WHAT'S NEW ON THE BOOKSHELF?
New Memoir Highlights
the Loving Bonds Within
a Special Family
Mikey and Me
W
hen Mikey is young, the Sullivans are
a closely knit unit, all of them devoted
to caring for her. But as Mikey grows
older, she also grows increasingly vio-
lent. By the time she’s 12 years old, in-
stitutionalization is the only available
option and without the shared pur-
pose of caring for Mikey, the family begins to unravel.
As her family falls apart, Teresa searches for relief
and connection during a time of sweeping cultural
change. Lacking maturity or guidance, she makes
choices that lead her down a sometimes perilous
path. But regardless of the circumstances at home
and the tumult in their individual lives, the Sullivans
are united in their love and concern for Mikey.
In Mikey and Me, Teresa interweaves her exceptional sis-
ter’s journey with her own, affirming the grace and bru-
tality of Mikey’s life, and its indelible effect on her fami-
ly. Unflinching and insightful, this is a deep exploration
of the relationship between two sisters one blind, with
profound developmental disabilities, unable to voice
her own story, and the other with the heart and under-
standing to express it exquisitely for her.
Teresa Sullivan is a registered nurse with a master’s
degree in business administration. She has worked
as a clinician, educator, and director of treatment
programs specializing in addiction and mental
health. She lives in Santa Monica, California, with
her adopted dogs, Danny, Maya, and Kate.
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