This is a great book for anyone who cares about someone with borderline personality disorder (BPD).
Even the most seasoned friend or family member will be able to learn something new or enhance his or her
current understanding of BPD and the impact of the disorder.

The book first focuses on ensuring that the reader understands BPD: the disorder,
BPD-impacted relationship patterns, and how it affects the non-BP. Then, the workbook assists readers
in focusing what they can change and improving general communication skills.
Finally, readers are guided in decision-making and getting qualified professional help.

The authors also include a glossary, a reading resource list, and a safety plan for domestic violence situations.

If only one book is chosen by someone who cares about someone who may or may not have BPD, this should be it. This may be the best resource for those who are affected by someone who has BPD.
The information and exercises in this book will assist the non-BP in gaining knowledge,
making informed decisions, and having a voice in their relationships.

The authors start by providing a glimpse into the mind of the person with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
The book addresses the appearance of the symptoms of BPD, from the perspective of the both the person with BPD and those who care about her. It then gives the reader specific information about treatment (medications and treatment modalities have changed since publication date), coping and communication.
Short fascinating anecdotes are incorporated throughout to further illustrate the points.

The authors introduce the communication tool SET (support, empathy, truth).
A description and examples of SET in practice are provided,
which can assist readers in incorporating this into their regular communication with a BP.

I Hate You - Don't Leave Me, is a great starting point for those who want to better understand BPD.
It was one of the first books written for the lay person.
As a result, it assumes a very low existing baseline of knowledge, without patronizing the reader.

The authors start by describing Diana, the Princess of Wales, as a brief introduction to someone living with BPD.
This is followed by a concise description of BPD, what has happened in the 15 years since their previous book,
and "action steps" that include a checklist of possible clues to BPD.
The next several chapters address each individual symptom, and provide an engaging story of a BP exhibiting the symptom described. This is followed up with discussion of treatment strategies,
communication techniques, prognosis, and future research directions.

Sometimes I Act Crazy is a good starting point for those who want to better understand BPD.
The authors wrote one of the first books on BPD for the lay person, and continue to focus
on making the information accessible to most readers.

I did find the anecdotes to be engrossing, but distracting in their detail.
For some, the details, such as names of locales or music artists, included could limit their connection with the story. For instance, would everyone in Kentucky be able to identify with a woman stuck in the rush hour traffic on the "405" in Los Angeles? Or would someone who has never heard of Alicia Keys relate
to a character playing her CD to relax?

The authors provide an effective communication tool for communicating with a person with BPD:
SET (support, empathy, truth). A description and examples of SET in practice are provided,
which can assist readers in incorporating this into their regular communication with a BP.

In addition, readers should be careful regarding the BPD checklist. Only one or two examples of each list item is given, and these alone do not indicate the presence of any personality disorder or other pathology. In addition, it should be with great caution that anyone use the label of BPD on someone, including public figures.