49 pages 1 hour read

Meg Kissinger

While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era of Silence

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2023

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

While You Were Out by Meg Kissinger examines the author's family's experience with mental health issues. It delves into their struggles, the impact on relationships, and the challenges of navigating mental health care. The narrative offers insights into broader societal and systemic issues related to mental health.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

While You Were Out by Meg Kissinger is lauded for its compelling narrative and emotional depth, drawing readers into a poignant exploration of mental health and family dynamics. Critics praise Kissinger's empathetic writing and honest portrayal of sensitive topics, though some found the pacing uneven. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and impactful read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read While You Were Out?

A reader who would enjoy Meg Kissinger's While You Were Out is likely intrigued by mental health narratives and investigative journalism. Fans of Susannah Cahalan’s Brain on Fire and Robert Kolker’s Hidden Valley Road would appreciate Kissinger's in-depth exploration and personal touch on mental illness and family dynamics.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Mental Illness

Grief / Death

Depression / Suicide

Genre

Psychology

Themes

Relationships: Family

Identity: Mental Health

Emotions/Behavior: Grief