Book excerpt: Young, handsome, and full of life, David Day is ready to marry his college sweetheart. Everything is in place: he has completed his college education and launched a successful computer career. Before he can make the most important commitment of his life, however, a thief strikes, stealing his dreams. As he wrestles with severe bipolar disease, he loses first his fiancée and then his job. David’s fighting spirit gets him through law school and helps him pass the Minnesota Bar Examination. It helps him too when the Minnesota Board of Law Examiners decides his illness makes him unfit for the challenging public law career he had chosen—a decision he courageously challenges. His family has faith everything will come out right in the end. Surely David’s hard work has earned him some good luck, some happiness. He has found a medication he can tolerate and has been hospital free for three years. As they begin to relax, bipolar strikes again, fatally this time. In the aftermath of David’s death, his mother, Pat, has to decide: Is that all there was to his life? Did the thief win? Decide for yourself as you follow Pat’s compelling true-life journey. Along the way you’ll learn important information about bipolar, a disease which affects 5.7 million Americans, about how to cope with mental illness when it affects you or a loved one, and about how to move forward when, in the midst of grief and loss, God seems unavailable and uncaring. You’ll also discover the joy and peace available even in the darkest pit and the hope that can rise from the ashes of despair. This is a story you will find as intriguing as the movies and books you have seen and can’t forget. The best book I've ever read on grief. Just beautiful how the author bares her soul. A must read for anyone who has lost a child. A book to read again and again. As former manage of a Christian book store, I know the crying need for When the Thief Strikes. Marilyn Otte, Cannon Falls, MN Wow! Right from the beginning this book grabs you and takes you through the darkness of the battle to victory. You might be able to read it in one sitting (because you can't put it down), but you will want to read it again slowly chewing on the God given insights Pat shares. Whether you are going through the journey of dealing with mental illness, grief or know someone who is and want to reach out with wisdom....this book is for you. Susan Dehmlow, Vermilion, MN Even if Pat Day weren't my friend, I would love this book!!!! Pat Hanson, Randolph, MN A TREMENDOUS book. A gift of love. I have friends impacted by bipolar which has largely been a mystery to me. Because of the insights gained from Pat Day's book, I can now come along side them as a friend in their struggle with this “thief.” The end notes, bibliography, and index. make the book even more useful. The heart wrenching candor with which she recounts her story and its impact on her personal faith journey will profoundly affect you and strengthen you for your own times of trial. Beth Hagemeister, Cannon Falls, MN An Awesome book!!! Hard to put down. So far 10 people are on my waiting list to borrow it. As a nurse, I recommend doctors read it to gain insights on mental illness not found in textbooks. Cheryl Albers, Northfield, MN I loved this book! A moving story for anyone. Addresses the core of suffering and grief. A must read for anyone who has a loved one suffering with mental illness. Sheds light on subjects rarely talked about. A true gift to those who read it! Roxanne Devney, Northfield, MN This book invoked poignant memories of people I knew who died by suicide. It begs the question--when will understanding and acceptance of mental illness begin and the silence and shame end? Don Burgoyne, Cannon Falls, MN” It's hard enough for a mother to work through the