Book Discussion: "Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family" by Robert Kolker

This book discussion regularly meets at Spencer Road Branch, however, due to construction we will be meeting at the McClay Branch for this discussion. Copies are available for pickup at both the McClay and Mid Rivers Mall Branches.

"Don and Mimi Galvin seemed to be living the American dream. After World War II, Don's work with the Air Force brought them to Colorado, where their twelve children perfectly spanned the baby boom: the oldest born in 1945, the youngest in 1965. In those years, there was an established script for a family like the Galvins--aspiration, hard work, upward mobility, domestic harmony--and they worked hard to play their parts. But behind the scenes was a different story: psychological breakdown, sudden shocking violence, hidden abuse. By the mid-1970s, six of the ten Galvin boys, one after the other, were diagnosed as schizophrenic. How could all this happen to one family? What took place inside the house on Hidden Valley Road was so extraordinary that the Galvins became one of the first families to be studied by the National Institutes of Mental Health. Their story offers a shadow history of the science of schizophrenia, from the era of institutionalization, lobotomy, and the schizophrenogenic mother, to the search for genetic markers for the disease, always amidst profound disagreements about the nature of the illness itself. And unbeknownst to the Galvins, samples of their DNA informed decades of genetic research that continues today, offering paths to treatment, prediction, and even eradication of the disease for future generations. With clarity and compassion, bestselling and award-winning author Robert Kolker uncovers one family's unforgettable legacy of suffering, love and hope"-- Provided by publisher.

If you prefer, this title is available electronically:

Find the ebook and eaudiobook on Libby. 

This discussion will be held both in-person and virtually. Prior to the class, all registrants will be emailed a link to participate virtually, should you prefer to attend that way. No account necessary!