I didn’t really know what to expect from this book, but I’d taken it from my parents’ book collection during their big purge, and it had sat unread on my shelf for over four years, so I figured I should give it a shot.

Overall, I thought I Never Promised You A Rose Garden was an interesting and involved tale of mental illness in post-WW2-era America. The descriptions of the institute, the other patients, the doctors and orderlies, and the family members trying to make sense of things, it all seemed very honest. Sometimes the description of Hannah’s fantasy world didn’t feel genuine, but then again, it’s supposed to feel a little wrong and unfathomable. Kind of a dry read, but definitely worth it – particularly if you’re interested in psychology.

Though not one of my favorite books based on mental health (or lack thereof), this is a very touching and interesting read.