A Sparkling Tornado

 A hard story, beautifully told. An essential read for anyone who has or loves someone with bipolar disorder.

Anne Bokma, author of "My Year of Living Spiritually"

 Happy, sad, humorous and hopeful. A must read for anyone dealing with their own or loved ones, mental health challenges 

Holly Jackson 

 A really interesting and engrossing read! Sandra has a great way of balancing storytelling and providing guided questions for people with bipolar to reflect on their own well-being. 

Caroline 

 "Kudos to Sandra for her courage to share her story to help others understand bipolar disorder. This book is not just a description of what it's like to live with bipolar - Sandra also offers tools and advice for people with bipolar and for the people who love them." 

Ruth Hanley

"Sandra's writing hits that sweet spot where you are simultaneously drawn into her story by her engaging storytelling, educated about bipolar disorder, and given tools to help you navigate your own mental health issues if you are struggling. I highly recommend this to anyone wanting to empathize with those who have bipolar disorder, or learn from her hard-earned wisdom. 

Lee Horton-Carter, M.A., R.P., Psychotherapist

 The pages 'sparkle' with humour and wit as Sandra navigates us around the trails of the mental health care system - she heroically peddled through. It is an inspiring story for us all, she has chosen to emerge as a proud survivor, having bravely shared this important adventure. It is a reminder that there are many of us who struggle with these challenges - this book increases our awareness and causes us to reflect on how we can offer assistance and support. It is a very personal reflection that is sure to inspire the Bipolar  community

Tamara Best

"As a clinician and educator, with over 40 years of experience in mental health, I see Sandra’s story as an authentic representation of the ups and downs associated with Recovery. Her experiences demonstrate the effectiveness of the hard work required to promote personal transformation and empowerment. The links and resources she shares relate directly to the critical role of self-knowledge and the effective use of tools and resources. The importance of the support from family and friends is clear. Sandra’s story is one of wellness and hope."

Kathryn Storey RN, MEd, PhD.

  "A raw, heartfelt, and deeply empowering journey into the highs and lows of life with bipolar disorder. Sandra Steiner takes readers on a gripping voyage through her diagnosis, struggles, and ultimate resilience, blending vulnerability with hope.

This memoir is not only a story of survival but also a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to grow, adapt, and thrive against all odds. With a refreshing dose of humor and unflinching honesty, Steiner opens the door to her life, offering practical tools like CBT and DBT exercises to help readers navigate their own storms. Written with a depth of insight that speaks to years of lived experience and understanding, A Sparkling Tornado is as therapeutic as it is inspiring.

Whether you’re living with bipolar, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking a powerful story of perseverance, A Sparkling Tornado will inspire, educate, and stay with you long after the final page."

Shelly Rush, Registered Psychotherapist 

 "This book is an easy read. It is a non-medical story from the viewpoint of someone who is going through life coping with the ups and downs of living with Bi-polar. Open, authentic, filled with humour.

Those living with B-P can relate to Sandra’s story. The book illustrates you are not alone. B-P is not the result of something you did, you are not at fault. It gives hope and optimism. And, it is filled with realistic, practical tools.

For parents of someone living with B-P is a daunting task, filled with stress, emotions, at times a sense of helplessness and fear. But  this book gives great insight and understanding of what your child is going through. It will help parents deal with the ups and downs of B-P. It gives parents optimism that their child can lead a fulfilling life. As a parent, you can’t “cure” B-P as it is a lifelong illness. But you can help pick them up when needed, provide support, and unconditional love."

Ross Brown