Stars and Skeletons

This true story follows the author, Dave, and his brother, Tim, from a mostly happy childhood into an adulthood troubled by severe mental illness. The book shows the two brothers at every stage of development -- told through many short stories. Their relationship forms the thread that creates the story arc throughout the book. Tim finds himself lost in a world of psychotic delusions and confusing, terrifying thoughts. He becomes dangerous, especially to himself. Eventually diagnosed with Chronic Undifferentiated Schizophrenia, the illness changed him, profoundly affecting everyone close to him. The brothers' relationship deepens as Dave commits himself to remaining close to Tim no matter how bad it gets. Through years of setbacks, faith, medication, hard work, and brotherly love, Tim rediscovers the life he'd lost. In the appendix of the book, Tim himself shares some of the powerful tools he's learned that help him now lead a healthy and productive life.