Book Review: He Wanted the Moon

Here's the first of many book reviews on my blog!  

This book was a surprisingly easy read.  I loved how the text flowed and how easy it was to just sit down and read it cover to cover.  The style of writing in her father's manuscript is interesting and something I have never encountered before.  His style of writing is distinct and straight-forward. There is no flowery language or rose-colored glasses in this book.  Dr. Perry Baird's writing definitely reflects his occupation and reputation.  His manuscript is almost like an entry in a scientific journal.  Baird's moments of clarity and mania are very distinct in his manuscript.  It is definitely something I have to read again to get all the details.  Being a Biology minor, I found a lot of the science and biological concepts interesting.  Dr. Perry Baird researches in great detail his family tree and how the disease is passed on.  I also found it interesting how diseases such as manic-depression were perceived in society.  I cannot imagine a doctor telling family members to just forget their loved ones and move on.  It's interesting to see how medicine has advanced in such a short time-span.

Mimi Baird seamlessly blends her side of the story with her father's manuscript.  The change in narration never felt abrupt.  I also found the pictures, charts, and clips from her father's manuscript interesting.  Because at some points of the novel, I forgot this book was non-fiction.  The manuscript and the pictures help bring the people to life because I could actually see them and their handwriting.  
Once you get in to this book, it will definitely become a tear-jerker.  (WARNING!)  Dr. Perry Baird describes in great detail the various treatments doctors used to treat his manic-depression.  

If you like reading about society in the early 1900s and various medical treatments during that time, this book is perfect for you.  This book gives you an in-depth look on every aspect of manic-depression from the patient, family members, society, and psychological institutions.

I am always looking for more books to read, so if you have a good one, leave it in the comments below!

**I received this book free for reviewing purposes.  All opinions expressed are my honest opinion.**