The Center Cannot Hold

By: Elyn R. Saks

Narrated by: Alma Cuervo

Professor of psychiatry Elyn R. Saks writes about her struggle with schizophrenia in this unflinching account of her mental illness. In The Center Cannot Hold, Saks draws readers into a nightmare world of medications, a misguided health-care system, and social stigmas. But she would not be defeated. With a strength and force of will that most can only imagine, Saks reclaimed her life and went on to achieve great success.©2007 Elyn R. Saks (P)2007 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"In this engrossing memoir, Saks...demonstrates a novelist's skill of creating character, dialogue, and suspense." ( Publishers Weekly)

Don't miss out on this one!

Excellent story of Saks' struggle in dealing with schizophrenia while trying to remain in the world, in a real and respected way. This book is an incredibly important tool for helping society understand how our evolving understanding and treatment of the mentally ill affects people who have various issues. Thanks to books like this one and others such as Suspicious Minds by Joel Gold and Ian Gold, the 'us/them" barrier is slowly coming down.

I am extremely happy to have had the experience of peeking into the life of an academic and professional person continued to search for affective ways to manage her issues. I loved to see how each milestone-- degree, job, relationship, etc -- was reached and what obstacles stood in her way. Such a brave narrative. I am thankful for the people in her life who treated her with dignity and understanding. I am thankful she shared her story. I am thankful to have a deeper understanding of what life is like for people who experience schizophrenic symptoms.

Thank you for sharing your story and struggles

Thank you for sharing your story and struggles. I hope this memoir has only provided positive outcomes for you, people in your life, and other readers/listeners.

Very interesting story!

This is normally not something I would listen too, and I'm not quite sure it caught my eye, but I loved the story! Really opened my eyes to people who are struggling with a mental illness.

read this book

great book. I read this first and just recently got the audio book. really good book

Fascinating and inspirational

I heard Dr. Saks speak at a conference. I was in awe of what I heard. Still, this book stayed on my wishlist for years. Now as I embark on a new therapeutic journey to understand my own illnesses relationship to my choice of a clinical profession Dr. Saks provides guidance with kindness. Her gifts, together with her illness, have provided her incredible wisdom. I thank her for the honesty and the window into a life worth living.

Great Story

I really liked it. it was insightful, interesting, and detailed. the sections are not lined up with the book chapters, which threw me in the beginning, but the story was very much appreciated

Surprisingly wonderful!!

This is not a book I would have normally picked out for myself but because it was recommended by someone dear, I read it. I am so glad I did!! I felt instantly connected to Elyn as we have some very similar childhood experiences. Following her through her journey both made me feel compassion and challenged me to think about the rights of the mentally ill in ways I had never considered. Her life is extremely interesting and her work follows suit. I’d definitely recommend this book to others!

Thought Provoking

I truly loved this book. It is a very thought provoking glimpse of a very difficult illness. The book will challenge your pre-conceived notions and will likely change your thinking (for the better).

A great resource for insight

this book is a must read for anyone who wants to work in the field, or who encounters someone who struggles with this mental Illness.

Great storytelling

Really like her explanation of her illness.
Gripping and informative
Should be read by any family with the issue