HIDDEN VALLEY ROAD: INSIDE THE MIND OF AN AMERICAN FAMILY by Robert Kolker ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I wouldn’t have guessed a true story about mental illness, genetics, and science could hold my attention so effectively, but this absolutely did. Possibly my new favorite in nonfiction, this is like reading a slow burn tragedy in progress, while also processing the events through the lens of research and psychiatry. And at the core, beneath the layers of DNA computing and the search for schizophrenia’s cure, is an analysis of 'nature vs nurture' and the dynamics of family. It’s dense, but in a good way. It’s a lot to think about, as any book on these topics should be.

One lesson I didn’t expect to come across is how much we’ve achieved in our understanding of these illnesses, and how deeply complicated it is trying to wrap our minds around how they actually work. A journey that may never end. The main evolution thus far seems to be in the realization of the illness spectrum, rather than the old school one of definitive condition and solution. Sixty years on from the beginning of the Galvin family’s issues, it must be so bittersweet to see the growth from their genetic contributions, matched with the continued uncertainties in the field. Needless to say after finishing the book and it’s lasting message, families like theirs can at least say they helped the families of the future.

A tough read, balanced by its respectful journalism and constant reminiscent check-ins with the Galvin sisters, it manages to keep you page-turning through the dark parts in their history, finding yourself racing through chapters in hopes of a happy ending, just as they must have.

It’s a thorough summary of an often mentioned illness that isn’t often understood, given a personal touch with the Galvins and their lifetime of struggles. A riveting read on a complex subject, thankfully brought to focus by their courage to let the world in. An act — evidenced by their mother’s decades of secrets — easier said than done.