Musical Chairs - Jen Knox

“An intelligent person can rationalize anything, a wise person doesn't try.” - Jen Knox

Musical Chairs explores one family's history of mental health diagnoses and searches to define the cusp between a '90s working-class childhood and the trouble of adapting to a comfortable life in the suburbs. In order to understand her restlessness, Jennifer reflects on years of strip-dancing, alcoholism, and estrangement. Inspired by the least likely source, the family she left behind, Jennifer struggles towards reconciliation. This story is about identity, class, family ties, and the elusive nature of mental illness. 

This was one of those raw stories you read that makes you examine your own life and think how lucky you really are. 

This book COULD have been full of self-pity, but instead it was full of optimism. It COULD have been full of excuses and weakness, but instead it showed strength and determination. It COULD have been hard to read, but instead I found it a refreshing glimpse in to the life of someone who struggles with mental illness, but fights back. 

This is a great book for those who has never really had any contact with someone who has a mental illness, but is interested in seeing how their thought pattern works. A great read!