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jannak's review against another edition
4.0
I sped through this book in two days and found it fascinating. The author collected videos, journals, and medical records to piece together a month where she was suffering an at-the-time undiagnosed illness and powering through dozens of mis-diagnoses. A great look at how our healthcare system handles diagnostics and how mental illnesses are treated.
orangebette's review against another edition
4.0
One of the quickest reads every and quite interesting. Easy to get through this in a day or so.
bperl's review against another edition
4.0
A well-written journey into a real-world medical mystery. Recommended for anyone with even a slight interest in the brain’s complexity and control over the human body.
dontstopreadin's review against another edition
4.0
Brain on Fire is a true account of a young journalist living in NYC who has a slow (then, suddenly quick) deterioration of her mental state. This is jarring, terrifying. You see the story unfold from the perspective of our subject, Susannah, as composed by her own memories as well as the memories and journal entries of those around her (mom, dad, boyfriend, doctors), because for a large chunk of this time, she had no idea memory of what is going on. This story is terrifying, jarring and raw. You think about how scary it is to be in this situation where you – and your doctors! – have no idea what is happening. Where you have clearly been misdiagnosed. Where one of the best hospitals in the nation cannot figure out the source of your illness. I feel for her parents, her boyfriend.
The best part of this book, in my opinion, is the writing. This is written by a journalist, and it shows. The writing simplifies what can often be seen as heavy, wordy doctor/science jargon. She takes days upon days upon weeks of no further follow up information and still manages so suck you in to the story.
I truly loved this and am excited to see the movie when it comes out. If you’ve considered reading this, I would certainly recommend it.
The best part of this book, in my opinion, is the writing. This is written by a journalist, and it shows. The writing simplifies what can often be seen as heavy, wordy doctor/science jargon. She takes days upon days upon weeks of no further follow up information and still manages so suck you in to the story.
I truly loved this and am excited to see the movie when it comes out. If you’ve considered reading this, I would certainly recommend it.
imagined245's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
lindsmarie's review against another edition
5.0
Devoured this book in less than 24 hours, scary but fascinating!
yvonneytshen's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
4.75
mirandaleighhhh's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
tense
medium-paced
3.5
It is sometimes so scary being a person and having a body in general - nevermind when your body and mind are working against you. I think that the author did a great job telling her story, I could really feel how frightened and trapped she felt in the hospital - and in her body. I had a hard time relating to her as a person, but that wasn't the point. Really interesting and important, though I'd be curious to know what research has been done since this was published.
the_escape_artist_'s review against another edition
3.0
This book is interesting and well written, but my main complaint is except for a throw away comment, she never acknowledges how being well off and white played in her ability to get a diagnosis beyond just being mentally ill. In that way it may the book seem somewhat self indulgent, and self aggrandizing and spoiled the good things for me.