Mad Random: Claiming Life Out of Chaos

Mad Random: Claiming Life Out of Chaos chronicles one family’s struggle to find normalcy while raising a son with severe emotional disabilities. Brutally honest, yet laugh out loud funny, this book shines a light on the anxiety, heartbreak and rage experienced by thousands of families seeking acceptance for their difficult, quirky children. This wild, gritty book ultimately leads readers to the miracles of hope and love.

A note from the Author

I was asked recently what I hope people will learn from reading Mad Random: Claiming Life Out of Chaos. I am truly in awe of parents who gracefully answer the call to parent difficult kids. They teach me something every day for my blog and in my writing coaching work. There’s nothing I can give to these heroes except my invitation to find joy, love fully, believing in the gift of today. My wish is that reading this book can help provide parents and families inspiration and encouragement.

“An honest, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting account of parenting a child with severe emotional difficulties.” - Kirkus Review of Books

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It's folly to think you or anyone else can "fix" your child.

What People Are Saying

  • Christopher T. S. White, Ed.D., President/CEO, Road to Responsibility, Inc.

    Donna Miller’s story is about love, determination and persisting hope. It is also about frustration with the educational and mental health systems unable to manage this challenging child, and the toll taken on a resourceful family attempting to survive in the face of overwhelming pressures. Anyone interested in the welfare of children with significant special needs should read Mad Random; it is a sobering reminder about how far we still have to go in supporting complex children and their families.

  • Mary Cinadr, Founder, Circle of Writers

    The code of silence surrounding childhood mental illness is broken at last! This book talks openly about mental illness, leading us to removing obstacles to healing and to finding creative solutions. Mad Random reads like a story but it is nothing short of a social movement.

  • BD, Mom

    “There were moments I cried because I could see some of my son in your son. With a lot of help I have been able to let go. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings.”

  • Mary Armao McCarthy, Hudson Valley Writers Guild

    “Thank you, Donna Miller, for taking the risk to talk about having a child with emotional disabilities. Your book breaks the silence of fear and stigma, and gives voice for these children and their families.”

  • Janet McLeod, District Director of Special Educational Services (retired)

    “Mad Random helped me understand the power and pain of parent advocates. Donna kept working, never stopped loving her child, and insisted on acceptance as the most reliable expert about her son’s needs.”

  • Andy Romeo, MSOD, Organizational Consultant

    Mad Random is an essential read. Miller lets us into her world of isolation, secrets and self-doubt. Her authenticity reflects the palpable fear that someone you love may actually hurt you. Miller skillfully pulls us through the unpredictable journey of caring for a seriously disabled child. It is a wild ride with stops at violence, tragedy, and redemption.

Work with me

Donna Miller is available for speaking appearances, book readings and signings, and discussions on parenting, grief, and loss.