Praise

I agree with you wholeheartedly that mental Illness is not a crime nor is it a moral weakness.
 --Chirlane McCray, First Lady of New York City

Finally, I am on vacation and have the chance to read your book. To be honest, I wasn’t looking forward to it. I’m more of an ADD, chick-lit, beach read kind of girl. I am completely caught up in your words. I read 48% today, (Kindle) and will finish it tomorrow at the beach. It’s easy to read, gripping, well written and mesmerizing. You are to be commended. To be able to put your life’s experience into words is incredible. Especially yours because it was such a difficult and challenging journey. I’m sure the process was a cathartic one that helped you and probably many more people. It is such an accomplishment. Kudos to you. You’re very brave.
--Barbara Kilnapp
 

The tremendous value of your book, Dave, is the unique perspective that you have, which I have never before seen in print.  It is very much inspirational in that it is a reminder that we are talking about real human beings who are simply trying to have a decent and productive life. As fellow human beings, can’t we commit to helping make that happen for each other?  How about as tax-paying citizens in our communities?  I guess that’s the hard part, isn’t it?  But your book helps bring it one step closer. And very few of us fellow human beings could have made that happen.
 --Anonymous
 

Once started, I could not put it down until I finished. This engaging depiction of a person’s journey leaves the reader educated how dangerous psychosis can be. This book serves as an example of how mentally ill individuals are handled in the criminal justice system. I found myself challenged to overcome my own judgement of individuals who commit crimes while experiencing psychosis. The author laid out the need for changes to our legal system to address mental illness. The author also discusses decreasing recidivism or decreasing repeat offenders within the criminal justice system. The quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, “to leave the world a better place” is a good summary of what the author accomplishes.

I recommend In the Matter of Edwin Potter to anyone who is affected by psychosis, people with schizophrenia and related disorders. I would also recommend the book to family and anyone wishing to gain insight about psychosis. This book would be an excellent reading club choice. I recommend it to Schizophrenia Alliance (SA) group members, families, and friends to read. The characters in the book portray the qualities needed to be excellent role models as part of a strong support system.
--Sandy Dimiterchik, BS Psychology, CPS, CPCC, SARDAA (Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America)

Navigating the unnerving reality of schizophrenia and the exigency for a public conversation about mental illness in our contemporary society, Geiger reveals an impressive flair for deftly presenting an inherently informative and thought-provoking read. While very highly recommended for community and academic library collections, "In the Matter of Edwin Potter" will prove to be of immense and lasting interest, making it especially appropriate for the personal reading lists of both professionals and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject of mental health.
-- Jim Cox, Editor-in-Chief, Midwest Book Review, Wisconsin

This kind of personal insight offers an invaluable glimpse into the mind of someone who suffers from this illness.
-- Joel S. Federbush, M.D., Diplomate in Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

The author has been actively seeking to share his experience and insights with others through participation in conferences and through extensive correspondence with public officials. This book will further contribute to the understanding that criminal justice professionals must have concerning the complexities of mental illness, crime, punishment, and healing.
-- Ann Jacobs, Executive Director, The John Jay College Institute for Justice and Opportunity, NYC

This along with other issues you cite explains why recidivism is almost inevitable – the lack of education, financial opportunities, social support, and the general climate of prisoners – which leads us to release prisoners with virtually no chance to go in a different direction.
-- (Rev.) Frank DeSiano, CSP, President, Paulist Prison Ministries, Washington, DC

A thoughtful and original piece of work from the perspective of one whose personal experiences have given him an invaluable and unique “take” on the issues at hand. There is so much here to ponder and reflect upon; the author has done all a major service by sharing his own story and views with us. I recommend this to all who take these issues seriously.

--Michael L. Perlin, Esq., Professor Emeritus of Law          

Founding Director, International Mental Disability Law Reform Project

Co-founder, Mental Disability Law and Policy Associates

New York Law School

“David Geiger straight-forwardly addresses tough topics without sugarcoating anything. Geiger's story is a must-read.”

- Nathan Lane, 5/5 stars on Goodreads

“Edwin Potter's portrayal as a mentally-ill man is superb.”

- Anastasia Christine, 5/5 stars on Goodreads

“This book just gripped me from the cover to the end… Geiger did not disappoint in giving us a masterpiece that is timeless and breathtaking at the same time.”

- Ruth Reid, 5/5 stars on Goodreads

“I thought that people who have schizophrenia are a menace to society and that we need to be very careful of associating with them. However, this book changes that belief…”

- Harvey Copper, 5/5 stars on Goodreads

“Thank you so much for your thoughtful gift. I am sorry it has taken me a while to respond, but I appreciate your generosity and continued support as we work to revitalize the five boroughs and unlock the boundless promise of New York City. Please accept my best wishes for a happy and healthy new year.”

-Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City