When Mikey is young, the Sullivans are a closely knit unit, all of them devoted to caring for her. But as Mikey grows older, she also grows increasingly violent. By the time she's twelve, institutionalization is the only available option—and without the shared purpose of caring for Mikey, the family begins to unravel.
As her family falls apart, Teresa searches for relief and connection during a time of sweeping cultural change. Lacking maturity or guidance, she makes choices that lead her down a sometimes-perilous path. But regardless of the circumstances at home and the tumult in their individual lives, the Sullivans are united in their love and concern for Mikey.
In Mikey and Me, Teresa interweaves her exceptional sister's journey with her own, affirming the grace and brutality of Mikey's life, and its indelible effect on her family. Unflinching and insightful, this is a deep exploration of the relationship between two sisters—one blind, with profound developmental disabilities, unable to voice her own story, and the other with the heart and understanding to express it exquisitely for her.
Industry Reviews
2018 IBPA Ben Franklin Awards Finalist in Autobiography & Memoir
"Sullivan's candid, moving memoir of how her life has been shaped by her sister is emotional, easily readable, and instantly relatable. This is a must-read for anyone who cares for a person with autism or other developmental disability, as well as a wonderful tale of resiliency and tenacity that will touch the hearts of a broad swath of readers."
—Booklist, starred review
"The memoir is often heartbreaking, but Sullivan's depictions of a complicated and loving family and the unique issues faced by siblings of the severely disabled provide a sense of hope and closure."
—Kirkus
"Teresa Sullivan has written a moving and important account of life with an autistic sibling. She reminds those of us who live every day with the challenge of supporting and assisting a profoundly autistic adult that we are not alone."
—Karl Taro Greenfield, author of Boy Alone
"In Mikey and Me, Teresa Sullivan offers the perspective only a family member can give about living with and loving a disabled sibling. The story Teresa has to tell offers hope, compassion, and insights about the complicated issues involved in caring for a child who has a profound disability. This is an important book for all families, especially those with special children, where everyone has to find a way to cope and thrive. "
—Linda Joy Myers, President of the National Association of Memoir Writers, author of Song of the Plains, Don't Call Me Mother, and Power of Memoir
"[Mikey & Me is a touching and emotionally gripping story about the author's relationship with her disabled sister and how their bond survives through thick and thin in the most beautifully touching ways imaginable."
—Brit + Co
"I don't think a book like this could truly have a happy ending, but Sullivan gives a voice to her sister who never had one. I think this is a lovely tribute from one sister to another. And the fact that Sullivan addresses the challenges of being the typical sister, gets lost then finds her way back to peace, sure made this a worthwhile read for me."
—Linda Atwell, author of Loving Lindsey
