First Person Plural

The 25th Anniversary Edition of the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling memoir, first
introduced to the world by Oprah Winfrey, tells the remarkable story of one man’s battle with the
condition once called Multiple Personality Disorder, now known as Dissociative Identity
Disorder.

“One of the most astounding stories I’ve ever heard… a great testimony to the human
spirit, what a person can do: survive, overcome, and ultimately triumph… I hope you’ll
read it.” Oprah Winfrey

“A page-turning journey through hell.” Entertainment Weekly

“What the hell is happening to me? I feel possessed. I’m talking gibberish in the mirror
and somebody else’s voice is coming out of my mouth.”

Cameron West was in his thirties, a successful businessman, happily married and the father of a
young son when he spoke these words. The “voice” he heard belonged to Davy, the first of
twenty-four alter personalities to emerge over a period of several months as West began to recall
memories of horrific abuse he’d repressed since childhood. With distinct characteristics,
mannerisms, and memories, all twenty-four alters were created by West to protect his psyche
from the trauma of repeated sexual abuse at the hands of family members.

In addition to a spellbinding story, West provides rare and unprecedented insight into the
fascinating condition known as dissociative identity disorder, the working of the mind of a
multiple, and his alters’ coexistence with one another and with the world “outside.” Heart-
wrenching, humorous, and ultimately hopeful, First Person Plural is a story that will make you
stand in awe of the power of the mind to protect itself and cheer for West as he struggles to gain
control of his life.

In this new edition, West brings the reader up to date with both his healing journey and recovery
and with the current research and new developments in the understanding and treatment of this
trauma-based psychological condition.

These discussion questions were provided by the publisher, Blackstone Publishing.

Book club questions for First Person Plural by PhD Cameron West

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

Cam and Rikki are completely shocked when Cam is diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (called DID). Discuss their reactions and how you would you feel if you or someone you love was suddenly diagnosed with this or a serious psychological condition. How would you react if someone you loved began to manifest alter personalities?

Denial is a theme that runs through the memoir. What was the purpose of Cam’s denial and what did he do to overcome it as his story goes on? Think about uncomfortable or scary situations in your own life that you have “denied.” Did you ultimately face them?

Cam and Rikki tried to protect their son from what was happening to his dad. They didn’t always agree on what to do. Young alters wanted to play with Kai. What strategies did they use? What bargains did they make? What would you have done?

One of the saddest but all too common reactions to emotional distress is self-harm, which is a way of releasing pain. How did you feel when Cam hurt himself? How would you react to finding out that someone you love was hurting themselves?

Cam and Rikki moved from New York to California to have a fresh start away from Cam’s mother. The didn’t tell anyone about Cam’s diagnosis. Why do you think they kept it a secret from their new friends? Discuss the stigma around mental health issues. Do you feel that the culture is getting more tolerant and compassionate or less?

Cam’s memories of his childhood abuse were repressed for decades. Abusers generally deny having done anything when confronted, as Cam’s mother did. But Cam and Rikki couldn’t deny Cam’s dreams and physical flashbacks. Discuss the elusive nature of memory. Have you or anyone you know ever recovered a memory that had been hidden? When First Person Plural was first published, Cam was accused by some of “making it up.” How do you think he and Rikki felt about that and how would you feel if your story
wasn’t believed?

DID is a severe reaction to abuse that occurs at a very early age, and alter personalities are created to protect the child from the experience of the abuse. Generally, each alter has a job to do—hold a memory, experience the trauma, nurture the child, be the good student. In fact, we all have different parts that make up our personality and identity—our inner child, our nurturer, our angel, our devil. Reveal some of the parts that comprise you and the purposes they serve.

DID is usually represented in films in sensational ways, with an alter personality committing some heinous crime. Though there have been some cases where alters commit crimes and the host personality is tried in court, most multiples are just regular people—mothers and fathers, teachers, bank tellers, cashiers, dog walkers. Have you ever met a multiple or do you or a friend know of any? How would you act if you met a
multiple and an alter came out?

Not all people who suffer abuse become multiples, but adverse childhood experiences are sadly very common, and too many people are affected by the experience of having been neglected, abandoned, abused or otherwise treated poorly. Our mental health system is sorely inadequate and unavailable to many people who need help. Discuss the lack of good mental health care for children and adults in the US. And if you feel comfortable, share your personal experience with finding help for your family, friends, or even yourself.

DID is an unusual and particularly severe form of adversity, but Cam calls his book a “love story.” There are many types of adversity a couple might experience during a long-term relationship. Discuss challenges couples face and what it takes to overcome them and stay partnered.

How did the book leave you feeling? What touched you the most? Would you recommend it?

First Person Plural Book Club Questions PDF

Click here for a printable PDF of the First Person Plural discussion questions