An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison is widely praised for its candor and insightful depiction of living with bipolar disorder. Reviewers commend Jamison's eloquent writing and expertise as both a psychologist and a patient. However, some note its intense emotional content might not be suitable for all readers. Overall, it's a compelling, informative memoir that sheds light on mental illness.

A reader who would enjoy An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison is likely interested in psychology, personal memoirs, and mental health. Fans of The Center Cannot Hold by Elyn R. Saks or Darkness Visible by William Styron, which offer powerful, personal insights into mental illness, will find Jamison's narrative compelling and enlightening.

An Unquiet Mind, by Kay Redfield Jamison, is a memoir detailing her experiences with manic-depressive illness, covering her childhood, the emergence of her mood swings, her diagnosis, the struggles and impact of the disease on her personal and professional life, and her journey toward stabilization through therapy and medication, set against the backdrop of her dual expertise as both a patient and a clinical psychologist. The book includes graphic discussions of suicidal ideation and attempts.

Emotional / Informative / Challenging / Inspirational / Melancholic

- Kay Redfield Jamison, the author of An Unquiet Mind, is a clinical psychologist and a leading expert on bipolar disorder, which adds a deeply personal and professional perspective to her writing.
- Following its release in 1995, An Unquiet Mind became a seminal work in the mental health field, helping to reduce the stigma around mood disorders and providing valuable insights into the human psyche.
- An Unquiet Mind has been praised for its candid and eloquent narrative, blending Jamison's own experiences with bipolar disorder with broader discussions on mood disorders.

**Kay Redfield Jamison**  
A professor of psychiatry and the author, who navigates her experiences with manic-depressive illness while balancing her career and personal life.

**Kay’s Brother**  
An economist who played a pivotal role in Kay's life, providing support and protection throughout her struggles with mental illness.

**Kay’s Father**  
An Air Force pilot and meteorologist whose own mood swings and alcoholism suggested a genetic link to Kay's manic-depressive illness.

**Kay’s Mother**  
Described as warm and friendly, her mother supported Kay during her battle with mental illness and following her suicide attempt.

**Kay’s Sister**  
Had a contentious relationship with Kay and held anti-medication views, which Kay had to distance herself from during her recovery.

**Kay’s First Husband**  
An artist whose relationship with Kay was characterized by love and impulsivity, ultimately ending due to her worsening illness. 

**David Laurie**  
A psychiatrist with the British military who met Kay at UCLA, later becoming a caring and accepting partner who understood her illness.

**Richard Wyatt**  
Kay’s second husband, a schizophrenia researcher, whose moderate temperament and understanding of Kay's illness offered grounding support.

Kay Redfield Jamison

Adult

Autobiography / Memoir

Nonfiction

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Wild Blue Yonder” 

Prologue; Part 1, Chapters 1-2

An Unquiet Mind Prologue; Part 1, Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: "A Not So Fine Madness"

Part 2, Chapters 3-6

An Unquiet Mind Part 2, Chapters 3-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “This Medicine, Love”

Part 3, Chapters 7-9

An Unquiet Mind Part 3, Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “An Unquiet Mind”

Part 4, Chapters 10-13; Epilogue

An Unquiet Mind Part 4, Chapters 10-13; Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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An Unquiet Mind

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