Looking for Psychology book for high school student

Parent Cafe
1

<p>I have an opportunity to recommend a book about psychology or psychotherapy or psychiatry to a rising junior in high school. I am looking for something that gives a flavor for one or more of these fields without being too demanding or technical. The student is bright but not particularly well-motivated. She has expressed a particular interest in these fields.</p>

<p>I’ve looked at Irvin Yalom’s books about his cases, as well as books about great experiments in psychology. Both ideas seem suitable but the particular books that I looked at seemed a little demanding for this purpose. Also, I need to avoid anything that includes sexually oriented material or cases.</p>

<p>Can you suggest anything for me to consider?</p>

<p>Thank you very much!</p>

2

<p>Well, this is a novel, but considered a classic by psychologists and analysts: “I Never Promised You a Rose Garden” by Joanne Greenberg. Greenberg herself, as a teenager, spent several years as an in- and out-patient in one of the most famous psychiatric hospitals. ‘Rose Garden’ is a novel, but it’s very autobiographical, and it follows her (successful) treatment for what was then diagnosed as schitzophrenia. Many doctors say, it is an accurate and revealing account of mental illness, its treatment and the road to recovery.</p>

3

<p>That’s the first one I thought of too. For a more modern perspective, I would suggest “Room for J: One Family’s Struggle with Schizophrenia.” I haven’t read it yet, but I heard a long and very moving interview with the the author on NPR.
Other ideas: The Soloist by LA Times columnist Steve Lopez (made into a movie with Jamie Foxx), One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest, A Beautiful Mind, Flowers for Algernon and Oliver Sacks’ books.
Many years ago I interviewed Dr. Kay Jamison for a TV program on depression.She has since become an authority on bipolar illness. Her memoir about her own experience with bipolar illness is called An Unquiet Mind. She also has a book about the relationship between bipolar illness and creativity. Good luck with your search.</p>

4

<p>My D recommends The Man Who Mistook His Wife For a Hat.</p>

5

<p>I second BunsenBurner’s recommendation.</p>

<p>The Center Cannot Hold by Elyn Saks, which is about the author’s struggle with schizophrenia is also really good. I also liked Hurry Down Sunshine by Michael Greenberg, which is about his daughter having bipolar disorder.</p>

6

<p>There’s also Ordinary People, which is a novel about a kid plagued with guilt for his brother’s death. An easy read.</p>

7

<p>I’d be glad to help, if you could narrow the topic. Are you interested in Sz, depression, Aspergers, eating disorders?</p>

8

<p>Thank you very much, everyone, for your help!</p>

<p>bookworm, my main goal is to encourage this student to learn a little more about psychology and/or psychotherapy. I’m trying to plant some seeds, if you will. So, I’m less interested in any specific topic than I am in getting her to think “Wow, this stuff is pretty cool!”</p>

9

<p>My son loved “Running with Scissors.” Probably not the kind of suggestion you’re looking for. But my shrink-to-be liked it.;)</p>

10

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<p>Running with Scissors doesn’t meet that criterion, but the book by that author’s brother, Look Me In the Eye, does. It’s excellent.</p>

11

<p>Tales from a Traveling Couch (a psychotherapist shares some of his more interesting cases)
Just Checking (OCD)
An Unquiet Mind (bipolar)
Girl Interrupted (borderline personality disorder)
The Quiet Room (schizophrenia)
The Boy Who Couldnt Stop Washing (OCD)
Darkness Visible (depression)
Nobody nowhere (autism)
Wasted (anorexia and bulimia)
A Million Little Pieces (drug and alcohol abuse)
Electroboy (manic depression)
Sickened (Munchausen by proxy)
anything by Oliver Sacks</p>