Chapters 1 - 5 (Pages 9 - 33) Summary

Lisa, Bright and Dark by John Neufeld is that story of one girl's journey into mental illness. Lisa Shilling tells her parents that she is going out of her mind. Her parents, as usual, chastise Lisa for being inappropriate or dramatic. Eventually, Lisa's behavior becomes more bizarre and three of her school friends decide that she needs help right away. Betsy, M.N., and the beautiful Elizabeth Frazer undertake Lisa's treatment and soon find that they are out of their depth and that Lisa is almost out of her mind.

In chapter one, Mary Nell Fickett (also known as M.N.) is eating dinner with Lisa Shilling, Tracy (her younger sister) and Lisa's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Shilling. Lisa tells everyone at the table that she thinks she is losing her mind. Lisa's mother tells her that...