Crazy Has a Name is a raw, Christian contemporary novel that dives deep into the harrowing journey of Danny, a man haunted by his traumatic past and literal inner demons. From being born into unspeakable circumstances to navigating the voices (or “Others”) that live in his mind, Danny’s story is an emotional rollercoaster. At its heart, this book is about hope, redemption, and the powerful intersection of faith and healing. It’s a blend of brutal realism and miraculous transformations, making it both heavy and uplifting.

Author Nanci Lamborn’s voice is gritty and honest. I appreciated the candidness in Danny’s therapy sessions with Marti, especially when he recounts his childhood in “The Pit” or the horrifying truths about his foster family. One part that shook me was his reflection on being bought for $200 and how casually the adults treated it. That kind of detail sticks with you. I loved the depth of Danny’s character, but I would have loved to have seen some of the secondary characters, like his wife Grace, more fleshed out.

What I found most powerful—and frustrating—were Danny’s interactions with the “Others.” Garrison, Kendra, and the Bossman felt like fully realized characters, almost like spiritual manifestations of his fractured psyche. The scenes where Kendra scolds Danny or Garrison protects him are fascinating. However, I wanted more clarity about what these figures represented. Lamborn dances between psychological and spiritual explanations, which is intriguing.

Lamborn doesn’t shy away from portraying the darker side of life, but she pairs it with intense moments of faith-based healing. When Danny begins to unpack his trauma and face the memories he’s suppressed, you can feel his desperation and yearning for peace. The moment where he confronts his adoptive father’s cruelty while holding onto his belief in Jesus felt both heart-wrenching and hopeful.

This book is not for the faint of heart. It’s for readers who can handle heavy topics like abuse, neglect, and the complexities of mental health, all through the lens of faith. If you’re into Christian contemporary fiction with a raw edge and don’t mind grappling with some tough truths, Crazy Has a Name will grip you from start to finish.

Pages: 246 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DTC2LS4W