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January First: A Child's Descent into Madness and Her Father's Struggle to Save Her
by Michael Schofield

Published: 2013-08-06
Paperback : 320 pages
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At age six, January ("Jani") Schofield was diagnosed with one of the most severe cases of child-onset schizophrenia on record. Hallucinating constantly, she is at the mercy of her imaginary friends—some of whom are friendly, while others tell her to scream at strangers, jump out of ...

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Introduction

At age six, January ("Jani") Schofield was diagnosed with one of the most severe cases of child-onset schizophrenia on record. Hallucinating constantly, she is at the mercy of her imaginary friends—some of whom are friendly, while others tell her to scream at strangers, jump out of buildings, and attack her baby brother. Jani is torn between two places: "Calalini," the illusory home of her imaginary friends, and our world. When potent psychiatric drugs that would level most adults barely faze her, the line dividing delirium from reality grows dangerously blurry. 
   Amid Jani's struggle are her parents, who face seemingly insurmountable obstacles daily just to keep both of their children alive and safe. Their battle has included a two-year search for answers, countless medications and hospitalizations, allegations of abuse, despair that almost broke the family apart and, finally, victories against the illness and a new faith that they can create a happy life for Jani. 
   A passionate and inspirational account, January First is a father's soul-bearing memoir of the daily challenges and unwavering commitment to save his daughter from the edge of insanity while doing everything he can to keep his family together. 

Now with Extra Libris material, including a reader’s guide and bonus content

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Book Club Recommendations

Great for discussion
by Jacobsenk (see profile) 01/03/16
While we weren't thrilled with the author or some of the points in the book (several club members are in the medical profession and psychologist field), we felt that the book really lent itself to a great discussion.

Member Reviews

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  "Not what we expected"by Kyla J. (see profile) 01/03/16

The story and concept of a young child being diagnosed with schizophrenia was interesting. We didn't like the father's attitude. We felt it was "all about him". He was a little of a drama queen. We felt... (read more)

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