the day that Nick was born, he was his mothers joy. Danielle Steel shares her powerful story of her son. Nick had an illness called Bipolar, but for most of his life, neither he nor his mother knew what was wrong with him; maybe that's the reason why he is dead today. Nick's gift for writing was as extraordinary as his mother's, and it showed in his journals, where he bared his soul with uncanny insight, in searing poetry and song. In the end, life became too much for Nick, he committed suicide by taking an overdose of heroin.
This book was very hard for me to read and review, because having had first a hand experience with the conflicts of Bipolar, I understood what Nick went through in his short life. Keep the box of Kleenex handy when you read this book.
The Nick Traina Foundation has been established to benefit mental health, music, child related causes, and other charitable organizations for assorted causes. All the author's proceeds and agents fees from this book will go to the foundation, which will receive direct proceeds from the publisher for all copies sold.

I don't think you will like this book if you are the kind of person who can't get beyond judging the behavior of the author. Ms. Steele does not have "Christian" morals. On many levels, she certainly qualifies as a bad parent. She does not go into any detail on how her son's mental illness affected the other members of the family (and God only knows, there were enough of them!), and that might make you wonder if she had any regard for them at all. But, those issues are not what this book is about. "His Bright Light" is about Danielle Steele's relationship with ONE of her children. Is there guilt? You bet there is! There always is when a child commits suicide.
Ms Steele's intention, as stated in the beginning of this book, was to write a tribute to her dead son. I suppose she went over the top in her attempt to do this - she maybe even glossed over some of the darker things. But, I expect that from a parent who loved their child and who accepted him for who he was, limitations and all. As a tribute, this book certainly shines.
I don't think it was intentional, yet I found one of the most powerful aspects of this book was the way it covertly exposed how terribly awful this disease is for people who are not extremely wealthy. I couldn't help but feel both anger and frustration over the fact that there is no hope at all for those who are economically disadvantaged. For example - how many people can afford to employ two full-time attendants to keep an eye on their child/spouse/whoever? Just imagine what it cost to keep Julie, the tag-team mother, on the payroll (and you are kidding yourself if you think she did all that just because she loved Nicky so much). Imagine the cost of a month's supply of Lithium? And, hospitalizations - don't go there! Many medical insurance policies won't even cover rehab or mental hospitals, and those that do have lifetime limitations that Nick would have used up before he got out of highschool. I shudder to think how tragic this story would have been had it not been for the unlimited financial resources of the author. But, that in no way underminds her pain & suffering.
Concerning the actual writing: I think calling it repetitive is an under-statement. Perhaps this is true of all Ms. Steele's books - I have not read one in ten years. She clearly needs an editor who is not afraid to take out the black pen. The reader knows right from the first page that the author loves her son, so there is no need to repeat it every other page. She also needs to let go of the words "extremely" and "constantly" - I lost count of the number of times she used those words by the time the first chapter was finished. I also found myself distracted, and then downright annoyed, by her "romance novel" prose. Who really cares how gorgeous Nick was! Doesn't every mother think their child is gorgeous? Is he any less valuable if he is not gorgeous? And, much to my dismay, she consistently repeated this declaration on every other page, right along with how much everyone loved him. I found myself wondering why she seemed so desperate to convince the reader that these little details were true, but then I realized that it's just bad writing. That's all. Or, is it "once a romance novelist, always a romance novelist"? Probably.
"His Bright Light" is a very, very sad - at times, it's even pathetic. It offers little hope for the mentally ill who can not, or will not, be medicated. But, if you can read it without judging the author - and, if you can get passed the bad writing - you will find an incredible, heartbreaking story of a parent's losing battle to save her child from himself.

Much like "An Unquiet Mind" and "A Brilliant Madness," this is a story of which sufferers of depression and bipolar disorder can relate, and thereby realize they are not alone in their symptoms and related behavior.
Supporters will also recognize the symptoms and symptomatic behavior of their suffering loved one. This is beneficial because it helps friends and relatives to better understand the brain disorder, and realize that it is a biological disorder of the brain and not a character flaw.
Aside from being a touching and well-written story, Steel is helping to diminish the stigma of mental illness by educating the public using the tragic tale of her son's life. This is a valuable book for families struggling to help a loved one with bipolar disorder.
I recommend this book to all my readers.

Having a child with bipolar (who is now a young adult) and having been a single mom for much of his life I cannot begin to explain how Danielle steel's book helped me to understand that I was not "the cause" "a bad parent" etc. From her book I learned not to judge others by what is seen and instead to take the time to get to know the person. I do not like her fiction books and am so glad I did not let this interfere with my decision to read this non-fiction book. No matter what Danielle's reasons were for writing this book she helped me tremendously. Thank you for sharing; I laughed, cried, smiled, hurt and more. Karen T.

I admit it. I've never read a Danielle Steel book. I've never been interested enough, although I know many people who rave about her. Her stories just aren't necessarily my "cup of tea." However, I was highly recommended this true-story book about her son's life by a friend of mine, so I decided to give it a try.
I got to experience DS's flair for writing and its conversational style. It was very easy to read and held my interest. Pages flowed into the next. I can see her widespread appeal.
Not only was the story sad yet uplifting, but "His Bright Light" helped me to understand manic depressive behavior intimately as DS learned it herself over the years. It was quite the lesson in psychology for those who don't want to get bogged down with or can't quite grasp the technical or scientific aspects of it.
I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to know more about the disease, her son's life, as well as DS's life. She provides some great autobiographical material for those interested. It's a quick read, and it'll be worth the effort, especially if you know someone with similar challenges in their own life...

This is not just one mother's struggle to help and understand her bipolar child, it is a commentary on the state of help for mentally ill adolescents. The one mother, of course, being the famous and wealthy Danielle Steel who had resources beyond most parents wildest dreams. Yet she encountered numerous educators, psychologists and psychiatrists who were incompetent and disastrous. But this book is also about unconditional love, being resourceful and never giving up. As someone who has worked in both mental health and education, I am so sad that when kids don't fall into the cookie-cutter mold (although Nick was far from that), there is such a hodge-podge of often inadequate help for them. I highly recommend this book and think Danielle Steel has really given readers a wonderful gift in sharing her story.

The story of NIck traina was a terrible one. But I understand what he went through. I am seventeen and have been diagnosed as bi-polar. I also have dyslexia, which makes life atad bit difficult. I was in a deep depression, when my grandmother(who is a huge DS fan) brought me this book. I love to read even though it is sometimes hard for me. She told me to read this not with an open mind but with an open heart. I read this book, and it made me realize that my life is precious. Thank you Ms. Steel, for you have told me a story and helped me realize my worth like no one else ever has. I am truly sorry for the loss of your son, but you have given him a legacy that will live on forever. Thank you once again. I recommend this book to everyone who is breathing. For it truly will touch your life.

Danielle Steel wrote this book with a purpose greater than many may realize. As a pure and loving tribute to her son Nick's life and as a direly needed awareness among people about how BPD (Bipolar Disorder, or manic depression) is a disease that kills people, because they do not have proper medical diagnosis or treatment.

Danielle writes: (quoted)

"There is much to learn here, not only about one life, but about a disease that afflicts between two and three million Americans, one third of whom, it is believed, die from it, possibly as many as two thirds. That is a terrifying statistic. The statistics are somewhat "soft" on the issue of fatalities, because often death is attributed to other things, for instance "accidental overdose" rather than suicide, which is determined by the actual amount of fatal substances ingested, rather than by clear motive."

If you see mood swings in someone you love, or even in yourself, the most important thing to know is that it CAN be helped and kept under control, so that it does not ever take another life.

I salute Danielle for her open heart, her courage, reaching out, and care to make a difference for others. I hope anyone who sees dramatic behavioral and mood changes in the one they love reads this book. I pray it saves lives, as it is intended to do. Thank you, Danielle, for your very heartfelt and important contribution to humanity, and to those whose lives CAN be saved because of the awareness you bring to everyone in this book.

I truly think that most of DS's fans who have not read this most compelling true account of her son's tragic suicide at age 19, would be surprised at what one of America's greatest writers had to endure along the way to fame. I was definitely surprised that DS lived quite a bit of tragedy and pain herself, perhaps part of her creativity in dealing with human interaction came from her own insight gained from experience. I loved this book, most out of all of Ms Steel's prolific writings, because this was no artistic contrivance born of a writer's boredom, this was a very painful part of her life and her heart. His Bright Light gives the reader a view into mental illness, not only from its origins, but through the perspective of a familily as it struggles with this destructive illness. The story is not only heart rending but informative and interesting to read. Danielle Steel appears to be a very private person, this autobiographical account written in tribute to her son, will probably be the only in depth peek we may get into the life of the great Danielle Steel. I also suggest this as a therapeutic gift for any family suffering due to having a mentally ill loved one.

This really is the greatest nonfiction story I ever read with such a tragic ending. His life was so troubled, but it is truly inspiring. It makes you look inside yourself and those you love, and realize that there are some things we can not change. Those things that we can change, however, are often overlooked when the cries for help are accidentally ignored. This happened to Nick Traina. I do agree with other users that it seems that his mother, although full of love, does feel a lot of guilt. No one could have told his story better than himself, of course, but it seems unlikely that anyone else knew him better than his mother. Very touching, and I am happy that his legacy continues to inspire and live on. R.I.P. Nick.

Being it was strange reading a book of non fiction written by a wonderful fiction writer such as Daniele Steel, I found it so un-Danielle Steel and yet... the story of Nick is something I can relate to on so many levels. Mainly, I feel his mother's pain. Only a mother can know this brand of grief. The Suicide of one of our children leaves a stain on a mother's heart that cannot be erased. I hope Ms Steel is coming full circle in her grief and knows now that no one really dies. I believe Nick's exodus happened long before he left for home. Bless you for the courage to write Nick's story.
Why Whisper?: A Memoir

When I saw that this book was written as a tribute to the author's son, I was interested in reading it. As I read the book, I saw Ms Steels love for her son and it tore at my heart. I felt that the author longed for her son to be "normal", but of course, from a young age he was not! And his lifestyle and homelife by any means were not normal! Looking through Nick's eyes, he must have longed for a mother who was not jet-setting around the world and in and out of his life! I thought Nick had a lot of love to give, but also liked the attention he received from the wild things he did. At his death, my heart hurt for his mother. It made me think a lot about "could I handle a situation like this" if it happened to me? The book was written as a gift of love for a son. I have to be honest here and say that while the book was fairly interesting to me, it was too long and repetitious and I was ready for it to end.

Amazingly touching story, of an amazing kid. Unfortuunatly the writer, Danielle Steel one of the world's most famous and best-selling authors is disappointing here. Her writing is simply plain. Maybe its because she is the mother telling her story of her kid. And she looses focus on the beauty of writing. I guess I can somewhat understand.
On the other hand Nick Traina is an extraordinary writer, that's part of why this story is so sad. Defiantly, a much better writer then Danielle. But then again, because of the story I can understand why.
If more books were written like this on those who left us, we would all be better writers, readers and have better memories. There is no feeling like the feeling of writing from pure experience. Once the loved are gone, talking, reading in my case writing will bring them back.
His Bright Light is a must read, for every dreamer as a writer and or a musician, and everyone who's lost someone.

Poor Nick. The clincher for me- albeit the truth- was when Ms Steele became angry at her very ill child for coming to the dinner table in his pyjamas and a blanket/sleeping bag, when everyone else was in black tie and eveningwear. That just about sums up Danielle Steel. Any other mother would just be happy that her severely depressed son came to the dinner table at all, that he was eating and trying to be social, but Ms Steel had to go on and on how much it embarrassed her and how Nick wasn't making an effort. I find this whole book is a lesson in guilt. Danielle Steel largely ignored her mentally ill son, shunned and pushed him aside, and continued on with her glamorous life. Steele's whole life seems to be about keeping up appearances and she paid the ultimate price because of it. I believe her sons death was a huge learning curve for her as she seems to have come down a peg or two and realises what really is important in life, and it's not appearances. It really does sound as if Steele's snobbery and pretensions lead to the death of her son. I guess she only knows the truth and I have a feeling she is burdened with guilt and she overcompensates for it with her gushing adjectives and the way she described Nick, Nick was wonderful, Nick was a genius etc. I loved him so much. Sad really.

Danielle Steele's revealing novel about her adopted son Nick Traina and his alleged bipolar disorder and manic depression is an unconvincing attempt to exonerate pure, unadulterated child abuse by Nick's mental health professionals.
What scant glimpses offered into Nick's mindset leaves the reader with passionately scribed diary excerpts of abuse from his numerous lock-ups in seclusion (in one of the numerous "best interest" psychiatric hospital Mrs. Steele delivered him to). These writings, many of which are indistinguishable from something out of a Holocaust documentary, show him to be a textbook victim of psychiatric malpractice complete with mind-numbing drug therapies that have nothing to show for their effort, paternalistic token economy systems, and cold-as-steel family dynamics reaction to every single problem in her adopted son's adolescent life. Every new problem can only be found in yet another psychiatric hospitalization for her son.
Professor and Dean of the School of Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Ira Schwartz, refers to such adolescent psychiatric practices as the "medicalization of behavior" in his book Injustice for Juveniles as constituting child abuse in and of themselves. (Interestingly, Dr. Ira Schwartz was the same person behind the telling expose on the medical fraud practices uncovered at Charter psychiatric hospital chain in North Carolina)
After numerous treatments and therapies, Mrs. Steele is left with nothing but a dead son who she declares emphatically suffered from and died of a bipolar disease and a 5,3-serotonin deficit. Of course, what else could it be? Not surprisingly, this bipolar disorder theory is never supported with any kind of lab result or blood test other than mere psychiatric declaration (along with ADD) that amounts to nothing less than psychiatrese rhetoric - all of which conveniently exonerates the people in Nick's life who he himself described as abusing him in his diary entries to the brink of "madness."
In even the slightest deviation of adolescent normalcy, author Danielle Steele speed dials 911 and convenes a team of righteous do-gooders to rush 'sick Nick' to the next psychiatric hospital in what goes over as a melodramatic "cruel-to-be-kind" play to find a medical answer to what many maternal readers will surely see as nothing but the pangs of normal adolescent development.
In one chapter, Nick runs away and is then taken to a psychiatric hospital. In another chapter, recreational drug use results in a psychiatric hospitalization. In none of these case does the treatment appear to have even a minimal therapeutic benefit, and more often than not author Danielle Steele notes a worsening affect on Nick's 'condition.' Yet the hospitalizations continue unabetted as does the witches brew concoction of psychotropic drugs that Mrs. Steele is convinced her son now needs to imbibe with his breakfast cereal every morning in order to let Nick function like a 'normal' teenager.
Any 'normal' child subjected to the indignities and unproven techniques employed by token economy social workers who never-took-a-science-course-in -their-life and the wonderful institutions they work in (some with with "human waste in the stairwell" to quote from one page in the book) need not point the finger of blame at an exotic neurotransmitter hypothesis for what any emotionally complete person can readily see is simply the failure of Nick's mother (and AWOL father) to jettison their heroin-like dependency on the lame psychiatric profession that appears to be using Nick as their primary means to pay for their own children's college tuition.
This book belongs in the murder mystery section with a Cliff Notes version replete with footnotes that itemize the numerous examples of psychiatric acts of malpractice Nick battled (and documented in his diary) throughout his life that drove him to take his own life to make the pain go away.
The treatment of Nick Traina as described in this book is a cookbook recipe to make ANY child want to kill him or herself - stigma, drugs, loss of self-esteem, missing years of school in psychiatric institutions - what a disgrace.

I bought this book as my son has bipolar and I really wanted some insight from someone who had similar experiences. Maybe so I wouldn't feel alone in dealing with this. However, after reading it, I emailed to ask some questions that may give me some guidance as to places that could assist my son or myself.

The truth is...Danielle Steele is NOT a regular person. She has unlimited funds to be able to address the issue of her son's bipolar disorder that most all of the general public don't have. And the email response I received was nothing short of a "form" response.

Maybe she wrote this just as a tribute. That is all it is. It doesn't give real world insight to people to are dealing with loved ones with this condition. She could never be in the position regular people are and know the limited options there are to acquire real help. My son is now 29, has two children (one autistic) and it is a daily uphill battle--helping him financially (since he can't hold a job), assisting him with his manic and depressed episodes and trying to make the best of it when getting any real help is beyond our means.

If you want a real look into bipolar disorder and how to accept it and get guidance going forward, this is not the book for you.

I ordered this book through a book club I'm a member of. I was somewhat leary about reading a second-hand account of someone going through the struggle of bipolar disorder.

Steel is an excellent writer! (I have never read any of her other books.) She is adequately descriptive in her tale of her beloved son, Nick, that I had no choice but to empathize with her, (I suffer from Bipolar Disorder as well.) and to understand how this disorder shows itself to others, particularly loved ones.

One downfall of the book, though, is that Steel seems to have left out the times when Nick was doing well, and instead focused on the bad throughout most of the book.

I have NEVER, EVER, in ALL my life, cried so hard over a book! I was sobbing!

This read is a real heart-grabber.

Thanks to Danielle Steel for sharing some of her life, her beloved son Nick, with us!

I have not read this book because I refuse to support D.S.'s making money of the tragic death of Nick. Being just an acquantaince of his, I am still knowledgeable enough to know that Danielle Steel is known to not be there for any of her children, especially Nick. While Nick was struggling though his teen years, she was solving the problem by shipping him off to expensive schools/rehabs... not that she cares since she made the money back by publishing this book. I deeply sympathize with Nick's family and friends for it was truly a great loss for everyone... I just wish that Danielle Steel knew when it was appropriate to respect her son's privacy. Nick's best friend and son of Boz Scaggs, Oscar, recently died of a heroin O.D. Boz and Carmella Scaggs are speaking out about the dangers of herion and our youth that abuse it... I wish Danielle Steel could have used her power to speak out about that in her community instead of ignoring that issue completely.

I do not normally read Danielle Steele but this book was worth it. I have a new respect for her, not as an author, but more importantly, as a person and as a mother. She seems to truly have put her family first and especially her "wounded eagle". I read this book in 4 straight hours. I cried, laughed, and hurt for her and for Nick. She has used her fame and visiblilty for a very good cause. The fact that she is the author and that it is packaged similarly to her other books will grab some readers that otherwise would not read something like this. I do not spend my valuable reading time on romance from her, but I am glad I spent my time on this from her.

Danielle's son, Nick Traina was a bright, beautiful young man who suffered dearly a tremendous internal battle every single day of his life. Her candid story reveals the inside truth of how mental illness can grab a hold of a loved one, forcibly altering the course of their life while simultaneously showering the reader with emotions so raw as a mother struggles knowing that she cannot save her own child, not even from himself. As a mother of a bipolar child, this story has hit home... too hard for my liking. But, I do stand in awe for Ms. Steel's bravery in coming forth with this personal and tremendously heartbreaking reality of her son's journey. A journey that also touches the reader and never lets go. Bravo Ms. Steel!! And may your son forever rest in peace.

By page 103 I was utterly disappointed by Steel's enabling her son's behavior, particularly sexually. Why would a mother condone a 12 year old's lies about being 21, rather than dispel the lies she learned he was telling ? She was clearly willing to excuse his behavior when she felt it was cute or clever. I am tempted to not continue reading, fearing I will continue to lose more respect for her.

This well-written story shares the experiences of one family with a Bipolar young man who ultimately commits suicide. Although interesting, most parents cannot afford full-time bodyguards for their child,nor some of the other interventions that the wealthy and famous author could--even though they didn't work. While this is a touching story, it can be somewhat depressing for parents struggling to find ways to prevent their child from becoming suicidal. Other resources can provide more practical advice that helps parents successfully handle the daily challenges of parenting a bipolar child.
--Sheryl Gurrentz, author
"If Your Child is Bipolar: A Parent-to-Parent Guide to Living With and Love a Bipolar Child"

I was a hard-core DS fan of 20+ years, but grew ever so weary of her redundant, simplistic drival a decade or so ago. At the library recently I decided to give one of her newer books another go-round and found it to be another very trite, hum-drum book. I was curious to see if had been so negatively reviewed by the store's readers and came across "HIS BRIGHT LIGHT". I had never known of this tragedy and was immediately compelled to purchase the book. It immediately gave me some insight as to possibly why her writing had gone downhill, (IMHO of course). I found the book to be tremendously sad. Just in looking at the cover of that smiling, handsome young man will do that to you. It is not meant to be a self-help book, so I don't understand why some reviewers are finding fault with it in that regard. It is simply her and her beloved son's journey together through his short life. She intuitively is aware that something isn't right about Nick and this is with her from the time of his infancy. She did everything she knew to do and perhaps this comes across as her appearing guilt-ridden, but as she explains even with all her "resources" help came far too late. I admire the writer, I respect and applaud her bravery in writing this book. And I pray that her beloved Nick is finally at peace. Could I critique the book more harshly? Yes, but this book deserves to be read irregardless. There is a lot to be learned from it,especially those who struggle or those who may have loved ones affected by mental disorders.

While it is very hard to accept the death of a loved one, you should never lose touch with the importance of the rest of your family. She seemed to totally ignore her other children. Every doctor was wrong, every school was wrong, everyone else wrong but him. Had she not sainted him from the beginning perhaps she would've seen it coming. The book was a complete bore and I found myself tortured to reach the end. Every chapter was the same. I couldn't wait for him to die and get it over with. I was mad I had wasted the time to read it. I can't hardly believe it got good reviews from anyone who has ever dealt with a personal death or sickness. The book could've been two chapters and then finished, instead of the same story repeated endlessly throughout.

I read this book because I have bipolar and I wanted perspective on what I consider my private insanity. Wow-I really never understood how much my illness impacts those I love. Perhaps that insight may help me...

Thanks to people like DS sharing their stories, people like me have had better access to help. I cried and cried for Nick. I found some gratitude for my own struggle in this book and gratitude to those I love. I have had periods of health. I am one of the lucky ones. I, like Nick, have a large and loving family. I push them away most of the time. I am beginning to see (in my 30's now) that I can allow people in and remain whole. Thanks you to DS for sharing such truth. I never felt as though any of the h*ll of Nick's illness was kept out of the book - I felt the truth throughout the book. Thank you!!!!! Nick and DS' family story has touched me forever.

Having lost my own son, 10 days after Nick's suicide only a couple of miles away I felt compelled to read about Nick's battle with depression, music and drugs---just like my own son. Perhaps this book can be a tool to educating parents on the #2 killer of our children 15 to 24, suicide. I felt Danielle Steele did a magnificient job of portraying this cancer of the mind that claimed not only her son, but so many of our gifted children! This is the first book of hers I have read, as I am not a fan of fluff reading.Mary-Anne DurkeeAlamo, Ca.

This book is a true story written by Danielle Steel portraying the life of her son Nick Traina who was diagnosed with manic depression and committed suicide at the age of 19 yrs. Danielle Steel, a picture of beauty and strength, writes very candidly about the struggles she endured in raising him amidst a large family and a busy schedule. The book tends to be somewhat graphic, a little morbid, but might be very helpful for parents who struggle with difficult children or those suffering from mental illness in their lives. I appreciate Danielle Steel as an author even more after reading this book because of her willingness to share her true feelings and pain.

To know that all these books came from such a brilliant woman is one thing but to actually find out the real story of her and her struggle to keep her son alive! It touched me is a way tat i will never forget because i have so much respect for Danielle Steel, i could never dream of what it was like to live a life where everyday is a struggle for her, her son and julie.
This story talks about her son Nick Traina Who was ADD, and Manic Depression. It really shows of all the struggles she goes through, and the bond that she shares with a dear friend named Julie. Julie and Danielle begin a tag-team mother that's what they call it. Julie meets Nick and she ends up caring deeply for Nick that she cares for him as a second mother. She helps Danielle in all her struggles with Nick. With Danielle having so many other children it helped Danielle and she was able to give more attention to the other children when Nick goes to live with Julie this way she can keep a closer eye on Nick and helps out Danielle. You learn of all the things she actually foes through with her son that just makes you respect her even more.
Nick was the type to stand out in his family with wild hair, piercings, tattoos and his clothes. Nick loved to play in his band which was Link 80 and it talks of all the obstacles they overcame all the concerts that they did. The only thing was, by the time they were getting big Nick was to sick to continue. Being in his band was Nicks dream to be up there on stage singing his heart out and without that there was nothing. This story in detail tells you how her son slips slowly away from his family and deeper into depression. I do recommend this book especially if you have any kind of respect for Danielle Steel. It gives you a little insight of how she lived and I think you appreciate her and her writing more....

A little over a year ago I was desperate... I was at the end of my rope. However, I was fortunate enough to have a friend who truly cared about me. He handed me "His Bright Light: The Story of Nick Traina." I wasn't diagnosed with anything in particular at the time but I always knew something was wrong with me. But I didn't think I could be manic-depressive.
I got about 40 pages into the book and something finally clicked. The way Danielle describes Nick as a kid amazed me and finally made me aware of what could be wrong with me. Just about everything Nick did was something I did as a kid. The obsessive compulsiveness and the outrageous behavior. And the suicidal thoughts that came later.
However, I do have a few comments about [a] review of the book. I disagree wholeheartedly with the entire review. I didn't find it to be helpful. "His Bright Light" is not a cut and dry, "forensic" story as she put it. It was obviously very helpful for me in finding my way out of the tunnel. She also points out that Danielle Steel remained very secretive in the book; not mentioning anything about her personal life. First of all, the book was not about her, it was about her son. And it was about educating people about Bipolar Disorder. The book also did indeed tell of the mistakes the Traina family made and the good deeds that were done to help Nick. That's what the book was about.
It is also wrong for Tanya to say that the book didn't describe the effect Nick had on relationships in the family. Danielle described vividly how Nick was first very cruel to his younger sister and then at around 13 years of age they became very close. The book also includes a heartbreaking poem by his older sister Beatrix after his death. Not to mention the letters between Nick and his mother. To say the book didn't describe what the life and death of Nick did to the family is wrong.
...First of all, as a very intelligent and perceptive person put it, you have to look at the person the disease has a hold of, not the neurological disorder itself. Therefore, it's the disease that costs families. Would you judge someone with cancer and say that it's their fault the family is torn up? NO! This was also conveyed in the book.
She also states, "If the book cut closer to the truth it would be much more powerful." Like I said, the book wasn't meant to be about the whole family. If that were the case (Nick had 8 siblings) the book would be over 1000 pages long. Danielle Steel did a great job condensing the story of her son into 320 pages. Danielle Steel even stated that it would be hard to describe him in a single book. I think to expect an author to do that would be assinine... I hope for your sake and your family member's sake that you change your way of thinking...

After reading this book, I have an enormous amount of respect for Danielle Steel.
What she went through from the time her son Nick was born, until the day he died, was enough to make anyone want to give up.
But she didn't.
She stuck by her son's side from day one. The pain, the hardship, the sadness, the stress, and trauma that she had to endure is unimaginable.
But she did.
And all while maintaining her career as an author. While reading the book, I found myself going back to certain dates in time in my own life to picture what she was going through at that time.
I had no idea, for example, that on occasion I would casually be reading one of her novels, maybe on a relaxing Sunday at the beach, and yet at that very moment in time her real life was in turmoil. Here I pictured her as a rich, snobby type living in a penthouse in New York.
But she wasn't.
She was very busy with her career as well as raising a large family of kids, one of whom was Nick Traina. But he may as well have been 10 people judging from the amount of attention he required. And Danielle was there for him all the way.
What a woman!!!!
I would love to just sit down and have a lunch with her or dinner, and praise her for what she has done in her life.
This book is a very intimate look into the life of Danielle Steel and her family. I am very happy that she wrote this book, and I think Nick would be happy too. Although I never met him, I feel like I know him very well after readng this book.
I think there are a lot of people who should read this book so that they too can get a better understanding of manic depression, and what that entails. Maybe then will people develop a better understanding of the disease, and in turn be more compassionate to those who suffer from any type of mental illness.
Danielle, good job!

This book was the best I've read. And being that I haven't followed through with a good book in a long time, this is a major accomplishment. The book made me cry and exposed me to a disease that I've scarcely heard of before. I was truly touched and felt the loss at the end as if I had known Nick myself. I couldn't put the book down for a minute, and even read it twice! ! ! I recommend this book to any and everyone. I'm anxious to read another book as good as this one, so all suggestions are welcome.

To have to bury a child is a crippling blow from which a parent never recovers. The strength Ms Steele called upon to chronicle the life of her son, recounting his lifelong battle to survive himself, is a gift that only a parent could gather in a time of such grief. I am only so sorry she, or any parent, would ever need to chronicle the struggle and pain of their child.

His Bright Light is a truly moving story written by Danielle Steel. It is direct and honest, even about situations that some would try to hide or modify, and it is thorough, because Ms. Steel left nothing out. It is powerful because her passion for her son and for wanting to help others, in spite of her grief, is evident throughout the book. --- My daughter, Arlyn, died of suicide on August 7, 1996, about a year before Nick did, so I read this book warily. After all, Danielle Steel is a celebrity and a professional writer with a zillion novels to her credit. What could she say to me, an `average' mother?--- I was surprised to discover that Nick and Arlyn have much in common, even though their lives were very different. I was also surprised to discover that Ms. Steel's fame and money and connections helped her get the best care for Nick available, but it still was not enough to save his life. Finally, I was surprised that I felt so connected to Ms. Steel on a personal level, even though I am sure we will never meet. --- These revelations have been invaluable in helping me deal with my daughter's death. Through details of Nick's life, I now understand my daughter better, her life and her death. --- After reading of Ms. Steel's efforts to save her son, I now understand better what our counselor meant when he told us that we probably could not have saved Arlyn, even if we had gotten the best help available for her. This is a great help to a grieving parent. --- Finally, this book seemed to be written just for me, from one mother to another. Ms. Steel's personal way of writing and relating the events of her life was remarkable. --- I am truly grateful for Ms. Steel for writing this book, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about how you are affected by suicide, death of a child, grief, or mental illnesses, especially bipolar disorder. --- I also recommend it to anyone else, because reading of the pain and suffering of others helps us develop compassion, and we need much more of that in our world today. --- Neither Nick Traina nor Arlyn Beal received the compassion they deserved as they suffered, so we have to hope for a better world tomorrow, and this book may help bring it about.--- Karyl Chastain Beal [email protected]

I read this book shortly after it came out and it will always stay with me. Nick's story is a tragic one and I'm glad his mom had the courage to write this story that will give people in a similar situations hope. As I said, I bought the book when it came out... I read it within days and not a week after, it was being passed around in my family and at work. It's one that cannot be put down! I hope you'll think of buying this book. Too bad the store doesn't sell tissue... you'll need a whole box. If you have the chance to read this book, don't pass it up.

I usually don't write reviews on the store, but felt I needed to in this case. I used to read DS when I was a teenager, then grew tired of her simplistic writing style. However, when I saw this book I was intrigued as to what she could do with such a serious subject matter. I was sorely disappointed.
Very melodramatic, very tiresome with a recurring theme. This kid could do no wrong even when he was being a stinker. (Nick was a golden boy, but troublesome. Nick was a genius, but couldn't concentrate. Nick was a sweetheart, but treated people like crap). I couldn't even make it through Nick's high school years. I gave up and read the ending. I rarely, rarely give up on a book, but I had to with this one.
I know suicide is a painful topic, but this book had very few redeeming, socially-worthy qualities. Another reviewer mentioned that DS's time would have been better spent on encouraging drug-awareness. I agree, whole-heartedly.
There are surely other books that deal more appropriately with this subject matter. DS turned it into yet another one of her tragic soap operas for profit. Shame on her.

I have read 48 of DS's books and love them all. I am a 33 year old office manager with one child. My husband is 39 and has been a journeyman mechanic for 20 yrs. Manic depression runs in his family. He is a big strong handsom man who also hides his pain with a beautiful smile. He fell 20 feet from a latter Nov.4,98. (I received the book Nov.2,98 from a co-worker and dear friend) broke both arms and tore 3 of 4 muscles from his rotator cuff in his left arm. He had been on morphine for a previous back injury and torn rotator cuff in the right arm for the last 24 months. I didn't know the signs of manic depression (he hid it well) until I started reading Nick's book. As I was reading the book on my lunch break my husband calls to tell me he was having bad thoughts. I asked if he would be ok until I got off work and he said he would be. I couldn't stop thinking of Nicky and how he felt and something told me to go home. I locked up my place of employment and ran home. He was going to leave me a note as to why he wanted to die. If I had not been reading this book I don't believe I would have gone home and in turn would have lost the love of my life. I cryed, laughed, felt pain and joy reading this book. I wish I could take away the pain you are feeling. I hope it comforts you in some way to know that this book has saved a life and has given me so much knowledge. Your an Inspiration to me. THANK YOU for sharing your story, it saved my husbands life. He is doing better and we are all happier today then we have ever been. I read the reviews and liked all but a few. It's like the old saying "You don't know what it's like unless you have been there". I also think Julie is a Godsend. May God be with you and your family. Thanks Again, Patricia
P.S. I know your a busy woman but would love to hear from you.

This book will make you cry. It will make you smile, laugh. It will make you groan, and feel frustrated. It will shock & surprise you. This is an amazing book. Very well written.
I couldn't put the book down because I was hooked on the story--and it was a true story. I found it a very interesting look into Ms. Steel's life, which I didn't know much of, but I have been a huge fan for years. I really appreciate how candid she was. I hope writing the book brought her some satisfaction & maybe a little bit of closure- as it helped her readers understand the disease of manic depression. She did a wonderful thing by writing this book.

A friend loaned me this book and said it would depress me and to get some kleenex ready. I didn't cry and it didn't depress me. And I'm bipolar, too. Yes, I saw myself in the book and yes, it was awful how nobody would diagnose Nick. It took years and years of my telling doctors "something is wrong!" before anyone would listen.
The book was rather boring and it seems as though DS was intent on telling us how perfect her son was, in spite of (or because of?) having BPD. Any time something went wrong, she flew to him, she catered to him. What about her other children? She had eight others...was she a mother to them as often as she was to Nick? What also got me was how she kept saying that he was her cherished child, more cherished than the others. So he was her favorite. That must have been even more fun for the other children to know.
It is truly a tragedy when anyone commits suicide. Yes, I know that if a bipolar person keeps taking their medications, chances are that they can function in society. I wish DS had given some resources in the back of her book. It would be helpful to the readers who see themselves in this book.
Basically, the book was written to dump. If a mom wants to dedicate something to her son, why not do it privately? I wonder if Nick would have wanted his story spread to the world?

I highly recommend this book! Bipolar disorder (manic depression), is not well understood by society. After reading it, not only did it help me to understand it more, but it also made me realize that it's as if I had written the book myself. I can relate with everything Danielle Steel wrote. I have a 10 year old son who has TS/OCD/ADHD and his neurologist thinks there's a high chance that he may be bipolar. This book can be a life saver! Get it now!

His Bright Light touched very close to my heart and my own experiences. I too have a son with ADHD and tendicies of anger and mild depression, although not as severe as Nick's. This book helped me realize I was not alone in my every day struggles to help my son and those around him to understand this disorder. The struggles with school, family & friends is difficult & frustrating as they just don't seem to understand that this disorder is very real and connot be controlled because you want it to be. I recommend this book to everyone not just those that deal with depression and ADHD. Through this book I fell educators and bystanders could learn a great deal of insight to this disorder and in turn hopefully become more aware and develope a better understanding of those afflicted with it, thus being more patient and able to deal with them in a appropriate manner instead of labeling them as incorrigable kids/adults. Most are, as Nick was, very loving and caring individuals who just need a little more patience and encouragement then others. Thank you Danielle for writing this touching story about your son it will be a book always found on my shelf, read often and recommended to all.

I OWNED A CAFE IN ANTIOCH CA WHERE NICK AND HIS BAND PLAYED. HAVING HAD THE CHANCE TO MEET SOMEONE SO WONDERFUL WILL CHANGE MY LIFE FOREVER. HE WAS TRULY A GIFTED PERSON IN SPEECH AS MUCH AS IN THE MUSICAL SENSE. I AM STILL READING THIS BOOK BUT I AM FINDING THAT THERE WAS TRULY MORE COMPLEX ISSUES TO THIS YOUNG MAN THAN WHAT HE LET OUT IN OUR CONVERSATION. DANIELLE, YOU SHOULD BE PROUD BECAUSE HE WAS TRULY A WONDERFUL WONDERFUL PERSON.

I have read all of Danielle Steel's fiction books,but this is her BEST ever!! It is such an inspiration, especially to people like myself who suffer from mental illness. This is one of the first books to make me cry. I hope this book has helped others suffering from mental illness to seek help. A powerful tribute to a courageous son who fought so hard to live with such a debilitating illness. I have so much praise for Danielle Steel!

I absolutely love Danielle Steel after reading this book and I am so thankful to her for sharing this very sad, personal, and heartwarming story about the life of her son, Nick Traina, "an extraordinary boy." Never have I read a book that was more powerful or compelling than this one. I was deeply touched by this book. In her own words, Danielle Steel recollects her son Nick's ongoing struggle with manic depression/bipolar disease up to the point of his untimely death at the age of nineteen. She shows us not only what a person afflicted with a mental illness goes through but how the disease affects the people around them. Steel's passionate writing style makes you feel like you are living through the experience right along with her. You really get to know these people on such a personal level which makes this book so entrancing. Aside from his illness, Nick was a fun-loving boy with a brilliant mind. He was also an extremely gifted writer and talented musician. He used these talents as a way to release some of his anger and frustrations. One way he did this was through his journals. He wrote in them it seemed on a daily basis. Steel reads to you directly from these journals allowing you an in depth look inside Nick's heart, mind, and extremely tortured soul. She doesn't hold back when repeating Nick's own words exactly as he wrote them and I admire her for having the courage to share such a personal side of him with her readers. At times his expressions are dark and disturbing and sometimes full of courage and hope. Danielle tries everything humanly possible to help her son escape his deep depression. If something doesn't seem to be working in his treatment, she desperately searches for other solutions. This is a very important message the author stresses in the book. To never give up no matter what because this illness is literally a race against death. "His Bright Light" is a learning experience and a tribute to the son that Danielle Steel loved so dearly.

I am so frightened that this disease will take my son's life. Ever since his undetermined coma on xmas 2003, he was discharged with only me knowing there was something not quite right. He was diagnosed 3 years later, after 3 years of neurologists, radiologists, nutrienists, etc. No one in the medical field ever suggested a psychiatrist, not until started with hallucenations, auditory and visual. The medications stop working and he needs to get hospitalized. He is a talented song writer and guitarist. I am constantly worried. Unfortunatley the rest of the family have no understanding or knowledge of how sick he really is. I cried for the family of Nick, and for Nick, to be taken so soon when he was just beginning his life. Bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses affect more people than is realized. I've done so much research and read whatever I can from other families so I can help my son and help myself understand his disease. God Bless anyone who has to deal with this themselves. I found a support group for families of people with mental illness so I know I'm not alone in this.

This book is a catharsis of the author's guilt for not being a good mother. If she had spent a fraction of the time with her son that she had spent with fictional characters, her son may still be alive today. This is a truly tragic story. Hopefully, other future parents will think twice before having children if their career goals are all-consuming. Let this book serve as proof that there is no substitute for a mother's love, time, and attention.

His Bright Light was a touching biography of danielle steel's manic depressive son and his life. the book shows danielle's unconditional love and constant hope in wanting her son to be and feel "normal", even though he wasn't. the story makes you fall in love w/ nick and makes you want him to get better and overcome the obstacles in his life. by the end of the book, you feel like you have known nick forever and are sad to see him go. not only does the book teach you a lot about bipolar disease, but also about having faith that everything will turn out all right.

As a devoted fan of DS I read this book with an open heart. Knowing that this was not a romance book but based on real life I read. I have become more aware of mental illness through this book and wonder how many others have faced this challenge. True stories are better than fiction but the pain is twice as hard. I cried throughout the book, what he went through, how the family had to deal with it, no professional willing to speak the truth or take a chance with him. If this book helps others then his death will not be in vain.

This memoir is a tribute of Danielle Steele's son Nick who lived a full life, but was plagued with a brain disorder called bi-polar.

I learned a great deal from his experiences, which I am grateful.

As much as I can appreciate Danielle Steele's writing, her memoir chronicling her son's life contained too much detail. Thus, it dragged at certain points, and was taxing to read at times.

Manic depressive illness affects not only the consumer but the family, friends, employers, and most everyone in contact with the illness. One of the real tragedies is that due to confidentiality family are often excluded from the treatment and diagnosis process. This book demonstrates that financial ability can prolong and definitely elevate the kind of treatment available. Speaking from experience in our family insurance limits are used up quickly..and one of the real hazzards to the consumer is that new doctors almost always want to "try" something new on the patient..our daughter was doing well on lithium for a year..crashed again due to going off lithium..and then a new doctor put her on Depkote..which did not work for her..she's crashed again..fled a hospital in Hawaii..and is now rehospitalized in Oregon...a nightmare going on so far for 3 years..two young kids..divorce..unemployed again..and what of the other children in these families?....the sick one gets the attention..and others are part of the cycle..and get lost in the whirlwind around the illness..think it couldn't happen to you?.....not until one walks in the shoes of the consumer or the family can true understanding occur. This book made me feel better about our "limited" funds available for our daughter..and that she is still alive..thank God.

While what the family experienced is heartbreaking and what no one should have to go through, the book does not do this young man justice as it neglects his other diagnosis of substance abuse. Toxicology reports, newspaper accounts and even DS in one interview admits that he had a problem with drugs. His father also had the disease and was a heroin addict. This doesn't change the outcome just leaves the reader questioning what was written.
Regarding style, it was very repetitive and could have been cut in half.

I have never read Danielle Steele before and I never will again. This was the most poorly written book I have ever read! Beginning sentences with "and" or "but" is just not proper -- especially when it's done every other sentence! I had to resist the urge to take out my red pen and go to work on this book. However, the style was a minor problem compared to how Ms. Steele dealt with this topic. She is an internationally known author who had the opportunity to shed light on many important issues and failed to do so; rather, this book seemed like self serving public relations. I would have respected Ms. Steele more and understood the real problems of living with a mentally ill person more if she could have just admitted that she is not perfect, Nick was not perfect, their family was not perfect, etc. It was difficult for a normal parent with a challenged child to relate to a parent who could hop on a plane anytime, arrange for private schooling or hospitalization anytime and when all else fails, hire around the clock attendants for the child. If this is the way to deal with mental illness, few people are equipped to do handle the problem. Also, the issue of drugs was dealt with badly -- he was self medicating with heroin? Give me a break. He was a drug addict in addition to a mentally ill person...This was a very disappointing book and left me with a bad taste in my mouth, perhaps from all the sugar Ms. Steele used to coat this story.

Danielle Steele is a very talented writer, and her talents are expressed at best in this novel. You feel each intense emotion, as you read. I'm sure Nick would have been a very talented writer as well, if he had lived. I've never cried reading a book before, but when I finished this book I felt as if I had lost someone as well. Nick was an amazing person, and I wish I had had a chance to meet him.

This book moved me so immensly. I read the wole thing in a matter of hours. I was completely amazed at the measure of Danielle's effort and neverending struggle for Nicky's life as well as his sanity. I admire her greatly for her strength; she is the model of a perfect mother. From the moment I began the book, I was hooked. I was also in love with Nicky the moment he came into the book. Danielle did a great thing by writing this book. I'm sure it was very difficult to do but it was worth it. Again I admire her for her srtength and bravery. Nicky was such a neat guy and I wish he would have been able to live a long and prosperous life. I was really affected by this book and I don't hink my life will ever be the same. As Danielle said in the book..."if Nicky could get have the strength to live day to day then I can be strong enough to face my struggles" He was truly a great man and will be missed very much by all, including myself.

After reading Danielle Steel's book and during the time that I was reading it I found it very haunting in the sense that living with bi-polar disorder myself how unfortunate and sad it really to suffer with this. I know that as a teenage I had put my peers and family thru a great deal of heartache and stress. I found it difficult to read in some areas because it reminded me of myself and how others viewed me. It is all the more tragic that Nick could not be alive today to write a personal perspective of his life and living with this disorder. It sometimes is very difficult to try to make others understand when you explain the disorder yourself and what you feel and all of the emotions you go thru. I found the book very insightful on Danielle Steel's perspective of living with a child who had this problem. I very much recommend this book to any parent or close friend who lives with a loved one who is bi-polar.

Danielle Steel conveys the true meaning of kindness, compassion, and the unconditional love a parent can give their child. This book is heartbreaking. I commend Ms. Steel for having the courage to share her story and hope that it will inspire families who are in the same situation. She is a remarkable women of great strength to share this story about her gifted and handsome young son, Nick.

When I learned of this book I couldn't wait to read it. I have an 11 year old, also named Nicholas, suffering from bipolar and it was chilling to find so many similarities in the early years of their lives. I finally felt someone else new exactly how I felt. I have always known my son was different and this book has helped to put those feeling into words for others to understand.

I am 27 years old, have bipolar, and often cried during my reading of
this book. I read most of it. At times, I felt I couldnt finish
reading it, because the pain described by Danielle Steel is so real.
God Bless her for writing it.
I felt more heartbroken about Nick
than any woman who broke my heart in the past. I think the phrase
"brilliant mind, heart of gold, and tortured soul" sums up a
lot of it. It's amazing to describe so much in those few words.

I've research bipolar very extensively since accepting it almost
two years ago. I felt this book hit me hardest in terms of emotional
response.
Danielle Steele's phrases, "Fly well my darling
boy, till we meet again" and one about this not being the book I
planned to write and dedicate for you brought tears to my eyes.

As a devoted fan of DS I read this book with an open heart. Knowing that this was not a romance book but based on real life I read. I have become more aware of mental illness through this book and wonder how many others have faced this challenge. True stories are better than fiction but the pain is twice as hard. I cried throughout the book, what he went through, how the family had to deal with it, no professional willing to speak the truth or take a chance with him. If this book helps others then his death will not be in vain.

This memoir is a tribute of Danielle Steele's son Nick who lived a full life, but was plagued with a brain disorder called bi-polar.

I learned a great deal from his experiences, which I am grateful.

As much as I can appreciate Danielle Steele's writing, her memoir chronicling her son's life contained too much detail. Thus, it dragged at certain points, and was taxing to read at times.

Manic depressive illness affects not only the consumer but the family, friends, employers, and most everyone in contact with the illness. One of the real tragedies is that due to confidentiality family are often excluded from the treatment and diagnosis process. This book demonstrates that financial ability can prolong and definitely elevate the kind of treatment available. Speaking from experience in our family insurance limits are used up quickly..and one of the real hazzards to the consumer is that new doctors almost always want to "try" something new on the patient..our daughter was doing well on lithium for a year..crashed again due to going off lithium..and then a new doctor put her on Depkote..which did not work for her..she's crashed again..fled a hospital in Hawaii..and is now rehospitalized in Oregon...a nightmare going on so far for 3 years..two young kids..divorce..unemployed again..and what of the other children in these families?....the sick one gets the attention..and others are part of the cycle..and get lost in the whirlwind around the illness..think it couldn't happen to you?.....not until one walks in the shoes of the consumer or the family can true understanding occur. This book made me feel better about our "limited" funds available for our daughter..and that she is still alive..thank God.

While what the family experienced is heartbreaking and what no one should have to go through, the book does not do this young man justice as it neglects his other diagnosis of substance abuse. Toxicology reports, newspaper accounts and even DS in one interview admits that he had a problem with drugs. His father also had the disease and was a heroin addict. This doesn't change the outcome just leaves the reader questioning what was written.
Regarding style, it was very repetitive and could have been cut in half.

I have never read Danielle Steele before and I never will again. This was the most poorly written book I have ever read! Beginning sentences with "and" or "but" is just not proper -- especially when it's done every other sentence! I had to resist the urge to take out my red pen and go to work on this book. However, the style was a minor problem compared to how Ms. Steele dealt with this topic. She is an internationally known author who had the opportunity to shed light on many important issues and failed to do so; rather, this book seemed like self serving public relations. I would have respected Ms. Steele more and understood the real problems of living with a mentally ill person more if she could have just admitted that she is not perfect, Nick was not perfect, their family was not perfect, etc. It was difficult for a normal parent with a challenged child to relate to a parent who could hop on a plane anytime, arrange for private schooling or hospitalization anytime and when all else fails, hire around the clock attendants for the child. If this is the way to deal with mental illness, few people are equipped to do handle the problem. Also, the issue of drugs was dealt with badly -- he was self medicating with heroin? Give me a break. He was a drug addict in addition to a mentally ill person...This was a very disappointing book and left me with a bad taste in my mouth, perhaps from all the sugar Ms. Steele used to coat this story.

Danielle Steele is a very talented writer, and her talents are expressed at best in this novel. You feel each intense emotion, as you read. I'm sure Nick would have been a very talented writer as well, if he had lived. I've never cried reading a book before, but when I finished this book I felt as if I had lost someone as well. Nick was an amazing person, and I wish I had had a chance to meet him.

This book moved me so immensly. I read the wole thing in a matter of hours. I was completely amazed at the measure of Danielle's effort and neverending struggle for Nicky's life as well as his sanity. I admire her greatly for her strength; she is the model of a perfect mother. From the moment I began the book, I was hooked. I was also in love with Nicky the moment he came into the book. Danielle did a great thing by writing this book. I'm sure it was very difficult to do but it was worth it. Again I admire her for her srtength and bravery. Nicky was such a neat guy and I wish he would have been able to live a long and prosperous life. I was really affected by this book and I don't hink my life will ever be the same. As Danielle said in the book..."if Nicky could get have the strength to live day to day then I can be strong enough to face my struggles" He was truly a great man and will be missed very much by all, including myself.

After reading Danielle Steel's book and during the time that I was reading it I found it very haunting in the sense that living with bi-polar disorder myself how unfortunate and sad it really to suffer with this. I know that as a teenage I had put my peers and family thru a great deal of heartache and stress. I found it difficult to read in some areas because it reminded me of myself and how others viewed me. It is all the more tragic that Nick could not be alive today to write a personal perspective of his life and living with this disorder. It sometimes is very difficult to try to make others understand when you explain the disorder yourself and what you feel and all of the emotions you go thru. I found the book very insightful on Danielle Steel's perspective of living with a child who had this problem. I very much recommend this book to any parent or close friend who lives with a loved one who is bi-polar.

Danielle Steel conveys the true meaning of kindness, compassion, and the unconditional love a parent can give their child. This book is heartbreaking. I commend Ms. Steel for having the courage to share her story and hope that it will inspire families who are in the same situation. She is a remarkable women of great strength to share this story about her gifted and handsome young son, Nick.

When I learned of this book I couldn't wait to read it. I have an 11 year old, also named Nicholas, suffering from bipolar and it was chilling to find so many similarities in the early years of their lives. I finally felt someone else new exactly how I felt. I have always known my son was different and this book has helped to put those feeling into words for others to understand.

I am 27 years old, have bipolar, and often cried during my reading of
this book. I read most of it. At times, I felt I couldnt finish
reading it, because the pain described by Danielle Steel is so real.
God Bless her for writing it.
I felt more heartbroken about Nick
than any woman who broke my heart in the past. I think the phrase
"brilliant mind, heart of gold, and tortured soul" sums up a
lot of it. It's amazing to describe so much in those few words.

I've research bipolar very extensively since accepting it almost
two years ago. I felt this book hit me hardest in terms of emotional
response.
Danielle Steele's phrases, "Fly well my darling
boy, till we meet again" and one about this not being the book I
planned to write and dedicate for you brought tears to my eyes.

I am 14 years old and just finished this story. It's always sad when someone loses their life, especially if they are young and seem to have a bright future ahead of them. Danielle Steel did a wonderful job telling the harrowing tale of her baby boy. (If you read some of the other reviews, some say that Ms. Steel only wrote the book for money. I disagree completely and don't understand where they get off saying that because the proceeds go to the Nick Traina Foundation and the sorrow of losing a child is not something that is taken lightly, esecially by the mother) I saw an ad for His Bright Light and decided to read it to learn about this serious illness. It taught me a lot about how manic depressives act and what goes on inside their heads. At the end I cried when I found out how he died and the events of the days before he did. If you would like to learn more about manic depression from something other then a medical textbook or are a fan of Link 80 and/or Knowledge, read this book and get know Nick Traina and the mother who loved him and never gave up hope.

Danielle Steel proves once again SHE CAN WRITE -words pour from her pen. BUYTHIS BOOK you won't be able tp put it down. Some disturbing things about this book, however: if the author was respectful of Nick's privacy during his life, and therefore didn't read his diaries, how come she quotes them extensively for the entire world to read in this book? And how, in the name of common sense, could she, as a mother well aware of her son's mental illness (and unmentioned heroin addiction) encourage him to become a rock "megastar" when even mentally well people hardly succeed in this field?

This book was amazing. I suffer to from manic depression and this book was awesome. It really sheds a light on the disease . Thank you Danielle for sharing Nicks journey, all of your journeys with this dis order.

I am a psychiatrist who regularly sees adolescents misdiagnosed by numerous doctors/psychiatrists. This child was clearly bipolar from his early years, and struggled, unneccessarily, with a brain chemical disorder that was beyond his control. I am appalled at the ignorance and inability of my colleagues to figure out what was going on right in front of their faces. I feel for Ms. Steele and all the other parents who get told their children are difficult and disturbed, when they could be successfully treated. There is hope and life, if only psychiatrists would realize that these disorders manifest not only in adults but often very early in life. This kid was typical of how bipolar disorder manifests in early childhood and adolescence and in our practice would have been diagnosed and treated sucessfully, most likely preventing his death and an unneccessary tragedy for the family.

Danielle Steel is known for her works of fiction, but in this one (the first Steel book I have admittedly read) she shares a great deal of personal history. Her son suffers from bipolar disorder and causes much heartache in her life. Yet she loves him unconditionally.

A terrific love letter from a mother to her son...

Danielle Steel is able to relive one of the saddest moments in her life and share with the world her own personal agony. I am grateful to have read the book although it leaves the reader with a sense of hopelessness and despair. My son is Bi-Polar (age 14) and I understand enough to know that all the love in the world can not necessarily save him, but I have to keep trying no matter what. The more informed we are about this disease, the better choices we are able to make. A personal comment regarding DS not wanting to invade her son's privacy by reading his diary, if it takes invading my son's privacy to save his life, I will most certainly do it, especially because he does not communicate with people but does express himself and true feelings in writing. Read this book if you live with a manic depressive person, or know one. It makes you realize that all the money in the world for the best medical care does not make a difference, nor does all the love you have in your heart as a parent. What was saddest was Nick saying that no matter how much money he put in the bank every day, he still woke up broke.

When i read the book His Bright Light I could relate to alot of the stuff in it. I can see bits of my step-son in Nick.He has been diagniosed with ADD.After I read Your book I was sure the doctors were wrong.He has been rediagnoised with Asperger's disorder.I can't thank you enough for writing such an imformative and moving book.I laughed and cried over and over agian.It has been awhile sense I read the book but I can tell you I still carry it around in my heart.I have aksed others who know my wonderful step-son to please read your book.I hope it will open doors for others as it has for me.What a luck Family you have for having had such a wondr=erful person in your lives.Thank You for a new look on my step-son's life.We now understand him abit better.This may or may not follow your review guiled lines but I hope You will at least forward it to Ms.Steele.I really want her to kwow how graetful I am to her.

I tried reading this book without success. Usually I can read just about anything on this subject - I've been living with schizophrenia/manic-depression for as long as I can remember, and an early death has been my goal since I was five - but somehow this book does not move me. I get the impression that Ms Steel is more concerned with keeping up with her image as a sensational writer than sharing her story with the world. I could relate to Nick in some ways, since I am also a musician, among other things, but something about this book repulsed me, and for the first time in my life I actually traded in a book at a used bookstore instead of adding it to my library. For anyone interested in a more captivating and heartfelt account of a mother's struggle with an emotionally ill child, I highly recommend Deborah Spungen's "And I Don't Want to Live This Life" - the tragic story of 'punk queen' Nancy Spungen. It is much more 'real'.

As some one with with manic depression/bipolar disorder, reading this book reminded me of the life I could have led. I could have ended up like Nick Traina, the bright, brillant, tortured soul who unfortunately was overtaken by this nighmarish illness. I am very grateful to Danielle Steel for writing this book because I believe it showed people without a mental illness how devastating it is. It shows the desperation and terror the affect person has to live with from day to day. It also shows "normal" people that this illness doesn't discriminate. It can happen to anyone and it does everyday. I'm just sorry Nick didn't get the help he needed and his light had to go out. Out of all the books his mother has written or will write, this is the most affective of them all and I'm very glad she wrote it.

His Bright Light really gave me an insight on Danielle Steel's life and her son's hardships growing up with manic depression. It touched me and I cried most of the way through it-especially at the end. It made Danielle Steel seem more like a real person rather than just an author.

How sad when anyone has to experience a disease like manic depression especially for a mother to bear witness to her own child suffering this disease. A thank you to Danielle Steele for writing this true and very candid book about her life with her suffering son. This is a great book for anyone who is interested in this disease. It covers great details.

I was a huge fan of link 80 (nick's band) i think DS did a wonderful job. this book was so powerful i couldn't put it down and it made me cry. this is definately one of the best books i have ever read. i learned that there was more to nick traina than i had seen.

A MUST READ FOR ANYONE THAT IS MANIC DEPRESSIVE. ATRUE AND ACCURIT DESCRIPTION OF BIPOLAR DISORDER. WORDS ALONE CANNOT EXPRESS THE AFFECT THIS BOOK CAN HAVE ON OTHERS. FOR A DIFFERENT OUTLOOK, LISTEN TO THE AUDIO CASSETTE VERSION. A HIGHLY POWERFUL AND TRUE STORY.

I have read this book several times in the past few years, & am now living the story. My Brother Dale, died on Nov. 5th 2000 . He too took an overdose of herioin. He was a remarkable person , full of love & very spiritual who loved to write. I only wish I could read some of his poetry to you all. I know somewhat how Danielle feels & only wish neither one of had to live this tragic reality.This book is by far one of the most remarkable expressions of words i have ever read. Dale Sawatzki was 32 yrs. old when he died. His last words to me were that he had enough love for me , for the both of us. MY Angel of love , you will always live in my heart.

Danielle Steele's revealing novel about her adopted son Nick Trainaand his alleged bipolar disorder and manic depression is an unconvincing attempt to exonerate pure, unadulterated child abuse by Nick's mental health professionals.
What scant glimpses offered into Nick's mindset leaves the reader with passionately scribed diary excerpts of abuse from his numerous lock-ups in seclusion (in one of the numerous "best interest" psychiatric hospital Mrs. Steele delivered him to). These writings, many of which are indistinguishable from something out of a Holocaust documentary, show him to be a textbook victim of psychiatric malpractice complete with mind-numbing drug therapies that have nothing to show for their effort, paternalistic token economy systems, and cold-as-steel family dynamics reaction to every single problem in her adopted son's adolescent life. Every new problem can only be found in yet another psychiatric hospitalization for her son.
Professor and Dean of the School of Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Ira Schwartz, refers to such adolescent psychiatric practices as the "medicalization of behavior" in his book Injustice for Juveniles as constituting child abuse in and of themselves. (Interestingly, Dr. Ira Schwartz was the same person behind the telling expose on the medical fraud practices uncovered at Charter psychiatric hospital chain in North Carolina) After numerous treatments and therapies, Mrs. Steele is left with nothing but a dead son who she declares emphatically suffered from and died of a bipolar disease and a 5,3-serotonin deficit. Of course, what else could it be? Not surprisingly, this bipolar disorder theory is never supported with any kind of lab result or blood test other than mere psychiatric declaration (along with ADD) that amounts to nothing less than psychiatrese rhetoric - all of which conveniently exonerates the people in Nick's life who he himself described as abusing him in his diary entries to the brink of "madness."
In even the slightest deviation of adolescent normalcy, author Danielle Steele speed dials 911 and convenes a team of righteous do-gooders to rush 'sick Nick' to the next psychiatric hospital in what goes over as a melodramatic "cruel-to-be-kind" play to find a medical answer to what many maternal readers will surely see as nothing but the pangs of normal adolescent development.
In one chapter, Nick runs away and is then taken to a psychiatric hospital. In another chapter, recreational drug use results in a psychiatric hospitalization. In none of these case does the treatment appear to have even a minimal therapeutic benefit, and more often than not author Danielle Steele notes a worsening affect on Nick's'condition.' Yet the hospitalizations continue unabetted as does the witches brew concoction of psychotropic drugs that Mrs. Steele is convinced her son now needs to imbibe with his breakfast cereal every morning in order to let Nick function like a 'normal' teenager.
Any 'normal' child subjected to the indignities and unproven techniques employed by token economy social workers who never-took-a-science-course-in -their-life and the wonderful institutions they work in (some with with "human waste in the stairwell" to quote from one page in the book) need not point the finger of blame at an exotic neurotransmitter hypothesis for what any emotionally complete person can readily see is simply the failure of Nick's mother (and AWOL father) to jettison their heroin-like dependency on the lame psychiatric profession that appears to be using Nick as their primary means to pay for their own children's college tuition.
This book belongs in the murder mystery section with a Cliff Notes version replete with footnotes that itemize the numerous examples of psychiatric acts of malpractice Nick battled (and documented in his diary) throughout his life that drove him to take his own life to make the pain go away.
The treatment of Nick Traina as described in this book is a cookbook recipe to make ANY child want to kill him or herself - stigma, drugs, loss of self-esteem, missing years of school in psychiatric institutions - what a disgrace.

I had read every Danielle Steel book written with the exception of this one because I didn't want to read about her kids problems. Well now I have a child with Bipolar and so I read it. Her experiences and what happened to her son, were the best read I have had in a long time. For those who expected a romance novel when reading it they may as well put it down. For those who want to know about the realitys of life and the challenges some of us have this is the book. For those who think she wrote it just to glorify her son this books not for you. Only a person with a lack of compassion could read this book and not appreciate the struggles she her family and her son lived with for so long. I can only hope I can be for my son the mother she was to hers.

I just finished reading the book, I love it! I will say its a journey for me as well. All the ups and downs, challenges along the way, she was very fortunate to have the means to get the help she needed with the "Body Guards" and Julie. Folks that don't have the means surely have other challenges one being our "Country" does not recognize mental health and assist those with lack of funds or inurance caps to help our children, as well as state programs that do not work. It surely gave me hope, and knowing we are not alone. God Bless her and her family!

I'm not much of a reader and this is the first Danielle Steel book i have read--and the very best book i have ever read!! His Bright Light was well written and in great detail. I enjoyed reading this book even if-most of the time i cried. I can't even begin to say how deeply this book touched me and made me see things differently. I am glad i read it and will never forget about what Nick Traina went through mentally and spiritually. I loved this book so much. Thank you Danielle Steel for being strong enough and writing such an awesome book!!! Anyone, who has the chance should read His Bright Light.

This book was a very touching story of a the famous writter Danielle Stelle. Its a story about her son who suffered with manic depresive. This is a great book about a mother's commitment to help her son. This book also is a good life lesson that even though the writter has tons of money that Money does not always mean hapiness. Buy this book and you will shed some laughs and some tears. I am a grad student in counseling and I think I got a great prospective on this disorder from a mothers point of view.

I loved all of Danielle Steele books, but this one about her son Nick hit extremely close to home. My 26 year old sister was diagnosed with bipolar disorder two years ago and we almost lost her on several occasions, when she tried to take her own life to escape the pain. Danielle did an incredible job of trying to make sense of a complicated mental illness and the effects it has on not only the person afflicted with the disorder but the family as well. I commend her courage in being able to share her story with the world.

This book hit at the very core of bipolar. I loved the way it was written with so much love,and never forgetting his true self. She wrote with empathy and sympathy, captured the sweet and the bitter. I applaud this as her finest work!!!

I was a friend of Nick's, but I only knew him through his music, and hung out with him at his concerts. I had no idea about the disease he had, and until I read this book, thought it was only a drug overdose which killed him. I myself am Clinically depressed, and this book has helped me to discover the joy of living, more than any other book on the subject. It was hard for me to even get through the introduction. Realizing what Nick had to go through and what his life was like, truly opened my eyes to exactly what I've been going through in my life. Thank you Danielle Steel.

The book ,His Bright Light, tells about the true life story of Nick Traina through his mother ,Danielle Steel. She explains the journey he had living with manic - depression. She brings his memory to life with stories of laughter and unbearable pain that he endured before commiting suicide in 1998. This book brings home the bitter reality for many men and woman , as well as their family, doctors,nurses and friends, in an emotional, honest and painful biography. I recommend this book to anybody who knows someone living with manic-depression. You will understand a emotional handicap like this with more insight, knowledge and tolerance after you read it.

This is a book that will make you wonder how great a love of a mother can be. But I kept wondering as I read the book, if the mother of Nick is not Danielle Steel, someone who have so much resources and money, what will become of him? I kept imagine how much money she had spent to keep him going.

The love she has for him is really great.

I must say after reading so much autobiography, this is one of the few that come out worthy to spend the money and time.

My mother has been wanting this book for a long time and I was so pleased to finally find it in large print. She has begun reading it and despite the tragic story is really enjoying it. She is a big Danielle Steel fan and has read many of her books. I am going to read the book myself and would like to submit my own review later. Thanks very much.

This is a very sad, very touching story about the suicide of the son of the author. Although the book is worth reading, I couldn't help noticing that Danielle Steel really isn't a very good writer; in fact, her son was more talented in that area. The author seemingly can't get through a paragraph without a sentence fragment. That doesn't ruin the book, if only because she has such a moving story to tell. Truth is, the story is so moving, the flaws don't matter much at all.

This book is fantastic. It is a real eye opener into the world of manic depression. Not necessarily from the patient standpoint but it really gives you insight into how family is affected. No money or fame could fix this deeply troubled soul. Danielle steel is one tough person.

I thought this was a wonderful book. The descriptions were so real because of his journal entries. It really touched my heart in amazing ways and I cried through half of the book. I would reccomend this book to anyone.

after reading this book i had to take a minute to compose myself. not only was this book very informative and let you really see what happens to a person with bipolar but it also shows what happens to that persons family. i was very touched by this book. after you read it you KNOW these people, you feel there pain at loseing such a wonderful person. the love, the pain, the agony at not knowing what to do, this book was written in such a way that i feel as if i lived through it and when i was finished i cried like i had.

Danielle Steele fans will just love this book. IT not only touches you in many ways, but it also gives you an insite of how Danielle Stelle handles her family problems. THe book shows us that even as a celebrity, she still has normal problems, and in her case, a very serious problem. She graciously shares her son with us in the book, ketting us fall in love with her son too, whether we're grandmothers orteengaers with raging hormones. A great book, by a great person, to a great person.

I don't thick I would have had the courage you had to write this book. I loss a nephew at a young age . He drowned. I had to identify he remains. My sister couldn't. I had 3 close friend to loss children or a brother by taking their own life. It was difficult. My mother told the loss of a child is never forgotten. I almost lost my son on Mothers day. I just don't what my life would go on without him.

Danielle Steel's biography of her son, a brilliant, handsome boy who was finally diagnosed as atypical manic-depressive, and his eventual suicide at age 21 was a disappointment. It is also an autobiography of Ms. Steel's struggle with her son, the disease, and the medical-psychiatric community over her son's condition. While a compelling story (the photographs throughout the book make the suicide all the more tragic), Ms. Steel's narration can be taken as somewhat one-sided. I would wish more insight into the effects of Nick (the son) on the family, his adoptive father, and those around him. These relationships she handles in almost off-handed observations ("all the children loved Nick") but several pages later ("the family was delighted to have a dinner without Nick's disturbances"). While Nick was sent to numerous psychiatrists, hospitals and schools, Ms. Steel had the tendency to allow him to leave the schools or care of the psychiatrist(s) the moment he decided the treatment became in any way uncomfortable, and seemingly on just his say-so. We never are told the incidents that get him expelled from schools with warnings never to return.
With a bit more depth, this story might have been a truly great and helpful narrative of a tragic figure, and might have been of immense assistance to those with similar children who would wish to attempt to prevent the same fate from befalling their child. Perhaps the author can re-look at the events of Nick Triana's life in several years, after the understandable pain of his death has more time to heal, and write a revised and more insightful edition.

This book was not written with ink but with blood. Danielle has opened her heart and her life to tell the tragic story of her child Nick. They both fought long and well but in the end his illness killed him. I learned a lot about his illness and a lot about the Traina family. Good job, Danielle. Be at peace. Nick is.

When I bought this book I bought cause I myself that just lost my fiance of 4 and a half years. It helped to unload cause read through the lines you can feel Steele`s heart coming out and she expressed herself so openly that through her I could identify my loss. The unexpected loss of a loved one is a hard blow for everyone. I personally would like to thank Steele for helping me cope with my loss through hers

Extraordinary. Plain and simple. I have never been so moved by words on a page. Danielle and Julie (the tag-team mothers)- my solace goes to both of you. I could not put the book down once I started into it and I literally sobbed when I finshed it. I felt as if I had lived Nick and Danielle's lives along with them for 19 long years. This is truly a book that will re-charge your soul.

This had to be THE worst book I've ever read, for so many reasons. First, as with most of Ms. Steel's books, does anyone ever proofread her work?? Repetitive, redundant, contradicting.....And, far worse, a saga of the two most selfish and in-denial people imaginable. No doubt depression is destructive and often tragic. But Ms. Steel, by her own account, fanned the flames of this disease to the point where Nick didn't seem to stand a chance of standing strong. Over and over and over and OVER again, she coddled him and either suffocated him or dumped him on this other woman who clearly had a masochistic streak and ignored her own family and well-being for the "hero to everyone, Nick." I found it astounding that nobody, at least according to Ms. Steel, ever stood up and yelled "ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!!!!!" As a mother myself of a son who died too young (motor vehicle accident), I put off reading this book for a long time, thinking it would be wrenching. Instead, I found it to be more of a manual to forever cure any parent of being an overbearing "helicopter" parent, always making excuses for a dysfunctional kid and furthering his or her problems with depression, rather than helping. Steel's other children, who are rarely mentioned except as adjuncts to the iconic Nick, must be either incredibly strong, or full of resentment and issues of their own, due to such selective "mothering." AAGGHH. Pass this one up.

I have been reading Danielle Steel for years. She is one of my favorite authors. But this book takes you to a whole new plane. I have more respect and admiration for Mrs. Steel then I have ever had for anyone. This book take you from laughter to tears. From admiration to complete amazement. This is a book you can't put down.

I have never read anything by Danielle Steele and after reading "His Bright Light" I know I never will. This book absolutely nauseated me. I can only think that she had a tremendous need to ease her guilt over her son's suicide. If I read one more time how much her son loved her and how much she loved him and how much everyone loved everyone...give me a break!! I think she had to be on some potent drugs as well as her son if she honestly thinks readers are going to believe all that crap she wrote. I'd be curious to know how her other 6 biological children felt after reading this tribute to Nick (and apparently herself). In fact maybe Julie should have authored this biography since she seemed to be the one that spent all of her time chasing back and forth across the country to attend to this troubled kid. I agree with other reviewers who noted that she stated the same things over and over and over again. And as far as sugar coated...I honestly felt the need for an insulin injection about halfway through this story. It's too bad we can't also hear from her son. Danielle you need to get more realistic and not worry so much about perpetuating an image that you were the perfect mother and did everything absolutely possible to help your son while at the same time caring for 8 other children and knocking out a new novel every other week. That's ridicules. Wonder Woman wouldn't even be capable of that. Maybe you have just been writing fiction too long. An honest account of the entire ordeal would have been much more appreciated

I have to say that I am not fan of reading but once I saw this book and started reading it, I could not put it down. It was a very emotional book and will bring tears to your eyes on more then one ocassion. This book also got me interested in finding out more about mental illness. I hope all you enjoy the book as much as I have. Happy reading!

Danielle Steel out did herself on this book. I felt like I could relate with her and Nick because one of my friends life ended because of this illness. This book shows how loving and strong Danielle Steel is and how determined she was to help her son. Its worth reading

This book is so great! All my firends read it after me and said they loved it also! It touches your heart and makes you realise how ignorant we all are to so many things in the world! If you like touching storys of truth that can help u learn about yourself and others then you will love this one!

By her own admission, she first spoiled her son and then ignored him, and that, frankly, is the root cause of his problems, not assigning a mental health diagnosis to him. As a single mother in his early years, she should have nipped his bad behavior in the bud. She describes his terrible tantrums, which is what any child does to gain control, and he won! When she says he was still in diapers at 3 years old, I just about threw the book in disgust. She was too busy bedding a new man to potty train her son. His real problem, ultimately, was drug abuse, which she pays scant attention to. She created this manipulative, selfish and tragic young man, and she places the blame on genetics.

The book is written very badly. You will feel sorry for her other children as she writes over and over again about how much she loved him best. I honestly doubt he was bipolar. I think he was attention-seeking and self-destructive. He was also, possibly, sadistic, but that was his mother's fault. She created this mess, and now she feels guilty and wants absolution. I won't give it to her, and I recommend that no one else does either. She raised him badly, pawned him off on mental health "professionals" who drugged him up to contain him, and then ultimately, he died from drugs. It's hard to raise a child as a single mother, so she had my sympathy at the beginning, but she lost it with her absolute helplessness as a mother. Buck up, lady, this child needed you to be his mother, not his Freudian love figure.

Thiswas a difficult book to read as I too lost a son to suicide after many struggles fighting the evil monster depression.I have always admired DS's fictional writing, but this true, loving, and soulful story is such a precious tribute to the son she loved so much....thanks for sharing, DS.

I think this is one of the worst books D S has ever written. I understand a lot about mental illness, however, what she describes in this book which she continued to deny is, that yes her son had a mental illness but he was also a spoiled rich brat. If she has the money to spoil your children go for it but don't try blaming it on something else.

I enjoyed it immensely. The books explains what a family goes through with a child that has this type of problem. It showed the love, patience and emotions of the parents and child. This book really made me respect Danielle even more than I already did. She is a loving mother and a great author. I don't know if I could have stayed as focussed as she did.

bought this book for girlfrind, she has a sizeable collection of danielle steel, an her comment when finish reading it was "that lady speaks from the heart" .she being one who knows her danielle steel,an commenting on them to me, this was one of her better recommendations. Enjoy!

This book is so great! All my firends read it after me and said they loved it also! It touches your heart and makes you realise how ignorant we all are to so many things in the world! If you like touching storys of truth that can help u learn about yourself and others then you will love this one!

By her own admission, she first spoiled her son and then ignored him, and that, frankly, is the root cause of his problems, not assigning a mental health diagnosis to him. As a single mother in his early years, she should have nipped his bad behavior in the bud. She describes his terrible tantrums, which is what any child does to gain control, and he won! When she says he was still in diapers at 3 years old, I just about threw the book in disgust. She was too busy bedding a new man to potty train her son. His real problem, ultimately, was drug abuse, which she pays scant attention to. She created this manipulative, selfish and tragic young man, and she places the blame on genetics.

The book is written very badly. You will feel sorry for her other children as she writes over and over again about how much she loved him best. I honestly doubt he was bipolar. I think he was attention-seeking and self-destructive. He was also, possibly, sadistic, but that was his mother's fault. She created this mess, and now she feels guilty and wants absolution. I won't give it to her, and I recommend that no one else does either. She raised him badly, pawned him off on mental health "professionals" who drugged him up to contain him, and then ultimately, he died from drugs. It's hard to raise a child as a single mother, so she had my sympathy at the beginning, but she lost it with her absolute helplessness as a mother. Buck up, lady, this child needed you to be his mother, not his Freudian love figure.

Thiswas a difficult book to read as I too lost a son to suicide after many struggles fighting the evil monster depression.I have always admired DS's fictional writing, but this true, loving, and soulful story is such a precious tribute to the son she loved so much....thanks for sharing, DS.

I think this is one of the worst books D S has ever written. I understand a lot about mental illness, however, what she describes in this book which she continued to deny is, that yes her son had a mental illness but he was also a spoiled rich brat. If she has the money to spoil your children go for it but don't try blaming it on something else.

I enjoyed it immensely. The books explains what a family goes through with a child that has this type of problem. It showed the love, patience and emotions of the parents and child. This book really made me respect Danielle even more than I already did. She is a loving mother and a great author. I don't know if I could have stayed as focussed as she did.

bought this book for girlfrind, she has a sizeable collection of danielle steel, an her comment when finish reading it was "that lady speaks from the heart" .she being one who knows her danielle steel,an commenting on them to me, this was one of her better recommendations. Enjoy!

WHEN I READ THIS BOOK I STARTED TO CRY. I HAD TEARS ROLLING DOWN MY CHEECKS. HE WAS A HANDSOME BOY THAT ENDED HIS LIFE. IM 15 YRS OLD AND I COULD RELATE TO SOME OF HIS PROBLEMS. THIS BOOK IS AWESOME. IM HAPPY THAT I PICK THIS UP. THIS IS THE BEST BOOK I EVER READ.

This book is impossible to put down. The story of Nick Trania's life is a needed insight into the life of a young person suffering from bipolar disorder. Danielle Steel amazed me with this book and I would recommend it to anyone. It will make you both laugh and cry.

I give five stars plus to Nick's soul and one star, at best, to the book itself. By Ms Steel's own admission throughout the book, she recognized Nick had problems from a very young age. Perhaps if the author had spent more time doling out love and attention to her young child, and less time pumping out volumes of romantic fiction with a vain desire to increase her wealth, this book would never have been written. Money does not buy happiness; a son's smile does.

The book is sad and heartbreaking, but so was Nick's life. In my opinion, the book came across as a vain attempt by the author to relieve her own guilt, as opposed to a tribute to her troubled son. Much of our adult life and who we become is formed within the first six years following birth. It is too easy for society to simply "blame the drugs" for many of today's wrongs. If a child, from a very young age, is nutured, loved, disciplined in a fair and loving manner, instilled with self-worth and self-esteem, the chances of that child turning to negative solutions to find happiness or whatever is missing in his/her life is greatly diminished.

The book comes across as if the author is suffering from a "poor me" symdrome. Of course, she has a right to grieve, she lost a son, but what were the contributing factors? What was missing from Nick's life? The only one who truly knows the answers is Nick and, unfortately, he is not here to tell us or write his side of the story. Ms Steele will have the opportunity to continue on with her life, turn out best-selling novels faster than bees produce honey and make millions of dollars in the process. Unfortunately, Nick will not have that same opportunity.

this book was incredible. i don't know how she was able to write about her son who died. i cried alot reading this book. he was such a beautiful son with numerous problems but she tried to help him. unfortunately the other children suffered because he needed so much attention.

I have enjoyed reading almost all of Danielle Steel's books. I was surprised as I read this because I really did not enjoy the book. I am a Registered Nurse with adequate knowledge of mental illnesses and diagnosis. For me there was just to much written about his hair style, flushing toilets and his horrible behavior. I would have enjoyed a book about Nick's positive times and the affect on those who loved him. This is the only book of Danielle's I have not enjoyed.

After reading this heart-touching story, of Nick Traina's illness, i had a different view on the world. The struggles he endured every day of his life, help me to strive for my goals and aspirations. This story truly touched me.

"His Bright Light" captivated me from cover to cover. I finished it in one sitting, as I couldn't put it down. I had never read a DS book prior to this and I can't help but to admire her courage to write about such a sensitive issue. This book will open many doors for families with children suffering fom manic depression. Both the writer and all of Nick's family/friends should be commended on their effort. And, Ms. Steele should feel at ease, knowing Nick is in a better place than here. I recommend this book to all who have familiy members or friends suffering from manic depression.

I have been a fan of Danielle's books for many years yet I never read this book about Nick. As I read, my heart went out to Danielle, her family, and all who came in contact with Nick. This was a beautiful tribute and I applaud Danielle for moving forward as Nick would want her too. God Bless you Danielle and Nick, I pray you are at peace but are also keeping everyone on their toes up in Heaven.

I know. I know. My wife was dismayed when she saw me reading a Danielle Steel book, which I read between football games on TV (go Pats). It was riveting. I guess Ms. Steel writes novels for women, who knows. Anyway, I can see the pain of people I know who face many of the issues in their families that she brings up in this very personal journey. This is probably the one Danielle Steel book that is meant and is meaningful for a guy and I truly thank her for sharing her journey and my best to her family.

I had similar experiences with one of my children starting around age 12. The difficulty of getting help for our children and for them to be seen as something other then 'disruptive' 'rude', or 'uncontrollable and unwilling' slights them in the worst possible way. It took us 3 yrs for the professionals to tell us what we had already known. The unwillingness to see a child with a chemical imbalance is a horrible injustice to these precious children. I relate and the story expresses my own frustrations in trying to get help. Schools need to have more liability and not just be able to label them as 'troublemakers'. Its a disease that they do not control just like a diabetic these children need help, guidance, understanding, and validation. It is SO difficult to find therapists that are willing to invest in a challenging patient. It saddens me.