Can anyone recommend a helpful book on bipolar?

Great advice above, also consult a doctor if you have concerns. Stay strong.

Yes, actually:

The Function of the ******, by Wilhelm Reich.

This explains the myth behind what you have been told is "bi-polar" disorder. You likely won't be finding the term "bi-polar" anywhere in the book however, as the term bi-polar is a fairly recent classification that was meant to provide doctors with a way to "brand" their patients - and thus get them strung out on drugs, aka, "bi-polar meds".

Dr. Reich's practice calls the disorder exactly what it was known as for decades (back when it was treated without addicting innocent people to drugs) - "manic depression". Dr. Reich also correctly identifies the source of the problem, and it isn't being born with a "chemical imbalance" or any of the silly nonsense that modern day drug-dealing doctors try to convince you of. Rather, it is a short-circuiting of bio-electrical energy in the body caused by a combination of muscular tension along with inadequate sexual release. This can be cured with a simple muscular relaxation regimen, along with breathing exercises that are designed to stimulate sexual energy and break down sex-negative repressions that have been taught to you early in childhood. Dr. Reich's book thoroughly explains the theory of this, while another book by Dr. Jack Willis actually gives the exercises themselves. You can get a copy of that book for free now online, right here:

http://www.reichiantherapy.net/

The technique and its theory is a fail-proof way to eliminate what you have been told is "bi-polar" symptoms. You can read the book and perform the exercises every day and your symptoms will begin to clear up noticeably in just a few short weeks, with no side effects. On the other hand, you can go on meds, experience plenty of known side effects and be addicted and dependent on expensive drugs (with a number of other side effects that still haven't been "studied" yet) for the rest of your life. The meds will alleviate some of what's on the surface, while the cause is still there. Reich's techniques will eliminate the cause, so the symptoms never come back.

Good luck in your research...

Here are a few links I have found:

http://www.books4selfhelp.com/bipolar.htm
http://www.mhsanctuary.com/bipolar/
http://www.bipolarlikeme.com/learn/915-23/self-help-strategies-for-bipolar-disorder.html
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/self-help-strategies-for-bipolar-disorder/

I will keep you in my prayers.