Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker

"Hidden Valley Road" is a captivating non-fiction book written by Robert Kolker that delves into the remarkable true story of the Galvin family. Published in 2020, the book presents a powerful narrative that intertwines elements of science, mental illness, and the complex dynamics of family life.

At the heart of the story are the Galvins, a seemingly ordinary family living in Colorado Springs in the mid-20th century. Don and Mimi Galvin are the parents of twelve children, ten of whom are boys. On the surface, they appear to be a close-knit and wholesome family, but behind closed doors, their lives are marked by turmoil and a mysterious darkness.

The Galvin family becomes the subject of intense study when six of their sons are diagnosed with schizophrenia. This revelation shatters the family's hopes and dreams, plunging them into a world of confusion, fear, and stigma. The book follows the Galvin family over several decades, as they navigate the challenges of living with mental illness and desperately search for answers.