A less well - known but still great one is 'I Never Promised You a Rose Garden' by Joanne Greenberg. It tells the story of a young girl's struggle with schizophrenia in a mental hospital. It really dives deep into the psychological aspects of her illness and her journey to recovery.
One well - known book is 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' by Ken Kesey. It offers a vivid and critical look at the power dynamics within a mental institution. The story is told from the perspective of a patient, Randle McMurphy, who challenges the authoritarian rule of Nurse Ratched.
One story is about an old mental institution where patients were heard screaming at night for no apparent reason. Legend has it that a cruel doctor once experimented on the patients there, and their tortured souls still roam the halls. People who visited at night claimed to see shadowy figures moving about.
I've heard of a mental institution where the patients seemed to be under some sort of trance. They would all stand in a line at the same time every day, facing a blank wall. One day, a new nurse tried to break the pattern, but the patients became extremely agitated. She soon left the job after experiencing some really strange and unexplainable events in that place. There were rumors that the institution was built on an ancient burial ground, and that's what was causing all the odd behavior.
A very popular one is 'Prozac Nation'. It was one of the first books to really put the experience of living with depression in the spotlight in a very public way. It made a lot of people aware of the reality of mental illness. Also, 'Reasons to Stay Alive' has gained a large following. Its positive message in the face of depression is very appealing to many.
Definitely 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'. It's super well - known. The story really shows how the patients in a mental hospital are affected by the system and the power dynamics there.
One real story is about a patient who had severe anxiety disorder. He would constantly worry about every little thing. In the mental institution, through therapy like cognitive - behavioral therapy, he gradually learned to identify his irrational thoughts and manage his anxiety. He started with small steps, like being able to sit calmly for 10 minutes without worrying, and eventually made great progress in his recovery.
Well, '84, Charing Cross Road' is also quite popular. It's based on the real - life correspondence between an American writer and a London bookseller. It gives a warm and charming look at the love for books and the connection between people through books, even though it's not strictly about a library but is very much about the world of books in a fictionalized way.
One of the most popular is 'The Godfather' by Mario Puzo. It's famous for its portrayal of the Corleone crime family, which functions like a very powerful and organized gang. The book shows the family's operations, their power struggles, and how they maintain their influence. It has been adapted into a very successful movie as well.
'A Monster Calls' by Patrick Ness. It's about a boy who is bullied at school and also dealing with his mother's illness. The monster in the story helps him face his fears and the bullying situation in an unexpected way.
'The Time Traveler's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger is also relevant. While it's mainly about time travel, the concept of the protagonist living different parts of his life at different times can be seen as a form of reincarnation. The unique love story set against this backdrop has attracted a large number of readers.