Finding Dad, Paranoid Schizophrenia

A successful, loving father of three is suddenly struck by paranoid schizophrenia and hallucinates the mob is out to kill him. He declares himself a prophet of God and disappears, homeless on the streets.

After nearly a decade, Joseph is all but forgotten by the world. His devoted daughter, Amanda, spends years searching for him. With hope slipping away, her sister, brother, and stepmother give up, forced to move on with their lives.

When a call from the Missing Persons division alerts Amanda that her dad is still alive-location unknown-she races against time to save him. 

Amanda's mission is clear: find her dad. Her motivation: unconditional love. She navigates a maze of medical bureaucracy and a tangle of relationships to discover that what she's really been searching for is not all that she finds.

This incredible true story, Finding Dad, Paranoid Schizophrenia: An End to the Search, is a standalone book. It is the highly-anticipated sequel to the National Award-Winning book Losing Dad, Paranoid Schizophrenia: A Family's Search for Hope. Includes reading guide discussion questions.

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

"replete with insights ... a compelling memoir especially highly recommended."

-D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

"powerful and compelling ... a riveting look at the devastating effects of untreated mental illness and the long-term impact it can have on families.... brilliantly written ... bold and intriguing ... this riveting journey leaves a lasting impression on readers.... From her sense of desperation that there is no cure for Joseph's condition to her joy at the small triumphs along the way, LaPera's writing is full of deep insight .... A striking memoir of mental illness and its devastating impact on families."

-Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize

"as much a testament to resilience as it is a pointed critique of the American mental healthcare system ... exposes a bureaucracy that fails those it should protect. LaPera writes with profound empathy ... a poignant account of ... how mental illness drastically impacts family relationships ... 'It's amazing how we can take the simplest things for granted. When a family member struggles with their mental health, any little victory can mean so much,' LaPera muses... a bittersweet reflection on the endurance required to love someone lost within themselves."

-Publisher's Weekly BookLife Reviews

"deeply personal memoir ... strikes a perfect balance between powerful storytelling and deep empathy ... weaves together her personal experiences with broader insights about mental health stigma and systemic barriers gives ... crucial context for the wider world ... portrayal of unconditional love and relentless hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, creating connections that stayed with me long after finishing the book ... an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the impact of severe mental illness on families and the power of persistent love."

-K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite (5-Star Review)