I have really mixed feelings about this one. I did really enjoy the writing style, but had some difficulty with the content. I'm finding that I'm not a huge fan of memoirs so this one may not be receiving a totally fair review from me.

The Hospital Always Wins is a reflection on Issa Ibrahim's life growing up in a household full of both music and marijuana use as well as his time spent in psychiatric facilities after being found not guilty by reason of insanity (not the exact words but he was able to use an insanity plea) after killing his mother.

He had a traumatic childhood which definitely can't be ignored when looking into what led him to where he ended up and that is something that the author also attempts to reckon with throughout the book. He is frequently blamed for his behavior while also excused for it because of the power differentials that exist between him and the other people involved.

I didn't love this one and at times it made me really uncomfortable. Had it been a fiction novel I think I would have an easier time rating it, but since it's supposed to be a true account of what the author experienced I have to change my rating system and I'm apparently not good at that.

If you're interested in reading memoirs about mental health, I would definitely recommend this one.

Good read. The author tells a great story. I look forward to reading more from this same author.