“What Jake in one of his poems calls ‘bitter sweetness’ pervades this book of struggle, loss, healing and hope.  If you, like me, have dealt with the mental illness of a loved one, you’ll weep, laugh and love alongside Mickey Driver.

“Combining Jake’s poetry with his father’s story allows the reader to experience the struggle with bipolar disorder from two perspectives.  Though the poems are grouped at the end of the book, I suggest reading them in tandem with the story for the most profound impact.

“If you have a child with bipolar disorder, this story offer glimmers of hope among the tears, and a number of resources for help, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness.  If you’ve lost a child to mental illness, the story’s key message is equally valuable:  you are not alone.”

-Alice Brink, President, NAMI Greater Houston

“Within the pages of The Book of Whispers, the reader is given a unique gift—the authors’ interlocking stories—a father’s poignant memoir of his son’s struggle with bipolar disorder, and a son’s expressive poetry with its piercing observations of the world through his eyes.”

-Mary Carr, MA, LPC, Clinical Therapist

“This is wonderfully written story of a father's story to help his son with Bipolar disease. Much research was done to provide readers with all the details. The poetry section is an added bonus to the book. What a tribute to Jake.”

-Sandra Vautrain

“This book is both profound and well written. As a educator, I would say it’s a must read to anyone working with young people. It is essential we have a better understanding of mental illness, are able to recognize the signs earlier, and have compassion in our hearts. I strongly feel this is an area that needs to be addressed in our society. This book is one small step in that direction. I am in awe of both Mickey and Jake in their honesty and courage. This book deeply affected me and I know will make a difference in my outlook and awareness in working with my students.”

-Jennifer Bucciero

“A story of a father's unconditional love for his son which invites the reader to reflect on what is most important in life and that which conquers even death. Interwoven is the courage of a young man who expressed himself through creative thought in poetry and music, which seems to transcend his psychological pain. A must-read for all parents.”

-Amazon Customer

“This is a must-read for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one claimed by mental illness. The sharing of stories hushed by societal stigmas can help the healing process and help bring into the spotlight forums and research to cure mental illness at all its debilitating levels.

“Powerful and sensitive, this book is a very compelling first person account of a loved one’s life cut tragically short by bipolar disorder. In the first half the reader experiences the happy lives of new parents and can easily relate to and share their joys of parenthood. As this part of the book progresses, subtle signs emerge that their precious son Jake has behavioral challenges. With increasing speed we are drawn into the day-to-day obstacles that have to be understood, managed and sometimes surrendered to in battling this condition. I finished the tragic conclusion of this first half with a profound sense of helplessness over what was endured by all involved and gratitude for the immense love and very humane grace in which it was accomplished.

“The second half of the book presents Jake’s poetry, which captures the essence of an intelligent young man with a wide range of thoughts and emotions: whimsical, prophetic, loving, and, yes, struggling to make sense of life. It made me feel jealous that I never got to know Jake or get a chance to enjoy his obvious warmth, wit and spirited sense of life.

“Mickey’s narrative is both strong and vulnerable. By sharing his difficult personal voyage with honesty, ever-present love and never-ending hope, this book is an emotional and gripping read that is difficult to put down.”

-Jim Pieri

“The Book of Whispers tells an incredible story of tragedy, love and hope. I couldn’t put it down. I think anyone who has known a person or family dealing mental illness will learn a great deal from reading this book. I also think it’s wonderful that the profits go to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.”

-Vanessa M.

“Once I started reading it, I didn’t want to put this tragic, painful story aside. Mickey Driver has bared his soul by sharing his memories and his son, Jake, did the same in his poems. What a powerful and unforgettable combination. This book offers hope and comfort to those who need the encouragement and understanding that it offers. I came away realizing there is no pain-free way of solving mental health-related issues, yet families who face these problems are not alone.”

-Elaine Thomas

“What an incredible story of a father's love and devotion to his son. With little to no knowledge of how to combat with the disease his son was riddled with, this father found ways to respect and admire him. The father sends a message of support for those who may be faced with similar diseases—mental illness is a disease, not just a condition to be ignored.”

-Amazon Customer