A girl's descent into the shadow-world of schizophrenia and her harrowing journey through the mental health system. The Tree Outside The Window, is based on autobiographical information about the author, and describes a girl's encounters with schizophrenia and the mental health system. It begins with the childhood experiences of Jill Walker, the main character, and follows with the chronological events leading to her initial psychotic breakdown.  The story continues through treatment by various psychiatrists, therapists, and city, state, and county institutions, and culminates in the character's conquering her insanity, and achieving autonomy into adulthood. Above all, it's a tale of hope, that the will and spirit can overcome the horrors and devastation of a mind ravaged by mental illness.  Many of the incidents and descriptions relating to the doctors and psychiatric hospitals were actual occurrences, revealing the problems, inadequacies, and abuses that are common in the mental health system. The story is fast-paced, insightful, and often amusing, and could be enjoyed by persons of any background, from the age of puberty and up. Mental health workers are encouraged to read the book - it conveys the firsthand experience of schizophrenia, as well as the patient's perspective on life in the mental health establishment. The reader will be enlightened as well as entertained.          Excerpt Kronski treated children with clinical problems. He was adept at portraying the image of a competent, successful clinical psychologist and had become quite renowned, appearing on T.V. game shows and local news 'family' segments, intended to help parents with difficult children. Sometimes there was almost a childlike wonder and delight in him. He spent a small fortune on playthings - he had every new toy sold in the stores, and the latest games advertised on television. An unlimited supply of candy and occasional loose change was lavishly poured into Jill's greedy hands as well. She knew this tactic was to gain her favor and trust. It didn't.

Professional Reviews
A Young Woman's Hair-raising Journey Through America's Mental Health System
Excellent. A moving and authentic young person's inside view of our disgraceful mental health system. It's fiction, of course, but sensitive reader can tell author knows whereof she speaks. For a first book four stars is big praise for me. I look forward to her next book. I hope publisher markets this work to the mental health professionals who usually only read each other's work.

Also recommended: Rosie in Rachel -- Rosie Logan(Bloomsbury Pub. 92) Autobio of abused wife in London losing eyesight & mind, tries suicide. Committed to Rachel Ward in Hospital where Elephant Man was kept. Rosie gets more help from fellow patients than doctors.



An Honest and Forthright Look into the Mental Health System
This book tells an intense story from a facinating perspective. The main character's experience with schizophrenia is presented through her relationships with her family, boyfriends, doctors, and other patients. This creates an interesting web of emotions that carries the story along, allowing the readers to glipse what life is like for a teenager battling a mental disorder. This is certainly not a "feel good" novel, but it will truly make a reader reconsider the mental health system in modern America.


A moving autobiography of a journey through mental illness
I found this to be a moving, candid account of one young person's long journey through our arcane, often destructive, mental health system. This personal story should be on the top of the list for mental health workers to experience what it really feels like to be on the other side of institutional treatment.

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