January First is a harrowing memoir about a father's struggle to understand his gifted daughter, January, whose behavior turns violent and delusional after the birth of her brother. The author explores the challenges of parenting a child with severe mental illness, highlighting the lack of proper care and his unwavering dedication to his daughter.
A Child's Descent into Madness and Her Father's Struggle to Save Her
The story follows January ("Jani") Schofield, diagnosed with severe child-onset schizophrenia at six. Constantly haunted by both friendly and malevolent imaginary friends, she struggles with her reality and the dangerous commands they issue. Living between her illusory world, "Calalini," and the real world, Jani's experience is intensified by psychiatric medications that have little effect on her. This poignant narrative explores the challenges of mental illness and the blurred lines between delusion and reality.