"In MORE OR LESS MADDY, Lisa Genova achieves what few authors can: she tells a compelling and accurate story about the realities of bipolar disorder. Through Maddy’s journey, Genova vividly depicts the often-overwhelming experience of navigating a mental health crisis, grounding the narrative in both lived experience and neuroscience. With empathy, accuracy, and humor, she shows how a bipolar diagnosis affects not only one individual, but the entire family system. This novel is a tribute to the resilience of people living with mental illness and the essential role of family support in recovery."  —Maggie G. Mortali, CEO, National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York City (NAMI-NYC)

 

“Quite simply, there is no one like Lisa Genova” — Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author 

“For those suffering with mental illness and those who love them, MORE OR LESS MADDY is a gift. It does what novels, and Lisa Genova novels in particular, do best, it inspires empathy and compassion. Lisa artfully conveys the interior of two of the hardest mental illnesses to explain, bipolar disorder and the desire to tell jokes to strangers every night. Highly recommend.” —Gary Gulman, author of MISFIT and writer and star Of HBO’s The Great Depresh

"MORE OR LESS MADDY is a riveting, deeply empathetic examination of a bright young woman’s struggle to understand and accept a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Lisa Genova’s discerning, scientific mind and remarkable gifts as a novelist are at their finest as she reveals the thrilling heights and devastating lows of this often-stigmatized condition. Sparkling with humor and at times, heartbreak, this roller coaster ride of a novel will have you holding on for dear life, while never wanting it to end." —Ann Leary, New York Times bestselling author of THE FOUNDLING

"In her poignant and fearless new novel, Lisa Genova masterfully navigates the intricate web of emotions that accompany a family grappling with the unforeseen challenges of a mental illness diagnosis. Genova's deft blend of humor and compassion grabs the reader from the very first page even as she unveils the hidden ripples that reverberate through a seemingly idyllic facade, interrogating themes of familial bonds, love, resilience and the expectations placed upon women. A riveting page-turner that will touch your heart!" —Jean Kwok, New York Times bestselling author of SEARCHING FOR SYLVIE LEE

"As ever, Genova brings both an expert understanding of the neuroscience and a masterful eye for compelling characters in an emotionally textured narrative. Maddy's story is completely absorbing; it may keep readers up all night... Affecting, harrowing, beautiful, and enlightening, as well as a great pleasure to read." —Shelf Awareness

“Stirring . . . Maddy is a well-drawn character, offering readers a sympathetic look at what it’s like to live with a bipolar diagnosis, and Genova’s signature empathy and insights are on full display. It’s a remarkable achievement.” —Publishers Weekly 

“Genova paints a realistic and often painful picture of the toll mental illness takes on both the affected person and loved ones, making for a visceral, harrowing, and undeniably powerful read.” —Booklist