Nothing General About It

March 1, 2020

At 22, Benard was in a psychiatric ward coping with delusions, hallucinations, and uncontrolled aggression, but just two years later, he made his soap opera debut on All My Children. In this debut memoir, coauthored by screenwriter Black, the actor revisits his troubled childhood, where youthful indiscretions and physical abuse from his father escalated as his mental illness went untreated, leading to his institutionalization. As the subtitle suggests, being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and receiving treatment, coupled with support from friends and family, transformed his life. Since then he's portrayed Desi Arnaz and John Gotti, though he's best known as General Hospital's Sonny Corinthos, a role he's played for more than 25 years. Despite his on-screen success, Benard exhibits more pride in his work as a spokesperson for bipolar awareness. His depiction of the disorder is unflinching--an incident where he threatened to kill his then-pregnant wife, Paula, is especially harrowing. Benard's struggles with mental illness have been incorporated into the show, and he reveals how some of his favorite story lines have also been the most triggering. VERDICT Benard's honest work is realistic yet inspiring. Soap opera fans will relish the behind-the-scenes insight, but overall this will resonate with anyone attempting to overcome life's hurdles. [See Prepub Alert, 9/30/19.]--Terry Bosky, Madison, WI

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2020
Emmy Award-winner Benard, aka the manic-depressive strip-club boss, Sonny, on General Hospital, lived a soap opera-worthy life off set, too. Born Mauricio Jose Morales to Nicaraguan and Salvadorian parents, he changed his name to seem Italian. Genetically blessed as he seemed to be in the looks department (he won contests like Most Watchable Man ), he struggled with bipolar disorder. He took lithium, felt better, then, unfortunately, went off it. He heard voices and saw visions. Sadly for his then girlfriend (now longtime and beloved wife, and a cancer survivor), he was quite a ladies' man, and, early in his career, he struggled with alcohol, although anxiety and depression were his worst afflictions. Readers will revel in the happily-ever-after ending, as Benard raves about his healthy wife and great kids. Last year his oldest, Cailey, became the first person in his family to graduate from college. Benard now meditates, lives in the moment, and feels blessed. An intriguing read for soap fans and an uplifting read for anyone struggling with mental illness.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)