A Really Good Day: How Microdosing Made a Mega Difference in My Mood, My Marriage, and My Life

I was curious about microdosing and had no prior exposure to Ayelet Waldman, except for an interview on Fresh Air. I was pleasantly surprised.This book touched me on a few levels. First, the account of her internal struggles, especially the self-loathing dialog that racetracks through her mind, were spot on. Her descriptions were aching, funny, and rang with truth.I did not expect this book to include a narrative on drug policy. I appreciated the material and it was well done. I've read other books on the topic, including The New Jim Crow and Chasing the Scream and on this topic, those books are more complete, but not at as entertaining.At bottom, this is a Really Good Book about our failed drug policies. It uses the author's intensely personal account of mental illness and her desperate attempts to get a handle on them as a compelling vehicle to tell that story. If you want a more academic account, the above books (also compelling, given their tone) will be your speed. Nobody will be standing before congress, holding this book out as a drug policy guide.But I loved the book. It moved me. It spoke about pain that I understood in a way that gave me hope. It also opened my eyes a little wider to the misguided tragedy that is our insane drug policy.

Ayelet Waldman's bracing honesty is admirable, even if she can't seem to control it. It's hard enough to live in the search for a really good day, let alone admit to the rest of the world that such a common thing is something you have to struggle to achieve.This was funny, thoroughly researched, and compellingly written. Waldman's experiment is whatever the exact opposite of a cautionary tale is: a ray of anecdotal hope, perhaps. But it's the research and the science behind modern pharma and the history of psychedelics that was a real gut punch for me. Side effects of depression meds suck and if doctors believe a gentler treatment is possible through evidence based research and experimentation, the federal government owes sufferers of mental illness a better explanation (and perhaps a revisiting) of why scheduled drugs are on the schedule in the first place, why proven positive results still keep alternative treatment out of reach when the science is there to back up the merits of its use.I'm grateful to Ayelet Waldman for having written this.

Just finished reading this last night. What a great, brave book Ayelet Waldman has given us. Using herself as an experiment, she tries micro-dosing LSD to help with moods and depression. Each chapter begins her day, the dose, her reactions, ability to write, etc. In between she cites studies on LSD, where it was in research before it was criminalized, deftly taking away any research opportunities, and backs everything up with bulletproof research. I was fascinated all the way through and wished I could try it. I've been depressed since age 8. Someone told me there was a tiger under my bed. Seriously, depression is a hardcore illness to have and try to have a regular life, husband, children, a career. This book gave me a lot of hope that the world will change its ways and allow research to commence. I love when writers have a work cited page that you can read then and there or later, when you have a question. Waldman's written other books of literary fiction, a set of cozy mysteries, and essays. Her book, Bad Mother, is wonderfully controversial, but it speaks to me in an important way, as the challenge of marriage, raising children while trying to have a career, especially the career of writing. I especially liked the moments with her husband telling her all this rational stuff and her not believing a word. I have been there, and been there, and been there. (Tired Husband will back me up.) Jeepers, I loved this book. Fresh, never boring, and so much love threaded through it. Write on, Ms. Waldman. We need your books.

A testament to the desperate need for more research and options for the treatment of mood disorders. I commend the author for her honesty and for allowing us to witness her experience playing the well-educated guinea pig. I'm just sorry she cannot continue should she wish.

Very well written. For various reasons, I have recently become interested in, shall we say, "alternative" therapies ... Ayayasca, psylocibin, lsd, etc. Thanks to the author for sharing her experiences with microdosing and her history with "the war on drugs". Insightful and inspiring.

It's a neurotic ride, but a really good read. Hyper-self-absorbed but laced with insight. A hybrid of exceptional research and literary diary. The message is clear, drug policy for LSD and other consciousness-enhancing chemicals has to change. One of the best testaments for a practical enlightened society I've read.

I loved this poignant and funny book.I could easily identify with her feelings of depression, inadequacy, and her intense pain experience.I don't need any convincing that drugs should be legalized. But for those who do, Ayelet makes an excellent argument for it (or decriminalization at a minimum) and mental health care.Just read it.

An honest, funny, informative look at using LSD as a self treatment. Her 30 day experiment was successful but not what she had expected. The story informs about antiquated drug laws and her brutal honesty about her life. I loved it. Great read.

I seriously couldn’t put this book down. I felt attached. The author shares so much insight. It’s hugely poignant, relatable, and informative. An issue close to my heart - reading the experiences of another put so eloquently into this accessible read has made me feel less scared of my future as a mother, caregiver and person prone to feel the immensity of ups and downs life throws at us. Highly recommended

A wonderfully frank and self deprecating take on one's journey through life's muddy waters.Excellent storytelling mixed with earnest appreciation for the authors narritave and honesty.

Good book if you want to know more about microdosing.

Brilliant book; loved it. I hope it can change my life.

Amazing book to know more about microdosing