Modern Madness

An Owner's Manual

By: Terri Cheney

Narrated by: Christine Lakin

Terri Cheney ripped the covers off her secret battle with bipolar disorder in her New York Times bestselling memoir, Manic. Now, in this "stigma-buster" and "must-read", she blends a gripping narrative with practical advice (Elyn Saks).
Cheney flips mental illness inside out, exposing the visceral story of the struggles, stigma, relationship dilemmas, treatments, and recovery techniques she and others have encountered. Sometimes humorous, sometimes harrowing, Modern Madness is the ultimate owner's manual on mental illness, breaking this complex subject down into readily understandable concepts like Instructions for Use, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, and Warranties.
Whether you have a diagnosis, love or work with someone who does, or are just trying to understand this emerging phenomenon of our times, Modern Madness is a courageous clarion call for acceptance, both personal and public. With her candid and riveting writing, Cheney delivers more than heartbreak; she promises hope.

Critic reviews

"Terri Cheney's unflinching commitment to telling her own truth on her own terms moved me into a new place of compassion. Hers is an unparalleled--and deeply necessary--voice."—Anne Hathaway, Academy Award-winning actress

"Terri Cheney paints a compelling picture of the mind of someone with mental illness, helping us to understand what it must feel like and causing us to sympathize with, not fear, those who suffer. Her book is a real stigma-buster -- and a must-read."—Elyn Saks, author of New York Times bestseller The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness, 2009 MacArthur Genius recipient

"This book is for everyone: people struggling with mental illness, their family and friends, and all those on the front lines of the U.S. mental health crisis. To be truly effective, today's advocates need a better vocabulary that captures what it means to live with mental illness, to struggle, to survive, and to take ownership of one's life. Modern Madness provides that unique vocabulary by illuminating something that touches all of us."—Former U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, founder of The Kennedy Forum, author of A Common Struggle

"In Modern Madness, Terri Cheney does something much more than simply reveal the struggles and challenges of those who have bipolar--she provides a menu of concrete, actionable steps that both those with bipolar and their family and friends can take to manage the inevitable ups and downs of this disease together. She aptly depicts the ways in which suicidal thoughts can silently stalk sufferers, and she rages passionately against us accepting the alarming acceleration in the number of suicides in America. This is a moving and insightful book that will make a meaningful difference."—Suzy Favor Hamilton, three-time Olympian and New York Times bestselling author of Fast Girl

"Modern Madness is not just a psychological roller coaster; it's a story of determination, self-efficacy, and hope. A great read for anyone grappling with bipolar illness and a must-read for anyone who loves someone with bipolar illness."—Thomas Insel, MD, Former Director of National Institute of Mental Health, Co-Founder Mindstrong Health and NEST Health

"I heartfully recommend Terri Cheney's smart and eloquent book Modern Madness to anyone who has the disorder, has a friend or relative who has it--or just wants to know about this extraordinarily common challenge. Terri is a compassionate and engaging writer as well as an important truth teller."—Sheila Weller, author of Carrie Fisher: A Life on the Edge and Girls Like Us: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon--and the Journey of a Generation

Authentic

An authentic book, with honest and insight for healing! When you love someone with bipolar, this IS the book that will give understanding and hope!

Excellent!!!

Excellent writing, excellent detail of experience living with Bipolar disorder. I certainly learned a few things. Love the way the reader read this audio book.

I am not alone.

Thank you.

You mentioned Hope being an active verb. I agree and also feel Love is an action verb as well. It is not just something we feel it is something we do. I listened to your book as a way to Love myself. Actively participating in my own healing and diagnosis. My husband is also reading this as a way to know and to love me. Knowing I am not alone and accepting who I am is one more step of finding love in dark places.

If you or someone you know is Bipolar, I highly recommend this book. Honest and raw and beautifully read.

So cathartic!

I have never connected with a life story like this. She’s made me understand and see so much as a 29 year old that was diagnosed at 27. Amazing to not feel alone for the first time.

Amen, thank you and me too!

Just like, Manic, this book describes me to a T. I am bipolar type one and I am mentally disabled. I was told I was not able to work at age 43 in 2024. I have a long and incredible story of which I too am writing a memoir. But in the meantime, thank you so much for your inspiration, wisdom and extremely articulate narrative. Three thumbs up.!