From Powells.com
Our favorite books of the year.
Synopses & Reviews
"A boldly beautiful page-turner about loving and losing someone with mental illness. I'll be recommending this absorbing memoir for years to come." Cheryl Strayed, best-selling author of
Wild
Even as a reporter, Sheila Hamilton missed the signs as her husband Davids mental illness unfolded before her. By the time she had pieced together the puzzle, it was too late. Her once brilliant and passionate partner was dead within six weeks of a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, leaving his young daughter and wife without so much as a note to explain his actions, a plan to help them recover from their profound grief, or a solution for the hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt that they would inherit from him.
All the Things We Never Knew takes readers on a breathtaking journey from David and Sheila's romance through the last three months of their life together and into the year after his death. It details their unsettling spiral from ordinary life into the world of mental illness, examines the fragile line between reality and madness, and reveals the true power of love and forgiveness.
Review
"Sheila Hamilton's All The Things We Never Knew is one of the most candid, heart-wrenching, and deeply moving accounts of the wake of destruction caused by the suicide of a loved one. Her book reminds us of those we've lost to suicide. The book casts the dark shadow that is depression, then rises from such darkness, reminding us to 'Look to the living, love them, and hold on.' Finally, it gives survivors tremendous resolve to continue in their quest for prevention.” Kevin Hines, mental health speaker, activist, and author of Cracked, Not Broken: Surviving and Thriving After a Suicide Attempt
Review
"All the Things We Never Knew is the rare memoir that's as
harrowing as it is heartwarming, and Sheila Hamilton is the rarest of
writers — a disciplined reporter with a masterful understanding of the
workings of the human heart. This extraordinary story, about the mystery
and scars of mental illness, is sobering and compelling and simply
unputdownable.” Karen Karbo, bestselling author of The Gospel According to Coco Chanel and How Georgia Became O'Keefe
Review
"If you've ever asked the question 'Do I need help?' or 'Does my loved
one need help? then read this book. Merging her gut-wrenching personal
story with all-pro journalistic acumen, Sheila Hamilton gives us the
who-what-where-when-why of mental illness and what you can do to get the
help you need. Most of all, this book gives us permission not to go through hardship alone, no matter what crises we face." Laura Munson, New York Times best-selling author of This Is Not The Story You Think It Is, and founder of Haven Writing Retreats
About the Author
Sheila Hamilton is a five-time Emmy award winning writer, producer and host. She is currently Portland, Oregon's #1 Radio personality at Kink.fm, a heritage station where she serves as the Morning Host, News Director and Public Affairs director.
Sheila began her career in documentary film at Utah Public Broadcasting and spent nearly two decades reporting, anchoring and producing commercial television news for KATU in Salt Lake City and KATU in Portland, Oregon, both ABC affiliates.
Sheila writes for About Face Magazine and Portland Monthly Magazine. She is deeply involved in issues surrounding mental health, serving on the board of The Flawless Foundation, a non-profit that supports children with behavioral issues and advocates for mental health parity. Sheila also acts as an advisor for Open Doors, Open Minds, an advocacy group for people living well with mental illness, and she is a board member of Girls Inc., an organization inspiring girls to be strong, smart and bold. Sheila is a frequent speaker, host and emcee for mental health conferences and meetings.