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Memoirs



1987

also on Kindle and Everand
Authors: The Troops for Truddi Chase
Overview: This autobiographical book chronicles the life of Truddi Chase, who developed DID as a result of severe childhood abuse. Written collaboratively by her multiple alters ("The Troops"), it provides raw and unfiltered insight into living with DID, the trauma behind its development, and the therapeutic journey.


I watched the movie of Truddi's story (with Shelley Long from Cheers, called Voices Within). I think I read some of the book too, and may try it again.  It's pretty intense. Jane



1992



Author: Joan Frances Casey with Lynn Wilson 1992
Overview: A personal memoir of living with DID, Joan Frances Casey describes her experiences with her “flock” of alters, her therapeutic journey, and her path toward integration. It’s an inspiring story of resilience and healing.


I borrowed this from the library and just finished reading it. I loved it. It is different than other memoirs because it alternates between Jo's account and their therapist Lynn's notes.  It's really well done and shows a lot about the therapeutic process and relationship. I'm not sure how Jo (or more likely Renee) kept this close an account though. Near the end of the book that is explained.   Jane


1995


Author: Jane Phillips
 Summary:
 Jane Phillips recounts her life with Multiple Personality Disorder (DID). Through intimate storytelling, the memoir explores her traumatic past, her journey of self-awareness, and the process of integrating her identities to heal and reclaim her life.

"It was an interesting read. The book focuses on her healing process and not on the gory details of her abuse. I would recommend it to people who are interested in the disorder, but are not ready for books like Sybil." ( a comment on Goodreads)
 
1999

Overview: A compelling memoir about Cameron West’s journey of discovering he has DID and his therapeutic process to understand and manage his condition.

1999
Altered States: The Autobiography of Multiple Personality Disorder
Author: Paddy H. Rossbach
Overview: An honest and introspective memoir of living with DID, exploring the author’s therapeutic journey and how they coped with trauma.


I read this on kindle. I've read some criticism of his writing style, but I thought it was fine. I think it's a great depiction of a system's experience. The few videos of him on Oprah seem very authentic. He has an amazingly supportive wife.  Jane


2006

also on Kindle also on Audible (PREVIEW) and Everand
Author: Robert B. Oxnam 2006

Overview: A deeply personal memoir, Robert B. Oxnam recounts his life with what was then termed Multiple Personality Disorder (now DID). The book provides an intimate look at his therapeutic journey, the discovery of his multiple selves, and his integration process. It’s an accessible and moving portrayal of the challenges and triumphs associated with DID.


In "A Fractured Mind: My Life with Multiple Personality Disorder," the appendix is written by Dr. Jeffrey Smith, the psychiatrist who treated Robert B. Oxnam. In this section, Dr. Smith provides insights into Oxnam's case, the treatment process, and the nature of multiple personality disorder.


I listened to this audiobook on Everand. I think the narrator overdid the delivery which bothered me a bit. The story is amazing in terms of how Robert's alters were driven to extremely high levels of success and pressure. Because this book is older, it refers to MPD a lot and it focuses on a goal of integration and fusion of alters (though not using the term fusion). The appendix is really valuable in this book.  Jane


2007

Crazy
Author: Lyn Barrett 
Overview: A powerful memoir of a woman navigating life with DID, detailing her internal struggles, therapeutic breakthroughs, and ultimate resilience.

2002




Not Otherwise Specified: a multiple life in one body, 15 year anniversary edition 

Leah Peterson Crawford, a consultant for United States of Tara, discusses what it's like to live with a dissociative disorder. Streaming with the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan. 

Leah Peterson: Living with D.I.D. | SHOWTIME





2007

 
Author: Maggie Claire
Overview: A memoir about living with and healing from DID. Maggie Claire shares her experiences of dissociation, trauma, and recovery, shedding light on the emotional and psychological impact of dissociative disorders.


2009



Author: Liz Elliott
 Summary:
 This memoir recounts the author's experiences of trauma and DID in the context of Southern life, exploring themes of survival, loss, and healing.

"There is plenty of tough stuff in this book, be warned. However, the book is not about DID, or abuse, or therapy, per se. These themes are wound throughout the book, but rather the focus is on the experience of dissociation." (a comment on Goodreads)

2009
Fractured also on Kindle
Author: Ruth Dee
What is it like to live with nine personalities inside your mind? 'Fractured' is the story of how a little girl survived horrific sexual abuse - by going mad - and many years later, made peace with her many selves.

2009

Author: Alice Jamieson
 Summary:
 Alice Jamieson’s memoir provides a harrowing yet hopeful account of living with DID. She shares her journey of abuse, survival, and her efforts to heal and integrate her identities.


2010


also on Kindle and Everand
"We Are Annora: A True Story of Surviving Multiple Personality Disorder" is a memoir by P.S. Marrow that chronicles Annora's journey with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder. The narrative begins with Annora experiencing intensifying bouts of amnesia, prompting her husband to seek marital counseling. During therapy, a counselor observes unusual behaviors in Annora, leading to her diagnosis of DID. With the support of her therapist, Annora confronts buried inner conflicts, gradually uncovering a carefully hidden secret so devastating that even she was not aware of it. The memoir provides an insider perspective on the challenges faced by individuals with DID and demonstrates the human will to survive amidst a crippling disorder that is still so misunderstood.


I read this book years ago and plan to read it again soon.  Jane


2011
 
Author: Kim Noble
Year: 2011
Overview: Kim Noble shares her personal experience with DID, detailing how her alters live distinct lives and the challenges she faces navigating daily life. The book explores her journey through therapy, self-discovery, and ultimately finding a sense of unity.


Many of us have probably seen interviews of this system. Very interesting that they all pain.  Jane



2011

Author: Olga Trujillo 2011
Overview: Olga Trujillo shares her journey of uncovering repressed memories of abuse, learning to navigate life with DID, and ultimately integrating her parts to reclaim her life.



I've seen some of her videos.  Jane


2012

I’m Still Me

Author: Debra J. Jackson
Overview: A memoir about healing from trauma and DID, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and integration.


2012


Goodreads very mixed reviews!
Author: Judy Byington 2012
Overview: The controversial memoir of Jenny Hill, who claims to have survived trauma-based mind control and developed DID. The book’s accuracy has been questioned, but it remains a notable entry in the DID memoir category.



2013



Goodreads very good reviews
Author: Maggie Walters
 Summary:
 Maggie Walters provides an honest, personal account of living with DID. It emphasizes the shared experiences and emotions among her identities, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of living with a complex internal system.


2013

Author: Christine Pattillo
Year: 2013
Overview: Christine Pattillo shares her personal journey with DID, detailing the challenges and triumphs of living with multiple alters. The book offers hope and understanding for those with DID and their loved ones, emphasizing resilience and healing. 


2014
No Two Paths the Same: Living with Dissociative Identity Disorder
Overview: This memoir details the personal journey of the author living with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Christine Pattillo describes her experiences with different alters, the challenges of diagnosis, and her path toward self-understanding and healing. It offers an empathetic view into the reality of DID and provides hope for those on a similar path.
Author: Christine Pattillo

2014 
Connecting the Fragments: Freedom for People with Dissociative Identity Disorder in the Context of the Local Church also on Kindle
Goodreads
Author: Carolyn Bramhall

"Carolyn Bramhall is living proof that even the deepest issues can be fully resolved in Christ. As a sufferer from DID for many years she knows what she is talking about. Even better, she has now spent a decade or more living free of it and helping others to take hold of that freedom for themselves. If you want a good understanding of what DID is and how it can be resolved in Christ, it's difficult to imagine a better book to read."


2014


Author: Carolyn Spring
 Summary:
 Carolyn Spring shares her experience of DID caused by trauma and abuse. The book emphasizes resilience, recovery, and reclaiming life after severe dissociation, offering inspiration to readers on similar paths.


2015


Author: Allison Moore 2015
Overview: While primarily about addiction, this memoir includes insights into the author’s experiences with DID and trauma.



2015

Author: Violet L. Rose
 Summary:
 Violet L. Rose shares her journey of living with DID, highlighting her struggles and eventual progress toward healing and self-acceptance.

2016
Author: Shirley J. Davis
 Summary:
 A concise, personal account of DID, Shirley Davis explains her experience with dissociation and trauma while providing readers with insights into living with the disorder.

 

2016

Author: Debra Bruch
 Summary:
 Debra Bruch shares her journey of living with DID, describing the challenges, therapy, and gradual process of healing and understanding her internal system.


2016
Author: Lizbeth Meredith 2106
Overview: Though not solely focused on DID, this memoir touches on the author’s dissociation and trauma while recounting her heroic journey to rescue her daughters.

2017   
We Are Jackie: Living with Multiple Personality Disorder also on Kindle and Everand
Author: Wilkinson B. Dunlace

2017

Author: Lynda Cheldelin Fell

2017

Author: Michelle Stevens, Ph.D.


 Summary:
 A powerful memoir detailing Michelle Stevens’ survival of childhood abuse and her struggle with DID. It highlights her eventual recovery and transformation, offering hope and insight into overcoming trauma.
I'm listening to this right now on Audible. Honestly, it's intense. It's narrated by the author. She's is incredibly intelligent but also angry, rightly so.  Jane

 

2017
Author: U R Ideal
 Summary:
 This unique perspective reframes DID as a survival mechanism and a gift. It explores how the condition has helped the author navigate trauma and adversity.



2018

Author: Xenia Bowlby
 Summary:
 A collection of stories and reflections that highlight the realities of living with DID. Bowlby explores the stigma, misconceptions, and challenges individuals face while advocating for awareness, understanding, and change in the mental health field.


2018



Author: Jody Thomas
 Summary:
 This book recounts Jody Thomas’ journey of healing from DID. It emphasizes the emotional struggles, family dynamics, and path to recovery.


2018
We Are Not Alone: My Mental Illness Survival Story
Author: Michelle Novotni
Overview: A candid account of living with DID, including the challenges of daily life and the path toward recovery and self-understanding.



2018

if tears were prayers, a life with dissociative identity disorder
Author: Emma Sunshaw
 Summary:
 Emma Sunshaw reflects on her life with DID, recounting her experiences with trauma, dissociation, and healing. It offers an emotional, relatable perspective on recovery.


year
Author: Denise Grant
 Summary:
 This memoir chronicles Denise Grant’s life journey as she comes to terms with her DID. The book provides a raw account of trauma, survival, and the process of healing. Through personal stories, Grant explores the relationships with her alters, revealing both struggles and moments of empowerment.



2019

Author: Vivien Chambers and Alison Faith
 Summary:
 A memoir of recovery and healing, focusing on faith’s role in overcoming DID. It highlights the author's journey from trauma to wholeness, sharing stories of resilience and hope.


2019


Author: Jo Kennedy
 Summary:
 Jo Kennedy offers an intimate look at life with DID, sharing personal stories that depict the complexities of managing multiple identities. The book emphasizes self-acceptance, healing, and navigating life with DID.


2019
by Jean Baker Reynolds 
Author: Frank Alabiso, Ph.D.
 Summary:
 Based on a true story, this book recounts Lillian’s struggles and triumphs with DID. Through therapy and self-discovery, Lillian learns to understand and integrate her identities, shedding light on the healing process.

2020
Author: Bonnie R. Armstrong
 Summary:
 This memoir explores Bonnie Armstrong’s journey from being a "medical mystery" to understanding and accepting her DID. With resilience and humor, Armstrong reframes her condition as a unique "superpower," offering hope and positivity to others on similar paths.


I'm reading this on kindle right now.  Jane

 
2021

Rose, Annika: Books 
Author: Annika Rose
 Summary:
 Annika Rose shares her experiences of living with DID, navigating trauma, and uncovering the identities within her system. This memoir is a candid exploration of the highs, lows, and ultimate journey toward healing.

2021 

Brain Storm: A Life in Pieces also on Kindle and Audible
Shelley Kolton, MD

2021
Author: Avah Rivers
 Summary:
 Avah Rivers recounts their experience of living with DID, shedding light on the challenges of balancing daily life while managing their internal system. It describes how trauma shaped their mental health and offers insights into what it’s like to navigate relationships, self-discovery, and healing as someone with DID.

2022


2023
Author: Steven Simmons
 Summary:
 A deeply personal memoir detailing the author’s struggle with concealing their Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). It explores the emotional, mental, and social toll of living in secrecy while managing multiple identities. Simmons shares the journey of discovering and accepting their DID, revealing both the pain and eventual liberation that came with acknowledgment.

2025
The Girl in the Green Dress also on Kindle, coming out next year.
Jeni Haynes
Dr. George Blair West
 
THE GIRL IN THE GREEN DRESS is an unforgettable memoir from a woman who refused to be silenced. Jeni Haynes is an inspiration and her bravery and determination to live is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. This is a unique and profoundly important book as it is not only a story of survival, it also includes incredible insight from Dr George Blair-West, Jeni' spsychiatrist and an expert in DID.

Notable Anthologies and Collaborative Memoirs

Fragments: A Memoir
Author: Kathryn Jones
Overview: A memoir about the fragmented life caused by trauma, written collaboratively with the author’s alters.

Singular Journey: My Life as a Multiple
Author: Lucy K. Engle
Overview: The author recounts her life experiences with DID and how she found ways to achieve balance.

Fiction/Novel

2023
Pieces of Me: A Novel hardcover, also Kindle, CD and Audiobook
also on Everand

Author: Kate McLaughlin

2013


Fractured also on Kindle
Author: Dawn Barker
Year: 2013
Overview: A fictional psychological thriller that delves into the breakdown of a woman suffering from trauma and dissociation after childbirth. While not solely about DID, the book explores themes of psychological fragmentation and identity through compelling storytelling.

 2022
The Perfect Daughter also on Kindle and Audible
Author: D.J. Palmer
Overview: A psychological thriller about a young woman with DID accused of murder. The book explores themes of mental illness, memory, and identity, presenting a fictional but compelling look at the complexities of DID in the context of a suspenseful legal and family drama.

1973

Sybil

Authors: Flora Rheta Schreiber
Year: 1973
Overview: This seminal book tells the story of "Sybil," a pseudonym for Shirley Ardell Mason, who allegedly had 16 distinct personalities as a result of severe childhood abuse. The book popularized DID (then called Multiple Personality Disorder) and brought widespread attention to the condition.


The movie is a classic and an amazing portrayal by Sally Fields.  Jane


Author: Patrick Suraci
Year: 2011
Overview: This book offers Shirley Mason's perspective through her letters, interviews, and artwork. It challenges some of the claims made in the original Sybil and provides a more personal glimpse into Mason's life and struggles with DID.



Author: Debbie Nathan
Year: 2011
Overview: This investigative book critiques the original Sybil, arguing that Shirley Mason’s DID diagnosis was largely fabricated by her therapist, Dr. Cornelia Wilbur, and the author, Flora Rheta Schreiber. Nathan claims that financial motives and cultural influences contributed to the sensationalized portrayal of DID.

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