"A moving account of persisting and healing in the face of trauma." -Kirkus Review IN A VOICE AS POWERFUL AS HIS EXPERIENCES Thomas Kind shares his journey of mental health struggles as he battled childhood fear that followed him into adulthood. Alcoholism, an unknown bipolar disorder, and a relentless career magnified his anxieties. At forty-five, Thomas experienced a nervous breakdown that left him convinced his life was a failure, and he started to plan his suicide. An unexpected encounter with a scholar in worldly thinking led Thomas to discover a spiritual path. With her guidance, he navigated his way to personal freedom, a peaceful existence, and the release of fears that had gripped him throughout his life. Thomas tells the stories of his transformation with vulnerable introspection, visiting the depth of his cruelty and the height of his mania. The Long and Tortured Road shows us that finding joy is possible for those battling mental health challenges