No Saints Here: A Cautionary Tale of Mental Illness, Health, and the Cost of Ignorance in the Lone Star State
Reviews
No Saints Here is really two books—a poignant portrayal of the effects of trauma, mental illness and addiction on affected individuals and families and a manual of guidance drawn from scientific studies, cumulative clinical experience, and the voices of lived experience. It offers dire warnings of the risks of harm in the name of help proffered by exploitive and abuse institutions as well as effective alternatives.
No Saints Here is filled with profound lessons for parents, care providers, and policy makers. No Saints Here is a must read—a healing journey--for parents of troubled children.
William White, Author, Slaying the Dragon: The History of Addiction Treatment and Recovery in America
This riveting cannot put down biography, is easily readable for all interested in stories about families, mental health and substance use, “No Saints Here” unfolds in three sections that includes the story, epidemiology and solutions. As a seasoned educator, Claudette breaks down her story in honest gut-wrenching accuracy for policy innovators, mental health and substance use workforce students, and yes, most importantly for families.
Gail Cormier Director National Family Support Technical Assistance Center (NFSTAC)
Heartfelt, honest, and creative. A must-read book for families dealing with mental illness and for the professionals and systems aiming to help. Comprehensive evidence-based chapters describe best practices known today for helping children and families such as multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), restorative justice, trauma-informed care, wraparound services, and strength-based practices to name a few. Perhaps Aaron’s life trajectory would have been different if these services were available during his childhood and young adult years?
Susan Bazyk, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA Director, Every Moment Counts
In this compelling and beautifully written book, Claudette Fette and her son, Aaron share their challenging personal stories and as mother and son, contending with significant trauma, very difficult family circumstances, and struggles with mental health problems and addiction.
Mark D. Weist Professor, Clinical-Community and School Psychology University of South Carolina
We meet the co-authors as a fragile teen and a child struggling with mental illness. The trajectory of their lives shows us in vivid detail how policy, practice and people combine to impact the lives of those in most need. One author chronicles the slog of a troubled child through the world of adults and their systems. The other shares a story of love and learning that helps us understand the better choices we can make in supporting families who have children living with mental illness.
Joanne Cashman, ED. D. Executive Director, National Association of State Directors of Special Education
Through an unflinching dual narrative of mother and son, this powerful memoir illuminates the complex reality of childhood mental illness with raw honesty and profound insight. As a school-based occupational therapist, I've seen countless families navigate these turbulent waters, but never has a work so masterfully captured both perspectives while offering genuine hope. The author transforms personal heartbreak into a lighthouse for others, combining moving personal testimony with evidence-based practices she wishes she'd known. For families walking similar paths or practitioners seeking deeper understanding, this book is an invaluable gift of wisdom, compassion, and practical guidance. A must-read that will forever change how you view mental health advocacy and the extraordinary lengths of parental love.
Jaime Spencer, OTR www.missjaimeot.com
