Top tags: psychology, biography, non-fiction, mental illness, nonfiction (all tags)
“saw the movie and was intrigued. had to read the book. heavy issues--child abuse. if i had to read it today, i wouldn't because the images are still in my mind.”
“I wanted to clear up something, being multiple, having Dissociative Identity Disorder, or what used to be called Multiple Personality Disorder, is not a split personality. That is an old term that was used for schizophrenia, but it is not a term used for multiples, though it is often and still mistakenly and inaccurarately used to describe multiplicity. Another great book about a female multiple who was abused by her mother is "Broken Child" by Marica Cameron. It, unlike the book Sybil, is written by the survivor. Both books are powerful and points to incredible courage and healing.Kate”
“The most important thing to understand about the book it is the being of American Psychology really looking at and analyzing multiple and split personalities. The story is very sad... of course, but what the author is trying to convey is how the schism of the mind is even possible. It is both horrible and amazing -- the minds attempt to protect itself. And in helping us to understand the results of such abuse, Sybil's story helps psychologist to treat other patients -- but in its greatest use, it helps society understand the importance of protecting our children. In Sybil's time there was very little legislation or systems to protect children. Now days, even if the other parent doesn't help the child, doctors and school teachers are required to report suspicion of child abuse.Believe... her story help many, many children escape the same faith.”
“I haven't finished the book yet, I've only read about the first 50 pages. I can't stand Sybils mother and how cruel and coniving was. It's a good book though.”
“ It made me very sad to know that such horrific child abuse took place in front of a father who had knowledge of this without admitting to it until about 40 years later. What is the saddest is that Sybil was unable to cope with her child abuse starting at the age of 2 1/2 that she created 16 other personalities to cope. Interesting read.”
“Really screwed up book! Read this one a long time ago and can still remember certain parts easily. It's about a woman with Multiple Personalities, and how she came to be that way at the hands of an abusive mother.”