The Mind of Billy MilliganOf all the classes I have taken here at Westfield State College, I can honestly say that Abnormal Psychology has been by far the most interesting . Since this course had a great influence on me this semester, I am strongly considering continuing my studies in this area of ​​psychology. Throughout the semester, we have studied a number of intriguing disorders. The disorder that really caught my attention was Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). I took it upon myself to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the disorder that seemed most fascinating to me. This is the main reason why I chose to read The Minds of Billy Milligan, by Daniel Keyes. This true story shows us how a young man (Billy Milligan), suffering from DID, is accused of crimes for which one of his alternate personalities is responsible. Daniel Keyes is the writer who proposed to reveal Billy's story to the world. After Billy merged, he was able to explore the depths of his mind and those of his other 24 personalities for Keyes. Keyes published The Minds of Billy Milligan in 1981, but most of the story takes place before then. The book begins in 1977, when Billy is wanted for rape. Billy Milligan, a 22-year-old white man, was not a highly educated individual. He worked many odd jobs, such as a florist at a local store and a bodyguard for drug lords on expeditions, but he struggled to hold down steady employment. Due to 10 different personalities running his life, it was difficult for Billy to maintain a steady job. One personality specialized in flower arranging, but another preferred painting. One personality was stronger than the average male, but another was a scared 8 year old boy. These personalities are the result of horrific sexual and physical abuse administered by her stepfather, Chalmer Milligan. Billy's biological father committed suicide when Billy was around 4 years old, and since then, Billy's mother, Dorothy, was in and out of relationships. When Billy was 8 years old, Dorothy married Chalmer. The abuse began shortly after the marriage. Chalmer constantly physically abused Dorothy, while Billy suffered sexual and physical abuse. Jim (Billy's older brother) was lucky to escape the abuse with Kathy (Billy's sister) and Challa (Chalmer's daughter).).