The Dark Side of Innocence: Growing Up Bipolar by Terri Cheney book analysis

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Sharon Boyd-Jackson, Ph.D. Psy-3540-03 Abnormal Psychology

Semester Project: Book Analysis Assignment

DUE DATE: October 23, 2020

DESCRIPTION:

This project involves an analysis and critique of your assigned choice of either of two novels: ‘Manic” by Terri Cheney. 1-

“The Dark Side of Innocence” or 2- “Manic: A Memoir”…SEE ASSIGNED BOOK CHOICE LIST TO MAKE CERTAIN YOU

ARE PURCHASING AND READING THE CORRECT BOOK

TEXT INFORMATION:

Cheney, Teri (2011). The dark side of innocence: Growing up bipolar. Atria Books: A division of

Simon & Schuster, Inc. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publisher. ISBN: 9781439176214 {E-Book – ISBN 978-1-4391-

7625-2}*You can purchase this in the bookstore, any Barnes & Nobles or order online

Cheney, Teri (2009). Manic: A memoir. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publisher. *You can purchase

this at any Barnes & Nobles or order online.

IF YOUR NAME IS NOT ON THE ASSIGNED BOOK CHOICE LIST YOU MUST CONTACT ME BEFORE

PURCHING A BOOK.

INSTRUCTIONS:

You will read and analyze one of the two the novels above once you have been assigned by the instructor. Both novels

relate to the description of the same person’s experience of what it is like to cope with bipolar disorder. However, one

relates to Terri Cheney’s childhood and the other relates to her adulthood. The overall story in each novel exemplifies the

importance of the assignment and can increase your understanding of mental illness and personal struggles one may

encounter.

In general, your paper will highlight how the symptoms of bipolar disorder are expressed in the main character’s behavior

and your reaction to her experiences. You will include the following in your critique:

o Describe behavior that relate to at least two different bipolar symptoms identified from the DSM-V). Then describe how you think each symptom is expressed in one or two instances of her behavior. 20% (approx. ¾

page). One of the symptoms must relate to signs of mania.

o Who do you think was the most influential in Terri’s life? Why and how (Choose only two different individuals who were most influential to discuss)? 25% (approx. 1 page). This must relate to live persons.

o If she received treatment was it helpful? Why? Why not? If she did not receive treatment, then why not? 15% (approx. ½ page) you must fully answer this question. Be thoughtful.

o What do you think is Terri’s character strengths and what are her weaknesses? (Do not use behaviors caused by her illness…for example- the “black beast” or “suicide” cannot be considered a weakness) 20% (approx. ½

page)

o What did you find most interesting and/or educational about this book? In other words, what did you learn? 15% (Approx. ½ page)

o Identify at least two questions that may have come to mind as you read this book…You may try to come up with possible answers to your questions but it is not necessary to answer them. 5%

Paper Format:

 The paper should be typed, double-spaced and approximately three and one-half to five pages, maximum in length. You may be penalized for not abiding to page length (DO NOT USE QUOTES). Please create a cover

page for this paper. You will submit your paper to turnitin.com. You will receive instructions for turnitin.com at

a later date.