Unconditional love, in the face of a shattered reality
A Boy Broken
A Boy Broken is a raw, unflinching memoir about family, mental illness, love, and endurance. Written by a sociologist and father, the book chronicles one family’s long journey through serious mental illness—not as a case study, but as lived experience. It is honest about fear and failure, yet grounded in hope, meaning, and responsibility. This is not a story of easy redemption. It is a story of showing up, again and again, when there are no clear answers. A Boy Broken speaks to parents, families, professionals, and anyone who has learned that strength is forged not in triumph, but in persistence.
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Hi, I’m Doug!
Douglas J. Engelman is a sociologist, professor, and longtime mental-health advocate whose work bridges scholarship and lived experience.
As a parent who has navigated profound loss and the realities of serious mental illness within his family, he writes with clarity, honesty, and compassion.
Engelman has spent over a decade teaching, mentoring students, and working with organizations such as NAMI to support individuals and families facing mental-health challenges.
In A Boy Broken, he offers a deeply personal memoir that confronts pain without sentimentality and resilience without cliché—inviting readers to better understand suffering, love, and what it means to endure.
Reviews
"This is a test of the mind, will, and emotions. Dr. Engelman didn’t cave or back down from the most incredible challenge of his life. A true love story."
Laura Briest
"I never really enjoyed reading, but I finished this book in a day. It opens your eyes to the struggles you don’t see behind closed doors. I’ve already recommended it to my parents."
Sydney Bright
"This book is so well written. It came from the heart of a grieving dad who loved his son so deeply. I would recommend this book to everyone."
Leah Elkin
Decades of Service
Leading the Conversation on Mental Illness
Inspired by his family’s lived experience, Dr. Engelman has dedicated over 25 years to NAMI, serving as Board President and currently as an Emeritus Board Member. He combines his academic background as a Medical Sociologist with hands-on advocacy to bridge the gap between clinical research and the families who need support the most.
Service Volunteer 1998-2021
Board President 2022-2024
Emeritus Board Member 2025