You should read "A Life in Pieces" by Richard Baer

This book is by far the most shocking and astonishing I have read. A Life in Pieces is a true story of a psychiatrist, Dr. Richard Baer, documenting the treatment of a regular patient of his by the name of Karen Overhill who happens to have multiple-personality disorder.

 

I was walking around my local library, looking for something good to read during my holidays a couple of months back. I walked past the Health section and spottted a pink book with multiple faces circling around on the cover. I picked it up and threw it in my library bag along with the other piles of books I was going to borrow. I assumed it wouldn't be that interesting so I left it till last and began reading it a few days later without really bothering to read the blurb. Two pages into the story, I was hooked immediately.

Karen herself is a lost soul with seventeen personalities that constantly switch and cause simple, daily tasks such as buying groceries and driving the car to be a complete and uttter disaster of losing track of time. Along with a troubled past of sexual and mental abuse, Karen is relentlessly depressed and suicidal, causing her to desperately seek help from Dr. Baer who soon begins receiving letters from her in different handwriting styles; cursive, small, large and that of a childs.

This book is for people with a strong stomach, high tolerance and patience as detailed recounts of Karen's traumatic life are revealed and interwoven in the mystery of her condition. This book is a MUST read if you are looking for something compelling, emotional and something that will ultimately change the way you view the world and the way you live your life. Karen Overhill is a brilliant yet troubled character although evidently proves that no matter what has happened in the past, YOU are the future and with a little help along the way you can overcome any obstacle blocking you from the happiness you deserve for yourself. When you have flipped the last page of this book and when your eyes have hovered over the last words on the page, you will be hysterically weeping and wondering whatever the hell happened next. Yes, this is one of those books that you'll be throwing half way across the room when something doesn't go right, sobbing until your eyes burn red. Richard Baer, the psychiatrist, is an amazing figure in modern society and knowing that this story is true- it solely proves that every living human being is capable of igniting the fire in themselves in order to fight for what you want. After I read this book, I seeked Karen Overhill on Facebook and wrote her a whole page about how amazing I find her story and how proud of her I actually am. This book unconsciously attaches you emotionally to the persona and the main subject, Karen. Today, no words can actually describe what this woman has been through, yet she has come out of it with a beautiful smile on her face, ready to take on whatever else life has to throw at her. Thank you Karen, for being a hero for many people out there, including myself! Overall, if you haven't read this book, I highly suggest you pick up a copy NOW. You won't regret it.

8.5/10