A poet recounts his experience with madness and explores the relationship between apprehension and imagination. In the summer of 1977, standing on a roadside somewhere between Dachau and Munich, twenty-two-year-old Mike Barnes experienced the dawning of the psychic break he'd been anticipating almost all his life. "Times over the years when I have tried to describe what followed," he writes of that moment, "it has always come out wrong." In this finely wrought, deeply intelligent memoir of madness, its antecedents and its aftermath, Barnes reconstructs instead what led him to that moment and offers with his characteristic generosity and candor the captivating account of a mind restlessly aware of itself.
Mike Barnes Ordre des livres






- 2024
- 2023
Hardwired to the Heart: Authentic Servant Leadership
- 188pages
- 7 heures de lecture
- 2020
An entertaining, definitive and in-depth study of prog rock, with a new cover and a foreword by Steve Hackett (Genesis).
- 2019
Exploring the interplay between sensory experiences and self-discovery, this collection of poems delves into perception and the journey of understanding both the external world and one's inner landscape. Through evocative language, it invites readers to reflect on the nuances of sensory awareness and personal growth.
- 2019
BE WITH
- 152pages
- 6 heures de lecture
These letters to a long-term dementia caregiver draw on the author's own years of caring for his mother through the stages of moderate, severe, very severe and late-stage Alzheimer's.
- 2018
Be with: Letters to a Caregiver
- 156pages
- 6 heures de lecture
This collection of letters offers heartfelt reflections for caregivers looking after elderly, ailing family members. It emphasizes the significance of presence and connection in caregiving, providing insights and support for those navigating the emotional challenges of this role. Through personal anecdotes and meditative prose, it highlights the profound impact of companionship and the shared journey between caregivers and their loved ones.
- 2016
The Adjustment League
- 352pages
- 13 heures de lecture
A damaged hero navigates the treacherous landscape of a city's criminal underworld, confronting and manipulating the pervasive corruption he encounters. This dark and gripping crime novel delves into themes of morality and redemption, exploring the complexities of justice in a world where right and wrong blur. The protagonist's journey reveals the psychological toll of his choices as he grapples with his own demons while seeking to impose his version of order on chaos.
- 2012
Exploring the complexities of relationships, family dynamics, and existential themes, this collection of original fables by Mike Barnes blends dark and uplifting elements. The stories delve into the otherworldliness of human connections, touching on madness and mortality, offering readers a thought-provoking and emotional journey through the intricacies of life.
- 2011
Captain Beefheart
- 410pages
- 15 heures de lecture
"Here is the real story of the cult figure known as one of modern music's true innovators. Following Don Van Vliet's death, Mike Barnes reassesses his legacy through new interview material and with reference to reports and eulogies that appeared in the media. The author also puts Van Vliet's reclusiveness over the last two decades in context, now that it has been officially revealed that he was suffering from MS (his friends and representatives had always denied that he had a long term illness). A unique in-depth look at a unique artist."--Publisher description
- 2009
The Wire Primers: A Guide to Modern Music
- 208pages
- 8 heures de lecture
Focusing on alternative and experimental music, this guide highlights essential recordings from a variety of genres, including P-funk, turntablism, avant metal, and dubstep. It reflects the extensive coverage of "The Wire" magazine since its inception in 1982, showcasing both past and present musicians who operate outside the mainstream. The book serves as a comprehensive resource for enthusiasts seeking to explore the depth and diversity of underground music.