Voices in the Rain

Genre: Memoir

Title: Voices In the Rain, Meaning in Psychosis

Author: Marcia A. Murphy

Voices in the Rain is an account of one woman’s effort to overcome mental illness and the effects it brings to a person’s life. Ms. Murphy provides a gripping first person narrative of coping with a psychiatric ailment. Not only the psychosis is addressed, but the stigma relating to the illness.

This book is a page-turner from page one to the end. I couldn’t put it down. I was fascinated with the author’s account of the beginning of her disease, her descent further and further into insanity and her subsequent involvement with a cult. Yet, there is a glimpse of hope throughout the book. Ms. Murphy takes the reader on her journey, sharing honest day-to-day details, real struggles and triumphs, big and small.

I have never read a book that helped me understand three very important points any better; (1) How it feels to know you are different and yet be unable to change the workings of the mind, (2) why people are drawn into a cult experience and why often it is very difficult to escape and be de-programmed, (3) and finally the thought processes of someone diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Voices in the Rain is an informative, significant, revealing read. It has the potential to change lives and encourage others. I highly recommend this book.

Reviewed by: Donetta Garman, Allbooks Review www.allbookreviews.com

Publisher: Eagle Book Bindery Publishing Co.

ISBN: 978-1934333198

List price: $14.95

May 2010

Allbooks Reviews INTERVIEW: (Please put your answers in black)

Please state your name and location. (city and State or Province, Country)

Marcia A. Murphy Iowa City, Iowa United States of America

Tell us the title and publisher of your book:

Voices in the Rain: Meaning in Psychosis Publisher: Eagle Book Bindery

Tell us about yourself:

I started creating books when I was a teenager. I also enjoyed doing art work, sports, and reading. Because of family turmoil I left home soon after high school graduation to join a cult which led to my becoming psychotic. I left the cult but then my mental illness devastated my life for the next 25 years. With the help of caring psychiatric professionals and my turn to a Christian religious faith, I began the process of recovery. I have written about my life and recovery with the hope that it can be of help to others.

When was the book released?

February 2010

Give us an overview of your book.

This is the story of my struggle with mental illness through which I found spiritual meaning and, ultimately, God. As a person who has experienced severe psychiatric illness and landed on my feet, I tell what this type of illness is like, its symptoms, stigmatization, hospitalizations, and daily life. It is a story that may give hope to others who are ill, their families, psychiatric professionals, as well as to those who know someone who is ill.

What inspired you to write this book?

I believe that religious faith can transform lives, as it did my own, and I wanted to share this message. I also hope that my writing can lead to improvements in medical treatments for people with mental illness, as well as reduce stigma among the general public.

How is your book different from other books in this genre?

My use of expository writing intertwined throughout the narrative is relatively uncommon in memoir. I provide information based on years of research to support my ideas and experience. This gives added depth and scope to the story format by providing a broader perspective in multiple dimensions and on various levels.

Where can people buy your book?

People can find out more about ordering my book at my website at: www.hopeforrecovery.com

Are you working on another book? If so when do you expect it to be published?

I started writing another book. The estimated publication date is as yet undecided.

If you self published, what advice can you give to fellow writers?

Find a self publisher who will answer your emails promptly, someone who is trustworthy, honest and dependable. Do a little research to find out as much as you can about the publisher and see what other work he has done—other books he has published—to see the quality of his work.

If published traditionally, tell us how you benefited:

Can you share one of your marketing successes with us?

My website (www.hopeforrecovery.com) has reached hundreds of people. I have posted at the site my writing and list of presentations, and endorsements from experts in the psychiatric field who support my work.

How did you find Allbooks Reviews and what are you hoping for in your relationship with us?

My publisher recommended that I contact you to help with the marketing of my book.

Was the low cost a surprise? What other things would you like Allbooks Reviews to offer writers?

Yes, the low cost was a surprise. I think what your organization is doing is very helpful. Thank you.

Thank you for this interview and best of luck with your book.