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The odds of reading two books at the same time, where both families have twelve children, has to be high. That, though is there only commanality. I've never read anything like this, it was both hard to read because if subject matter and well done. Mimi and Don Kohler wanted the American dream, a large family, happy marriage, happy life. After WWII, Done work with the Air Force brought them to California, where at first the family prospered. Ten boys were born in succession, followed finally by two girls. As the children grew, Mimi was a strict organizer, priding herself on keeping her family in line, or so it appeared. Six of the boys would in time develop mental illnesses and schizophrenia the main offender.

Cannot even begin to imagine how one copes with this kind of challenge. With great compassion, Kolker tells the story of this belegured family. The hospitalazations, medication, violence, fear, hidden abuse, as I'm said hard to read. The family story alternates with the scientific investigations, theories that changed from year to year, this family of particular interest to researchers. How the other family members copes, or didn't, requiring years if therapy in some cases. One can't help but feel for them all, this insidious mental illness causing havoc, sadness and tragedy for all.

ARC from Edelweiss.