Losing Dad, Paranoid Schizophrenia: A Family's Search for Hope

No drugs. No alcohol. So, how does a fifty-three-year-old develop schizophrenia? That’s the question puzzling Joseph’s family when his mind descends into madness, filled with grandiose delusions and paranoia. He roams the world as a self-proclaimed prophet-of-God—purportedly arrested in Israel, advised the Mafioso in Italy, and hailed as a prophet in Africa. When he returns to the United States, he faces down drug dealers and prostitutes while homeless, then disappears. Shrouded by secrecy related to stigma and confusion of a complicated medical system that hinders rather than helps, his wife and three kids race to find answers before he slips away forever. Their biggest fear—he will die a faceless stranger on the streets. Alone. A Benjamin Franklin Silver award-winner in psychology, Losing Dad, Paranoid Schizophrenia: A Family's Search for Hope is a compelling true story told through multiple perspectives—the children, spouse, and patient; it offers a glimpse into a world that will either feel hauntingly familiar or shocking. The foreword by Dr. Xavier Amador, Founder, LEAP Institute, Author of I am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help! explains the neurological condition of anosognosia. Includes supplemental materials including a discussion of laws, exclusive family interviews, photographs, and reading guide questions. Losing Dad is a standalone book. If you would like additional information after reading, there is a follow-up book called Finding Dad, Paranoid Schizophrenia: An End to the Search by Amanda LaPera. EDITORIAL REVIEWS “hard-hitting, powerful … highly recommended.” —D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review “Written with compassion, emotion, and insight ... with a hard-won emphasis on healing and hope, ... it offers a visceral, often heart-rending portrait chronicle, with welcome attention paid to the rippling effects of mental illness.” —Publisher's Weekly BookLife Reviews (Editor’s Pick) “shows that behind every severe mental illness there is a human being." —Xavier Amador, Ph.D., Founder, LEAP Institute, Author, I am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help “a uniquely powerful. deeply personal chronicle that will resonate with readers. Characterization is top-notch and intimate.” —Publisher's Weekly BookLife Prize “will inspire and encourage loved ones not to give up hope even when getting help seems all but impossible.” — Amy Raines for Readers’ Favorite (Five-Star Review) NATIONAL AWARD-WINNING BOOK IBPA Benjamin Franklin Silver Award in Psychology Readers’ Favorite Award Finalist in Non-Fiction – Grief/Hardship Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize Quarter-Finalist