Wednesday, May 17, 7 p.m.—CASTLETON—Castleton author and Pulitzer Prizewinner Ron Powers will discuss and sign copies of his recent book, “No One Cares About Crazy People: The Chaos and Heartbreak of Mental Health in America.” The signing will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, at the Castleton Community Center, 2018 Main Street, Castleton.
The book is a brief history and a survey of present conditions of the mental healthcare system in America, which Powers calls an “atrocity.” Interspersed is an intimate accounting of the Powers family’s struggles after schizophrenia struck both their sons. Kevin took his life in the Powers home in Middlebury in 2005, a week from his 21st birthday, after battling the brain disease for three years. His older brother Dean, now 35, has survived the affliction, and now lives with his parents in Castleton.
In its review, the New York Times commented, “No doubt if everyone were to read this book, the world would change.” Susannah Cahalan, author of the bestselling “Brain on Fire,” wrote, “What makes this book soar is the passion of Powers’s conviction based on his own intimate experiences with schizophrenia. I put this book down days ago and I’m still reeling. It’s the rare book that breaks your life into a before and an after.”
Powers will offer signed books for half the retail price. Proceeds will be donated to the center. Admission is free. For more information, email opsarge@earthlink.net. The center is handicapped accessible.
