In "My Brother Ron," Clayton E. Cramer embarks on a deeply personal journey intertwined with a rigorous historical analysis, examining the seismic shifts in America's treatment of the mentally ill over the last six decades. Through the lens of his older brother Ron's heartbreaking story, Cramer explores the unintended consequences of the 1960s deinstitutionalization movement—a noble yet flawed experiment that promised freedom but often delivered hardship. As Ron's life unfolds, from his early symptoms to his struggles in a society ill-prepared to support him, Cramer lays bare the complex web of factors that led to increased homelessness, urban decay, and a rise in violent crime, challenging readers to confront the human cost of policy failures. Cramer masterfully intertwines personal narrative with a detailed historical exposition, revealing how optimism about new psychiatric drugs, concerns over institutional care, and a rigid interpretation of individual rights converged to create a perfect storm. "My Brother Ron" is not just the story of one man's journey through mental illness; it is a poignant critique of America's evolving approach to mental health care, a reflection on the fragility of progress, and a call to action to mend a system that has left too many behind. Through this compelling account, Cramer invites us to reckon with the past and consider a more compassionate future for the mentally ill.