Book Review #2 - Inside Out

(spoiler to this book :)!)

Trueman, Terry. Inside Out. New York: Harper Collins, 2003.

In Inside Out, we immediately are introduced to the main character Zach Wahhsted. During his usual visit to the coffee shop, Zach and eight others are held hostage by two gunmen. Both the gunmen and hostages are taken back by Zach’s “weirdness.” Zach is schizophrenic and very aware of his condition. He’s also aware of what happens when he doesn’t get his medicine. Throughout the novel we are able to see first-hand how Zach’s schizophrenic mind rationalizes his circumstance and surroundings.

I really enjoyed this book! I particularly liked how the setting and events revealed elements of Zach’s illness. I do, however, question the ending of this novel. On the last page we are informed that Zach has committed suicide. Suicidal tendencies may be a symptom of individuals who are schizophrenic, but is not a symptom for all. Zach took medication that helped eliminate his suicidal voices “Rat and Dirtbag.” However, we find out that his medication is not enough. I wonder about the messages this perpetuates about the illness? Does it seem stereotypical? Does it send a hopeless message, or is it showing the realities of this disease? I personally feel it would have ended better had Zach not committed suicide.