NPR

'The Collected Schizophrenias' Conveys What It's Like To Live With A 'Hidden' Illness

In her new book of riveting, honest, courageous essays, Esmé Weijun Wang provides a series of lenses through which to observe schizophrenic disorders and, by extension, our (mis)understanding of them.
Source: Amr Alfiky

"Some people dislike diagnoses, disagreeably calling them boxes and labels," writes Esmé Weijun Wang in the first essay of her new book, The Collected Schizophrenias." [B]ut I've always found comfort in preexisting conditions. I like to know that I'm not pioneering an inexplicable condition."

One of the more frightening things about any painful experience that isn't outwardly obvious to the people around us — like some mental and physical illnesses or disabilities — is how difficult it is to communicate

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min read
Life Kit's Tips Of The Month: On Seafood Labels, Eye Strain And Sibling Relationships
Our most memorable and useful expert advice from Life Kit's March episodes, hand-picked by the editors.
NPR5 min read
Why A Town On The Front Line Of America's Energy Transition Isn't Letting Go Of Coal
Kemmerer, Wyo., is on the front line of America's energy transition, with its coal plant slated to close and a nuclear plant in the works. But some think the rush to quit fossil fuels is impractical.
NPR3 min readPolitical Ideologies
An Appeals Court Says 'Undated' Pennsylvania Ballots Don't Count
A federal appeals panel says mailed ballots arriving on time but in envelopes without dates handwritten by Pennsylvania voters shouldn't be counted. This case is expected to reach the Supreme Court.

Related Books & Audiobooks