Welcome to Litsy!

This isn‘t the typical true crime read. Couple Found Slain dives into the aftermath of a murder and offers a heartbreaking deep-dive into a broken mental health care system. CN: discussions of violence, abuse, sexual assault.

I loved it. The twist is that this is more of an examination of our mental health penal system than a straight study of one specific crime. The imprecisions and sometimes injustices that come with how the mentally ill are treated is fascinating (and enraging) to me. (#FreeBritney) This is a good follow up for those that enjoyed Hidden Valley Road, but want a true crime twist. #Screamathon @4thhouseontheleft

Mikita Brottman doesn‘t write average true crime books. Expect a compelling story with lots of philosophical asides. Here she examines the aftermath of a crime. She explores the vicissitudes of forensic hospitals and questions the definitions of mental illness and health. As with all of her books, this one will touch and surprise you. It will leave you a better person than you were before. Such a gifted writer!

When Brian Bechtold was 22, he shot and killed both of his parents in their home during a schizophrenic episode. This books details Brian‘s illness, recovery, and major struggles with the institution that he was housed in. An interesting read about the different perspectives of mental illness and the introduction of anti-psychotics.

Despite not feeling completely settled on certain issues, I think Brottman did a thorough job supporting her own stance. She brought some really important issues to the surface.

My full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3968909366

True crime time!

Couple Found Slain follows a man‘s murder of his parents and subsequent placement into a psychiatric facility and efforts to end his incarceration there. There is no doubt in my mind that both our justice and mental health systems require major overhauling, but this is a very one-sided look at the issue that fails to consider alternate viewpoints. It brings up important points and was an interesting listen, but it needs balance.

This went from #truecrime to a chronicle of the perpetrator‘s experiences in a mental institution. It was a quick read and a low pick, mostly because I expected a totally different book. The title is misleading. The author obviously feels one way about the institution featured in the book and it comes off as being a one-sided indictment of wrongdoings.

Reading while I wait for my mom at her appointment. What do nonreaders do while waiting?? 🤔

It‘s hot!! The boys swam and I had my book and beverage poolside 🍹📖☀️
Loving this brand new #truecrime

Another #LittenListen this month that I really enjoyed.

#CuriousCovers @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

⭐⭐⭐⭐
#audiobook #ARC #Netgalley #MacmillanAudio #nonfiction2021 #JoysOfJune
Available July 6, 2021

#audiobook #ARC #Netgalley #MacmillanAudio #nonfiction2021

Though the title suggests this nonfiction read to fall under True Crime, the 1992 murder of Brian Bechtold‘s parents at his own hands really isn‘t the focus. The aftermath-& Brian‘s subsequent institutionalization for 27 years- makes up the bulk of the book. It‘s a horrifically fascinating listen- with violence rampant between patients & at the hands of staff members too. Brian‘s own story is full of drama- including an escape attempt. Riveting!

#BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks #LittenListen @aperfectmjk #NetGalley

This is a different type of true crime book. At first I was unsure how I felt. Brottman explores the life of a murderer after the crime has been committed. The information surrounding how criminals with mental illnesses are treated was well researched and interesting.

It is a unique point of view, but I ended up learning a lot by having the story told in a different way.

Interesting read.