"Manic Episodes and the Dark Side" draws the reader in with an autobiographical sketch of a misspent youth, then plunges into the terror of bipolar illness. Rich Patton travels the rocky road from the darkness of seemingly hopeless depression to the frightening experiences of manic psychosis. Following the sometimes humorous, but more often tragic, thirty-four years of the author's experiences with psychiatric wards, a state mental hospital, arrests, criminal incarcerations and trials, broken marriages and suicide attempts, the reader will be heartened to find there is hope. Those who struggle with this illness-either personally or with a loved one-will benefit from learning how the author has successfully coped and achieved in spite of his illness. Included in this book are Six Pathways to the Light-a guide for surviving the darkest hours, including the embrace of a spiritual life.