NEW RELEASE

STARS AND SKELETONS

by David Robinson

This true story follows the author, Dave, and his brother, Tim, from a mostly happy childhood into an adulthood troubled by severe mental illness. The book shows the two brothers at every stage of development -- told through many short stories.

Tim finds himself lost in a world of psychotic delusions and confusing, terrifying thoughts. He becomes dangerous, especially to himself. Eventually diagnosed with Chronic Undifferentiated Schizophrenia, the illness changes him, profoundly affecting everyone close to him. The brothers' relationship deepens as Dave commits himself to remaining close to Tim no matter how bad it gets. Through years of setbacks, faith, medication, hard work, and brotherly love, Tim rediscovers the life he'd lost. In the appendix of the book, Tim himself shares some of the powerful tools he's learned that help him now lead a healthy and productive life.

from the author

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See endorsements and reviews below

“This book will bring both tears and joy to anyone acquainted with mental illness. I highly recommend it to anyone who is open to a behind the scenes view of life with someone struggling with mental and emotional illness.”

— Gary Chapman, Ph.D., author of The Five Love Languages

“This book will knit you to the characters in their childhood, so you’re comfortably strapped in with them for the wild and unpredictable ride, with its joys and its sorrows, its examination and understanding of the illness, and the wholly unanticipated outcome.”

— Mary Bihr, Vice President, Global Publishing, LucasArts, a division of Lucasfilm (retired)

This story allows us to see the individual behind the mask of a diagnosis, and has the potential to dismantle the stigma often attached to Schizophrenia.

— Marty Schwebel, LMFT in California and Texas

Dave is an insightful witness to his brother’s spiral into the depths of mental illness. A window into this world is a courageous gift to readers. Love will ultimately prevail in this complicated, sometimes humorous, and at other times heart wrenching, yet hopeful story.

— Andre Stephens, Ph.D., President, Fresno Pacific University

I first met Tim at a moment of desperation in the San Francisco General Hospital Emergency Room. Dave’s book documents the toll of schizophrenia on his brother, and Tim’s courage as he slowly arose from the depths of despair.

— William Schecter, MD, FACS, FCCM, Professor of Clinical Surgery, UCSF

David Robinson did an incredible job painting the picture of his brother Tim as a whole person. He also captured the confusion and terror of the psychotic symptoms Tim experienced. It’s a compelling story of the love of family, friends, and mentors.

— Peggy Kwun, MD, Psychiatry

the Author

David Robinson, MDiv, DMin

Dave is a counselor, teacher, writer, and artist.

He resides and works in the San Francisco Bay Area where he directs a nonprofit focused on serving people by fostering personal healing and spiritual development through creativity and the arts.