Leaving Cloud 9

I recently finished reading Leaving Cloud 9, a spectacular book about a man’s journey from his devastating upbringing into mental illness and finally through the darkness and into a life of joy. The story was written by his wife, who interviewed him and others thoroughly, and I initially wondered how she could possibly write about such sensitive subject matter objectively… but after reading it, I have to say that Ericka Andersen did an excellent job simply conveying the story and not interjecting with her own opinions or imaginings.  

Rick grew up with a mother who was a mentally ill addict and then spent his adult life battling PTSD and bipolar disorder. He spent a lot of time looking for love in all the wrong places but finally found himself embracing God and finding healing in a family of his own.

Although the subject matter is exceptionally heavy, I was able to get through it even while dealing with heavy sadness of my own both because the writing was captivating and because I knew from the prologue there was going to be a happy ending.

This book actually came to me at a truly perfect time, when I am thinking so much about how little we know about the lives and inner workings of everyone around us. It was quite eye-opening to see just a glimpse at the horror so many people experience in some form or another and this book made me think, encouraged me, and inspired me.

I do think the subject matter might be considered disturbing or too heavy, so if you’re ultra-sensitive or this story hits too close to home you might want to wait until you’re ready or skip it altogether… but if not, it’s definitely a worthwhile read.

Have you read Leaving Cloud 9?

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”