This is a startlingly direct and informative memoir that can be difficult to read and yet is so engaging and helpful that I consider it a must-read, regardless of how close or far you are from someone suffering from this illness. Cheney's skill with the pen allows her to describe experiences, thinking patterns and feelings in ways that many probably couldn't. She's matter of fact in telling her story. Her goal is to enlighten and help others. It's a powerful book. ( )

A great follow up to MANIC. I want to re-read Manic, now that I know her back story.

I think this is a very important book. I hope that parents will devour it so their children won't have to endure what Terri went through. Of course, we live in a different time now. Terri felt very betrayed at the loss of her childhood. All those adults around her and not one of them could see that something was wrong?! I'm sure someone saw, but the 60s and 70s weren't a time of open mindedness in many areas and especially not mental health issues. Our culture is much more open now.

Bipolar disorder is a very serious topic but she has a great sense of humor and I found myself laughing pretty hard at some of the passages, even though I questioned whether my reaction was appropriate. For example, her tree and pole climbing adventures, in search of The Feeling...OMG I was busting up. ( )

This book was not amazing because it was extremely well written or because it was profound. This book is amazing because of the way it simply spoke to me. There was a startling honesty that kept me riveted as I read about a childhood I could so easily empathize with. The experiences and thoughts really brought a new perspective, one of those I am not the only one moments. I can appreciate that. I can appreciate the honesty and the courage it takes to confront a childhood like this and put pen to paper. Then to take it a step further and put yourself out there for the world to see. Bravo! Worth reading! ( )

I absolutely love this book! The author, Terri Cheney, tells you about her life from early childhood to graduating high school. Her struggles with "The Black Beast", what she has named her bipolar disorder, are very true to point. I hung on every word of this book and highly recommend it to anyone who is suffering from this mental illness. A real page turner! ( )

TERRI CHENEY'S "THE DARK SIDE OF INNOCENCE" (REVIEW)

This book is more dark with only a splash of innocence. It's not hard to understand how a child could be inflicted with such a horrible disease as being bipolar though, and Teri's words make you understand just how hard it can be for a child in which this condition has not been recognized. This book gave me chills, and made me realize how a hidden monster like this could exist among innocence. Terri's story was written with acute honesty which I found refreshing. There are too many times that authors put a cap on their words and don't let their words flow.

I found the truth of her story interesting, compelling, and full of good information that will help other children around the world.
This book is one you don't want to miss out on, it's haunting but in a good way, a story you won't soon forget.

-Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud Book Club ( )