Official Review: Lost To Life by Mauricio Don Sykes

raikyuu · Post by **raikyuu** » 20 May 2020, 04:21

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Lost To Life" by Mauricio Don Sykes.]

1 out of 4 stars

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Lost to Life is an autobiographical book of a man who suffered from physical, verbal, and sexual abuse during his childhood years. It portrays a story of lifelong trauma and the author’s long path to recovery. Based on his recollections of his life, Mauricio Don Sykes shares his story to encourage others to share theirs as well and start their healing process.

The book starts by providing background information about the author’s life. This includes his economic situation while growing up in India, as well as after he moved to Canada. He also talks about his concept of “states of mind” (SOMs), which categorizes his coping mechanisms in one of five groups: The Lost State of Mind, The Dysfunctional State of Mind, The Fragmented State of Mind, The Impaired State of Mind, and The Logical State of Mind. Growing up, he experienced different kinds of abuses that would traumatize him even in his later years. This trauma would haunt him with repeated patterns of self-sabotage, such as going in and out of jobs. After being diagnosed with Multiple Personality Disorder, the author started his long process of recovery, all while living his life.

Lost to Life aims to advocate for mental health awareness by sharing the author’s painful tale. By sharing his story, the author hopes to encourage others to share theirs as well, removing the stigma surrounding discussions about mental health. This is, no doubt, a noble goal that the book attempts to achieve.

However, a big problem with the book is the pseudo-psychology in it. The author introduces his concept of SOMs to show that readers can make sense of their abuse and trauma by categorizing their coping mechanisms. Introducing dodgy concepts in psychology can sometimes be harmless. But for those who are recovering from trauma, pseudo-psychology can do them more harm than good, especially when such concepts are untested and unproven to be effective. And despite the author’s disclaimer that the book shouldn’t be used for medical or self-help purposes, the author writes, “I believe we all function on five different states of minds, with many sub-states.” Since the author’s experiences are framed with his SOM concept, the reader may take the concept of SOM as real, instead of something made up by the author.

There is probably some therapeutic value for the author from writing the book. While I do admire the noble goal of the book, the pseudo-psychology in it makes the book misleading and dangerous for those seeking treatment for their trauma. Overall, Lost to Life tries to give a wonderful message, but the contents may do you more harm than good. I rate this book 1 out of 4 stars. I don’t recommend this book especially for those who are suffering from trauma. But for those who are curious about the author’s story, I have to warn that the book contains detailed scenes of child abuse.

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Lost To Life
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Frannie Annie · Post by **Frannie Annie** » 25 May 2020, 11:58

I find it interesting that the author splits his brain into 5 states of mind. I think everybody on some level makes up their own theories as to how they work, and they can be accurate - for the individual that came up with them. I have a problem with anybody who tries to pass off their own coping mechanisms as something that works for everyone. Great review.

Sunday diamond · Post by **Sunday diamond** » 25 May 2020, 19:35

OK. The title of book sounds useful, but it is pathetic that the book can be harmful. Thanks for that informative review

Post by **Kirsi Cultrera** » 26 May 2020, 06:44

Sounds like the author actually continues his habit of repeated patterns of self-sabotage with this book, only this time he might be harming others, too...

that is quite a scary scenario. And very sad too. I hope the author gets a grip of his life and will actually one day create a book that accomplishes the goal he seemed to have for this book. Thanks for warning, I think I'll pass this one...

Jackie Holycross · Post by **Jackie Holycross** » 26 May 2020, 18:29

I think his SOMs are still leaning toward the negative. There needs to be a peace/hope SOM.

Elvis Best · Post by **Elvis Best** » 08 Jun 2020, 14:05

This is a book I will stay away from. The author's explanation of SOM's seems dodgy. Thanks for the review.

Elvis Best · Post by **Elvis Best** » 08 Jun 2020, 14:07

This is a book I will stay away from. The author's explanation of SOM's seems dodgy. Thanks for the honest review.

djr6090 · Post by **djr6090** » 24 Jun 2020, 09:45

raikyuu wrote: ↑20 May 2020, 04:21 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Lost To Life" by Mauricio Don Sykes.]

1 out of 4 stars
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Lost to Life is an autobiographical book of a man who suffered from physical, verbal, and sexual abuse during his childhood years.
Lost To Life
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Could the author be giving lessons in how to develop a multiple personality? The thought makes me cringe.