James Bailey's form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) was as bizarre as it was unbearable. He was obsessed by a fear of drugs and their effects, believing himself to be in constant danger of becoming insanely high through people spiking his food, or even by just touching a photograph of a marijuana leaf.
The treatment programme he went through at a specialist American clinic was challenging, to say the least. He was asked to shake hands and mingle with the local junkies, fighting his anxieties and the urge to go and wash for as long as possible in order to 'expose' himself to his fears.
Man, Interrupted gives us a glimpse into the tortured world of a man suffering from what is an increasingly common disorder. But far from being a doom-laden account of mental illness, the result is uniquely revealing, hilariously entertaining and wonderfully rewarding.
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I love James Bailey's book. Right from the first page, I was riveted by his compelling, honest account of that intense part of his life. The book is fraught with wonderfully unique encounters. I recommend it to anyone and everyone -
If you have a functioning heart and like to laugh, take this book home. You are sure to connect -
A vivid memoir - Daily Telegraph
A very funny, profound, soul-searching account of James' emotional journey . . . the story sits somewhere between The Catcher in the Rye and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - Bizarre
Amazing! As hilarious as it is gripping. Our generation's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest -
I love James's book! It completely captivated with wonderful and funny moments about the life and times of an OCD sufferer. Everyone should read it - Michael Lionello Cowan, film producer
I found it funny with many interesting moments - Barry Levinson, film producer and director
It is no wonder that Mel Brooks is a long-time friend and admirer of Bailey's writing. Maybe there's even a film character in the making - Bath Chronicle
The particular strength of Bailey's book is that he is not afraid to show himself as deeply unpleasant - Mail on Sunday
Bailey's vivid sense of humour means he relates his story with a knowing sense of the absurd . . . illuminating - Daily Mail
A wonderful memoir - Daily Telegraph
About the Author
James Bailey was born in Arkansas City, Kansas. After pursuing an acting career in the early '80s, he discovered that writing was another way to express his pent-up anger and creativity. He was content to leave Hollywood but soon after was struck with a crippling form of OCD. Now recovered, he lives in Louisiana, where he continues to write and act.
