In awe of Nick....
Written: Aug 05 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Proceeds go to a fund in Nick's name for manic-depressives
Cons: Absolutely no bad could come out of this book.
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| rebelgrrl's Full Review: Danielle Steel - His Bright Light: The Story of Ni... |
This book is Danielle Steel's touching account of her son Nick's life and death. I had never read a Danielle Steel book before in my entire life. Being a casual Link 80 fan, I thought it would be interesting to know what Nick "Eighty" was going through prior to his death. I picked up the book, and to my surprise found that I couldn't put it down.
Nick Traina (I don't know why it's spelled wrong on epinions) was the victim of an extreme case of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder can affect anyone, and needs to be treated more as a serious mental disease. Manic depressives often act fine around others, and are often in very good moods. Then they'll spiral down into a state of melancholy that they can't be pulled out of. This shouldn't be ignored. That's exactly what Danielle Steele is trying to say. If Nick's problems had been addressed as a genuine disease, he may still be alive today. People with bipolar disorder often have little impulse control, and if the person becomes depressed and wants to end his life, he may very well be capable of doing so. Such was Nick's case.
A brilliant and sharp child, Nick grew up to be intelligent and very perceptive of the world around him. His band, Link 80, became an important outlet for feelings of insignificance and angst at the same time. But while Link 80 had a strong fanbase, I don't think that anyone ever knew what was going on with Nick behind closed doors. The book sheds so much light on the subject, and answers many questions that hung in the air after Nick's suicide.
"His Bright Light" was written not only from a famous author's perspective, but more importantly from a mother's perspective. I have such a strong respect for Danielle Steel; it seems as though she put press and critics in the shadows and wrote a book that touched hearts and helped those in need. She talks openly about the most intimate details in her life in order to make sure that the reader fully understands every situation and standpoint. She narrates her own struggle to deal with a loved one who is manic-depressive, telling the reader everything. Nick was kicked out of a number of schools, was hard to handle, and for a long time, no psychiatrist would offer any medication or diagnosis. So for the most part, she had to personally cater to Nick's needs, while caring for what seemed like an army of other children.
In this battle, no love was lost between Nick and his mother. Ms. Steel makes it very obvious that her love for Nick is absolutely unconditional. She defended him, she fought for him, he was her first priority. Living in the spotlight with a manic depressive child who needed constant care couldn't have been easy, but she says she'd do it all over again in a heartbeat.
"His Bright Light" will lead the reader through Nick's life, from birth until death. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll be shocked. It's not difficult to read, either. It's smooth and straightforward, and at times even perfectly casual. Nick was a rebel, a punk, and I think I would've liked him. Even people who can't relate to that lifestyle would've liked him.
In the book, there are a number of letters written between Nick and his mother. Also, though, there are a lot of songs and journal entries that Nick wrote that were included. These in particular helped the reader to feel what Nick was feeling. Those of us who've heard the songs may be familiar with it already. If you were familiar with Link 80 or Knowledge, and found that Nick's death and the information surrounding it seemed like a devastatingly empty end, read the book.
The number of people who could relate to this book is immeasurable. Read it if you were a fan of either of Nick's bands, Link 80 or Knowledge. Read it if you're a Danielle Steel fan. Read it if you're manic-depressive or suspect that you may be. Definitely read it if you know someone who is. Read it if you like inspirational literature. This is not a story that will leave you in a couple of days.
"It took so long to build it,
this home I thought I'd found,
But where there's smoke there's fire
And now it's burning down"
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
rebelgrrl
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Member: Melody Addington
Reviews written: 36
Trusted by: 19 members
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