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OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB PICK#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERONE OF THE NEW YORK TIMES TOP TEN BOOKS OF THE YEARONE OF THE WALL STREET JOURNAL TOP TEN BOOKS OF THE YEARPEOPLE'S #1 BEST BOOK OF THE YEARNamed a BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR by The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR, TIME, Slate, Smithsonian, The New York Post, and Amazon The heartrending story of a midcentury American family with twelve children, six of them diagnosed with schizophrenia, that became science's great hope in the quest to understand the disease.Don and Mimi Galvin seemed to be living the American dream. After World War II, Don's work with the Air Force brought them to Colorado, where their twelve children perfectly spanned the baby boom: the oldest born in 1945, the youngest in 1965. In those years, there was an established script for a family like the Galvins--aspiration, hard work, upward mobility, domestic harmony--and they worked hard to play their parts. But behind the scenes was a different story: psychological breakdown, sudden shocking violence, hidden abuse. By the mid-1970s, six of the ten Galvin boys, one after another, were diagnosed as schizophrenic. How could all this happen to one family?     What took place inside the house on Hidden Valley Road was so extraordinary that the Galvins became one of the first families to be studied by the National Institute of Mental Health. Their story offers a shadow history of the science of schizophrenia, from the era of institutionalization, lobotomy, and the schizophrenogenic mother to the search for genetic markers for the disease, always amid profound disagreements about the nature of the illness itself. And unbeknownst to the Galvins, samples of their DNA informed decades of genetic research that continues today, offering paths to treatment, prediction, and even eradication of the disease for future generations.     With clarity and compassion, bestselling and award-winning author Robert Kolker uncovers one family's unforgettable legacy of suffering, love, and hope.

Journey into the Extraordinary World of "Hidden Valley Road": A Tale of Mental Illness, Resilience, and Unconditional Love

In the captivating pages of "Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family" by Robert Kolker, readers are invited to delve into the extraordinary world of the Galvin family. This gripping narrative unravels the complexities of mental illness, resilience, and the unwavering bonds of unconditional love.

Set against the backdrop of the idyllic Hidden Valley Road in Colorado, the Galvins find themselves entangled in a maelstrom of mental health challenges. The family's patriarch, Don, a brilliant scientist, struggles with schizophrenia, while his wife, Mimi, grapples with depression. Their twelve children, each possessing unique talents and dreams, are indelibly shaped by the familial struggles that surround them.

Robert Kolker masterfully weaves together the personal narratives of the Galvin family members, providing an intimate glimpse into their lives. Through their triumphs and tribulations, readers witness the resilience of the human spirit and the extraordinary lengths families will go to support and protect one another.

"Hidden Valley Road" is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged tale that sheds light on the complexities of mental illness. It challenges societal stigmas and invites readers to cultivate empathy and understanding towards those affected by these conditions. The book serves as a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds that unite families in times of adversity.

As you embark on this literary journey, prepare to be captivated by the Galvin family's extraordinary story. "Hidden Valley Road" is a poignant reminder that even in the face of immense challenges, the human spirit can prevail.

Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the depths of an American family's extraordinary journey. Discover the power of resilience, the strength of love, and the hope that emerges from the darkest of shadows.