John D. Gartner

an hagiographic biography masquerading as a psychodynamic study of the president. the author clearly needs a knee replacement after all the genuflecting he did before Clinton. He doesn't come off as a psychotherapist that you would want to employ.

Carrie Fisher, in addition to acting, is the author of acclaimed novels, and is a highly respected "script doctor." She is also bipolar, and has commented, "It's not all bad. The manic end is a lot of fun... just fantastic."

Dr. Gartner argues that mania and hypomania - the "manic end" of the mood spectrum - are radically different. He acknowledges that mania "is a severe illness... Manic episodes almost always end in hospitalization. People who are highly energized, and also in most cases show more psychotic, do bizarre things that are dangerous, frightening, and disruptive."

In the book, he gives clear explanations based on his clinical experience, plus stories of accomplished people which support the main theme of the book: that many, perhaps most, successful entrepreneurs and businesspeople are hypomanic.

It is easy to find many examples of leaders in business and the arts who show the typical range of traits: "filled with energy... flooded with ideas... driven, restless, and unable to keep still... often works on little sleep... feels brilliant, special, chosen, perhaps even destined to change the world... can be euphoric... is a risk taker..."

It is helpful to understand these qualities are not necessarily pathological, but positive qualities that talented people can use for success. show less

I try to be neutral toward our former president. I was hoping for some insights to his thinking and actions. What I got was nothing more than a syrupy hagiography by a male Monica wannabe.

Here we find the myth of the artist (writer, poet, musician, etc.) as "crazy" applied to the the entrepreneur -- the new cool in an increasingly materialistic world. Throw in a a bit of amateur genetics and voila! Give me a break!