RaveThe Rumpus...poetic and powerful debut... McDermott’s book reveals his transition from the courtroom to the asylum, which happens covertly, as if the disease had cloaked itself in ambition ... Gorilla and the Bird is so poignant, not only because of McDermott’s harrowing ordeals but because of his mother’s love, which guides him throughout. Like a calm sea captain piloting a skiff over choppy waves, Cindy provides the support and care McDermott needs to recover ... Gorilla and the Bird is an important resource for anyone impacted by the scope of bipolar disorder, as well as those who want to learn more about it. But the reader’s biggest takeaway from the memoir is the importance of a strong support network, which can often be the difference between relapse and recovery.
