A Really Good Day is a memoir written by Ayelet Waldman. The book chronicles a year in the life of the author, during which she took a daily dose of LSD as part of a psychedelic drug trial. The book explores the effects of the drug on her mental state, as well as her relationships with her family and friends. It also delves into her past experiences and how they have shaped her views on life, love, and mental health.
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1: Waldman introduces the idea of taking LSD every day for a year as a way to treat her depression and anxiety. She discusses her past experiences with mental illness and how they have impacted her life.
Chapter 2: Waldman describes her first experience with LSD and how it affects her perception of reality. She also talks about the preparations she made before starting the trial, including finding a trusted source for the drug and setting up a safe place to take it.
Chapter 3: Waldman writes about the challenges of balancing her daily LSD use with her responsibilities as a mother and writer. She also discusses the reactions of her friends and family to her decision to take LSD every day.
Chapter 4: Waldman reflects on her childhood and the impact of her parents’ divorce on her mental health. She also talks about her struggles with depression and anxiety throughout her adult life.
Chapter 5: Waldman describes the effects of LSD on her creativity and her writing process. She also talks about the challenges of maintaining a regular writing schedule while taking LSD every day.
Chapter 6: Waldman writes about the challenges of balancing her LSD use with her responsibilities as a mother and wife. She also discusses the impact of LSD on her relationships with her family and friends.
Chapter 7: Waldman reflects on her experiences with LSD and how they have impacted her views on life, love, and mental health. She also talks about the challenges of coming off the drug and the aftereffects of her LSD use.
Conclusion
A Really Good Day is a powerful and thought-provoking memoir that explores the impact of psychedelic drugs on mental health and well-being. Waldman’s candid and honest writing style makes the book an engaging and compelling read. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in mental health, drug use, and the impact of personal experiences on our lives.
Overall, Waldman’s book is a valuable contribution to the conversation around mental health and drug use. It provides a unique perspective on the impact of psychedelic drugs on mental health and well-being, and offers insights into the challenges of balancing mental health and personal responsibilities. Waldman’s writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, making the book a must-read for anyone interested in these topics.