I Never Promised You a Rose Garden by Joanna Greenberg I Never Promised You a Rose Garden, written by Joanne Greenberg, was by far the most difficult book to read and understand . Aside from the difficulty, I couldn't put the book down. I found it very interesting to read what goes on in the head of a person suffering from schizophrenia. It made me understand and appreciate why people with mental illness behave the way they do. We can't see what's going on in their thoughts or what they're feeling. So why are we so quick to judge? This book taught me not to judge or laugh at a person's behavior while suffering from an illness. It made me feel greater sympathy and respect for those suffering from mental illness. I can't imagine living in the world of mindset like Deborah Blau. Her world was so real to her, Yri's world. He couldn't escape. He could not betray his god Anterrabae. Imagine walking in his shoes one day. It's a scary thought. I never promised you a rose garden made me understand many things.