Unlocked

Reviews

Grossman presents a set of life rules derived from her own struggle with mental health.

The author begins her nonfiction debut with vivid memories of being institutionalized in the late 1990s and her transformation from “Emily Grossman, eighteen-year-old Emory University freshman with all the promise in the world” to “Emily Grossman, the eighteen-year-old mental patient.” Her experiences dealing with bipolar disorder have prompted herto write a book that attempts to pull together all the “moving parts” of her recovery to help put her readers in “the driver’s seat” when it comes to their own recoveries (and perhaps to encourage them to connect with their own “Higher Self” or “Higher Power”). Grossman grounds her chapters in distinct periods of her history, from childhood to college at Rutgers and beyond (including living in New York City on September 11, 2001: “We were waiting to hear from Dad. Classes were canceled. The air was heavy”), interweaving her struggles with bipolar disorder throughout the narrative. She infuses her memories with novelistic drama, turning remembered conversations into dialogue. And she seamlessly links these dramatic autobiographical sections to broader observations she’s drawn from them (usually focusing on her concept of God or a “Higher Power”). “The hard part is trusting the Universe,” she writes in one such passage; “but you will be given signs from Grace about whether you are on the right path.” The tone throughout is gently but strongly encouraging; although her explicitly spiritual approach may put off non-religious readers, her optimism is infectious: Life, she notes, is not about avoiding problems; it’s about “learning to dive headfirst into the fire, feel you’ve been almost burned alive, and come out the other side, scars and all.” Readers open to her message will appreciate the bucking-up.

An empowering, scars-and-all handbook for reaching your best self.– KIRKUS REVIEWS

"Unlockedis a powerful book full of vulnerability and hope.Emily shares the ups and downs of her mental health recovery journey with authenticity, honesty, and candor. Nothing is sugar coated.She puts a human face on mental health challenges that can often be misunderstood, and her “keys” can be useful to each of us, whether we’re living with a mental illness or otherwise." - Matt Kudish, Exective Director, NAMI NYC

"For those living with bipolar, suicidal ideation, depression and/or anxiety (as I do), Unlocked wraps you in a beautiful warm blanket of relatability as author, Emily Grossman, shares her own lived experiences with searing honesty and vulnerability. The 25 keys she presents to help navigate these challenges in order to live a more enlightened and empowered life are framed as retrospective lessons she learnt often the hard way. Her battle-tested insights resonated loud and clear. Indeed, they’re already helping me accelerate my own inner journey to wellness. She also eloquently reminds us that those with mental illnesses deserve to be seen, heard and valued. If you’re struggling or stuck (or know someone who is), pick up this powerful book. Don’t just bounce back, bounce forward."~ Kerry Martin, MPP, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advocate

"Unlocked, From Psych Hospital to Higher Selfwill prove a game changer for people on a spiritual path who are also managing bipolar or depression."- Mitch Horowitz, Author ofThe Miracle Club