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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
Such a crazy story. The narration was fantastic with a good amount of science balanced with the author's own recollections and those of the people closest to her (including doctors). The only thing I would have changed is that I wish there was a little more about her recovery and the "re-learning" or remembering process. It wasn't too clear if things came back or if she had to be taught things again. And I wish there was more about the struggles and triumphs during the "recovery". No matter what, I wish the author and anyone else with this disease the best.
Cahalan's saga of a descent into psychosis and accompanying troubling neurological effects was a difficult listen. The story has that car-crash draw that attracts morbid curiosity. It also rang strangely similar to the case of someone in my life who went through psychosis. Perhaps that was why it was so emotionally hard to get through this audiobook.
This story is unique in the etiology of Cahalan's condition, but I don't think it should be read in the pursuit of understanding mental illness. Still, the story is enlightening and well-written, given that it is written by a (former?) New York Post journalist.
Spoiler
Cahalan's illness is rare, and part of her recovery story struck me as a bit unusual. She talks about now being off all medications, having fully returned to her baseline status. However, this is not often the goal for people with mental illnesses. Schizophrenic and bipolar patients are often dependent on medication to stabilize their moods, and going off meds is not the end goal. The end goal is merely maintenance of a normal life, as much as that is possible. So the fact that Cahalan's illness does not fit this mold, yet sounds a lot like illnesses that manifest in psychosis, left me feeling that the end of the story was misleading.This story is unique in the etiology of Cahalan's condition, but I don't think it should be read in the pursuit of understanding mental illness.
Spoiler
In fact, it is more about an autoimmune reaction her body had that so happened to attack her brain.
Incredibly interesting recount of the author’s journey to get a diagnosis for a newly discovered autoimmune encephalitis. The author brings up important issues surrounding diagnosis, insurance, and the importance of support from family and friends.
I thought this was an extremely interesting and enlightening look at Cahalan's situation and the experience of other sufferers of this disease. I love "cool facts about the brain," as my mom would say, and so of course I would enjoy this. I was bothered by the lack of a description of how she's doing at the end; obviously, we know from the beginning that she's recovered--since she's writing this book--but she never really gave us a clear sense of "I'm better in X ways, but not in Y" or even of where she is in her recovery process. Otherwise, though, fascinating read.
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Incredible novel. Very accurate account of living with and dealing with encephalitis, manages to be educational & moving at the same time, never really gets "dry" despite the medical vocabulary.
Would 100% recommend to anyone suffering with or who has suffered from encephalitis, their friends, family & carers, and anyone dealing with a similar crippling health condition.
Also recommended by Encephalitis International (biggest and only - I think - encephalitis charity in the world)!
Would 100% recommend to anyone suffering with or who has suffered from encephalitis, their friends, family & carers, and anyone dealing with a similar crippling health condition.
Also recommended by Encephalitis International (biggest and only - I think - encephalitis charity in the world)!
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
Recommendable, but not ground breaking. It furthers my frustration at the American medical system but also demonstrates what competent care can look like at times and the importance of advocating for yourself and having those around you that will do the same if you cannot.
I listened to this audiobook for a class I’m taking. I was pleasantly surprised by the detailed research Susannah described in her dedication to understanding her condition. I also admired her insight while piecing together her story, despite her lack of memory about events. Finally, it was amazing to hear about the improvements in the field thus far, and I was touched by the stories of others who have benefitted by Susannah’s telling of her own experience. A huge journalistic feat and a fascinating case!
The premise of this memoir is absolutely compelling and I flew through the first few chapters. However, it quickly got bogged down with medical terminology, complicated explanations, and repetitiveness. Although not a long book, I still feel like this could have benefited from a more thorough edit.
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced