Mud Flower: Surviving Schizophrenia and Suicide Through Art is a memoir by Meghan J.M. Caughey that focuses on her struggles with mental health, schizophrenia, and suicidal thoughts and the way she, the people around her, and society have dealt with mental health in the past and present. This book also covers the impact that art can have on our lives and how it can save us. It’s a story that teaches us about strength, meaning, and persistence and that even though life is filled with daily struggles, some worse than others, it is worth living and enjoying every moment of it.

This perceptive memoir follows Caughey’s struggles on two separate timelines, one being the present day and the other one being the past, starting way back in the 70’s when she was a college freshman. This book is truly so much more than just a memoir. The way every line is written is so simple yet we perfectly understand what she is going through. It is so masterfully done that we feel like we are the ones experiencing everything that she is dealing with.

Perhaps the most important part of understanding her struggles is all her inner voices and thoughts that she writes and shares so eloquently. Here is a quote from the book that captures the emotional depth and incisive self-reflection that’s delivered in beautiful contemporary prose: “The Messenger of Hope? Oh, girl, there you go being grandiose again! You’re surely no messenger of hope. Watch out!!! Oh, hypocrite! Liar, liar!”

In addition to all the mental health struggles this memoir also explores the things that are happening in our day-to-day lives; mentioning the COVID-19 pandemic as well as George Floyd’s murder and other events that impacted us all.

Mud Flower: Surviving Schizophrenia and Suicide Through Art is a wonderful read for anyone looking for an emotionally resonant memoir that explores a variety of social issues. I would especially recommend it to anyone struggling with their mental health, to know that you they are not alone, and psychology students and practitioners because it will really help you understand the mind of someone who is struggling. 

Pages: 198 | ASIN: B09217LYD6