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Virtual Encino Book Club
Sunday, May 21, 2023, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM PDT
Category: Clubs
LACPA’s Spring Book Club Selection:
Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family by Robert Kolker
New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post all selected as a Top Ten Book of the Year Named a Best Book of the Year by NPR, Time, Slate, Smithsonian, Forbes, Audiophile, Parade, Kirkus, Library Journal, Publisher’s Weekly, the Evening Standard (UK), the Sunday Times (UK), The New York Post, and Amazon A Finalist for the PEN/John Kenneth Galbraith Award for Nonfiction Featured in President Barack Obama’s list of favorite books of the year Book Summary Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family by Robert Kolker is a fascinating biography about the Galvin family of Colorado Springs. The parents had twelve children, ten boys and then two girls, between 1945 and 1965. Six of the boys were diagnosed with schizophrenia. The disease manifested in a variety of ways, and thus each mentally ill son impacted the family differently. The afflicted boys received individualized treatments and eventually reached their own levels of stability and functioning. The parents and all the siblings coped with their family uniquely while living in the same highly chaotic home. Furthermore, researchers have worked with the Galvin family since it has been an excellent opportunity to study a family of twelve children to explore questions of nature versus nurture, neurological functioning, possible medications, etc. Most of the family participated in laboratory experiments, as well as donating their DNA. The author presents this aspect of the Galvin family with clarity, accessibility and sophistication. In the process, Kolker explains the decision-making process of some of the pharmaceutical companies and issues of ownership of unfinished research, including quite recent developments in the research. Overall, Hidden Valley Road is captivating as an incredible true story of suffering with multiple traumas and pain, as well as a revelation of how the research about schizophrenia and possible treatments is conducted. Most importantly, it is written with deep concern for the humanity and heartfelt situations facing a family attempting to cope with numerous variations and consequences of mental illness. A Sample of Amazon Reviews “Hidden Valley Road is a riveting true story of an American family that reads like a medical detective journey and sheds light on a topic so many of us face: mental illness.” “A stunning, riveting chronicle crackling with intelligence and empathy . . . Kolker tackles this extraordinarily complex story so brilliantly and effectively that readers will be swept away. An exceptional, unforgettable, and significant work that must not be missed.” “Riveting and disquieting . . . Kolker deftly follows the psychiatric, chemical, and biological theories proposed to explain schizophrenia and the various treatments foisted upon the brothers. Most poignantly, he portrays the impact on the unafflicted children of the brothers’ illness, an oppressive emotional atmosphere, and the family’s festering secrets . . . A family portrait of astounding depth and empathy.” “The curse of the Galvin family is the stuff of Greek tragedy. Kolker tells their story with great compassion, burrowing inside the particular delusions and hospitalizations of each brother while chronicling the family’s increasingly desperate search for help. But Hidden Valley Road is more than a narrative of despair, and some of the most compelling chapters come from its other half, as a medical mystery.” IMHO, This Book Discussion qualifies for Continued Professional Development (CPD) Self-Directed Learning Hours Last year I communicated with Mr. Jason Glasspiegel of the Board of Psychology (BOP) to ask specifically how CPD, under the category of Self-Directed Learning, could impact LACPA’s Book and Film Clubs. He replied:
After reviewing with additional staff, we agree that as long as the discussion of the book read or movie watched is relevant to the practice of psychology, it would count. Specifically, the discussions should focus on maintaining, developing, or increasing conceptual and applied competencies that are relevant to the licensee’s individual psychological practice, education, or science.
Each attendee will decide if a particular book discussion would fit the above standard and be responsible for keeping their own documentation as required by the BOP. In my opinion, a discussion about this book will meet this CPD standard. Please direct any questions about the requirements and/or documentation to the BOP, as neither LACPA nor I might be able to provide such information. There is detailed information on their website. Please contact the Book Club facilitator to RSVP so a Zoom Invitation can be sent to you. Santa Clarita - This will be an In Person or Hybrid meeting Please indicate whether you are attending in person or via zoom. Saturday, May 6th at 10:00 AM Hosted by Dr. Lynne Steinman (661) 259-0144
Westside Sunday, May 21st at 3:00 PM Hosted by Dr. Cris Scaglione (949) 939-1943
Encino Sunday, May 21st at 3:00 PM Hosted by Dr. Pamela McCrory (818) 999- 4126
Join us for great discussions with fellow LACPA members!
Amy Rosett, Ph.D. 16055 Ventura Blvd., Suite 720 "The opinions of presenters at informal forums, such as Special Interest Groups (SIGs) or club meetings, and their approach to psychological issues and interventions do not represent a formal endorsement of any position by the Los Angeles County Psychological Association or its members. The opinions, ideas, and concepts expressed are purely those of the presenter."
Contact: mccroryphd@earthlink |
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