This book is a collection of poems and excerpts from letters sent to the publisher by the author over a period of some fifteen years or so. The author, Russell Lichter, is an unknown poet who has never sought any publicity; and, in fact, the publisher, who was coincidentally a good friend and a former co-worker of the author, was the one who conceived of producing this project. The first section consists of consciously-composed poems by Russell Lichter. The second section is a composition of found poetry produced by the publisher by excerpting "great poems hidden within Lichter's letters." These two sections combined produce a great sense of the wit, wisdom, compassion and spiritual insight of this unusual hermit-like soul living in a remote part of Marin.

Mel C. Thompson's collection of Halloween poems and paranormal stories. His unique perspective on zombies, mummies, vampire bats and world-conquering pumpkins. He takes us on a tour of hostile UFOs, the sex lives of immortals and the jobs of former monsters-turned-workers. If there was any question in your mind about the state of the author's mental health, this book should clear that up once and for all. Most of the book is G-Rated, but there are some PG-13 and NC-17 scenes, so dispense these tales with care.

Do It Yourself Sanity with a Four Star Rating
The difference between the patient who recovers and the patient who revolves in and out of hospitals lies in the steps that person takes, every day, to stay sane and balanced. This book is bursting with practical things you can do at home for major mental illness such as Bipolar Disorder or Depression.

Find out:
-how to learn what your triggers are - and avoid them
-how to survive suicidal thoughts
-how to use your environment to bolster your sanity
-how to get the most from bureaucracies and agencies
-what to do if psychosis hits you in public
-rules of the road for couples when one has a disorder
-how to build a new identity you can be proud of

Draw on the wisdom of dozens of interviews. Benefit from the psychological methods pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous. The author is a patient stabilized for over 20 years, writing under the oversight of Clinical Psychologist Dr. David Kallinger. An ideal resource for families, caregivers and professionals who want to understand the challenges their loved ones face.

FOREWORD CLARION REVIEW

"Four stars out of five...Fruchey's sensitivity to differences in opinion and life situations will help make the book pertinent to a wide range of people...although it targets mentally ill readers, this book will also benefit relatives and friends and help mental health professionals better understand their patients. Overall, it provides practicable, well-presented information.

Self help books for people with mental illness are scarce. As readers with mental illness follow Fruchey's suggestions, they make room for themselves in a society that is reluctant to accept them."

NAMI ADVOCATE

"Fruchey guides the reader toward recovery by beginning with the most basic step - accepting that you have a mental illness - to the last step: finding your purpose in life beyond your mental illness. She provides helpful advice while including stories and quotations dealing with various issues...a therapeutic map to guide the reader toward a better quality of life."