Title: Mom…Let’s Talk
Authors: Jeanne Schaeberle, Robert Shaeberle
Publisher: Lulu.com
ISBN: 978-1430303954
Pages: 185
Genre: Parenting & Relationships/Biographies & Memoirs
Reviewed by: Aly Avina

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Mental illness is something that afflicts many individuals in our country, which is something millions can relate to on a personal level in their own family. Statistically, it is said that 1 in 4 adults have at least one mental illness they struggle with in the United States alone. Yet, it is something not always talked about, at least not in great detail. But in Mom…Let’s Talk by author Jeanne Schaeberle with poetry by her son, Robert Shaeberle, it is not just discussed, but a large theme in this book. We are taken on a tour of the life of Robert Shaeberle through his mother’s eyes, as well as to get a glimpse into the mind of Robert himself.

Throughout the book, we see things from the mother’s perspective primarily. It’s a memoir, really, of Jeanne’s own journey with her son and the mental illness he struggled with throughout his life. But we also get a bit of Robert’s perspective, through his poetry he wrote over the years. Poetry seemed to be a coping mechanism to help battle the voices and inner demons he dealt with on a daily basis. The metaphors in these beautiful yet haunting poems really helps to shed some light on the turmoil Robert was going through. Meanwhile, Jeanne is able to give us more background into her life, her son’s life, and what was going on behind-the-scenes of these poems of Robert’s.

Both Robert and Jeanne are eloquent authors in their own right and while this, at times, is a heartbreaking tale, it also is extremely important to help start the conversation on mental illness and how it affects those who suffer from them, as well as their loved ones. It is filled with raw emotion and shows a mother’s love knows no bounds in how she cared for her eldest son who was suffering from his illness while simultaneously caring for her other three children, too.

Robert, unfortunately, passed away prior to the publication of this book, but this is honestly a beautiful way to honor this man behind the stunning poetry. I personally would recommend that anyone who either has a child with a mental illness or suffers from one themselves to read this book. You will likely find yourself in these pages and relate to this story on a level that not everyone can.