What are the most popular books about mental institutions in fiction?

One well - known book is 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' by Ken Kesey. It offers a vivid and critical look at the power dynamics within a mental institution. The story is told from the perspective of a patient, Randle McMurphy, who challenges the authoritarian rule of Nurse Ratched.

One story is about an old mental institution where patients were heard screaming at night for no apparent reason. Legend has it that a cruel doctor once experimented on the patients there, and their tortured souls still roam the halls. People who visited at night claimed to see shadowy figures moving about.

I've heard of a mental institution where the patients seemed to be under some sort of trance. They would all stand in a line at the same time every day, facing a blank wall. One day, a new nurse tried to break the pattern, but the patients became extremely agitated. She soon left the job after experiencing some really strange and unexplainable events in that place. There were rumors that the institution was built on an ancient burial ground, and that's what was causing all the odd behavior.

One common theme is the exploration of the unknown. The mental institution, being a place full of secrets, is often used as a backdrop to uncover supernatural mysteries. Another theme is the struggle for sanity. Characters are constantly fighting against the influence of the supernatural forces that seem to be trying to drive them mad.

A very popular one is 'Prozac Nation'. It was one of the first books to really put the experience of living with depression in the spotlight in a very public way. It made a lot of people aware of the reality of mental illness. Also, 'Reasons to Stay Alive' has gained a large following. Its positive message in the face of depression is very appealing to many.

Definitely 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'. It's super well - known. The story really shows how the patients in a mental hospital are affected by the system and the power dynamics there.

One horror story is about patients being over - medicated. In some old mental institutions, the staff would give excessive amounts of drugs to keep patients docile. This not only affected the patients' physical health but also their ability to think clearly. Another is the use of inhumane restraint methods. Some patients were tied to beds for long periods, which was a form of cruel treatment.

One real story is about a patient who had severe anxiety disorder. He would constantly worry about every little thing. In the mental institution, through therapy like cognitive - behavioral therapy, he gradually learned to identify his irrational thoughts and manage his anxiety. He started with small steps, like being able to sit calmly for 10 minutes without worrying, and eventually made great progress in his recovery.

One great Supernatural mental institutions fan fiction is 'The Asylum's Secret' on FanFiction.net. It has an interesting plot where the characters explore a haunted mental institution and uncover dark secrets related to their own pasts.

Well, '84, Charing Cross Road' is also quite popular. It's based on the real - life correspondence between an American writer and a London bookseller. It gives a warm and charming look at the love for books and the connection between people through books, even though it's not strictly about a library but is very much about the world of books in a fictionalized way.