The Double Bind - by Chris Bohjalian

This is an interesting book that looks at both homelessness and mental illness from a unique angle while combining some American Literature in such a way that you feel it's all true.

The story centers on Laurel, a young woman who has recently graduated college and moved into the real world. However, while she was in college she collided head first with the real world when she was attacked by two men on a dirt road while bicycling. The book opens with this attack, as well as a bit of back-story about Laurel and the area where she grew up. She grew up in Long Island in the area where the book "The Great Gatsby" was set. She has grown up believing the story to be true, or at least based on truth.

Despite her attack, when she finished college she went to work for a homeless shelter where she met "Bobby Crocker" and helped him find a home. Upon his death, her boss discovers a box of pictures that it appears Bobby had taken during his lifetime, among them is a picture that appears to be Laurel on that same dirt road where she was attacked, possibly even on the same day.

An amateur photographer herself, Laurel is taken by the photos and takes on the job of cataloging his images. As she pours over there she discovers many things that connect Bobby to hear past and to the area where she grew up, and possible to the "Great" Jay Gatsby. She gets so wrapped up in her "work" with these photos that she begins to let the rest of her world slide by, worrying those who care for her the most and making them fear that she is quickly becoming unhinged. While her family and friends are trying to take the photos away from her, you are rooting for her to find the answer and solve the mystery. But, maybe the mystery was all in her head. You'll be left wondering just who really is mentally ill in this story as it weaves through many twists and turns.