Reviews with content warning for Mental illness - Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness

Reviews tagging 'Mental illness'

Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan

49 reviews

lilo000's review against another edition

challenging informative medium-paced

5.0

An incredibly interesting read. Not my typical book but this book checked off all the things I could've asked from it. Went into a good amount of detail on the medical side, had some political commentary on the medical/mental health systems in place (in the U.S. at least), and was super interesting to read, despite being nonfiction. Never a dull moment. The fact that it was told in first person, which is difficult to do when one goes through such adversity/a severe illness. Also highlights the importance of trusting your gut as loved ones of someone going through such a difficult illness and how to advocate for yourself/patient despite the system not being well-built for finding rare diagnoses.

Content Warnings

kilonshele's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional informative reflective medium-paced

4.25

Content Warnings

sperigo's review

Go to review page

challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective tense fast-paced

4.5

Absolutely gripping story, with some fascinating medical insights. The only con is that the writer expresses some fatphobic bias towards the end of the book.

Content Warnings

heoleen's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad fast-paced

4.0

Intens en bedroevend, maar ook zeer inspirerend.

Content Warnings

doctorjessie's review

Go to review page

challenging dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

3.5

Content Warnings

erinbarton's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

5.0

Content Warnings

lisasilv's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced

4.75

Before I begin this review, one needs to know that I LOVE medical mysteries. I loved House and watched way too many seasons of Grey's Anatomy and ER. Had I been able to survive high school biology, I would have more seriously considered going to med school.

So, I'm biased in that sense but I LOVED this book. The chapters end with turns making you want more, there's no obvious solution and it's clear that this is going to have a tough ending. The author is REAL, no holds bar, not your typical memoir where you either feel sorry for the author or think they are the greatest person to ever walk the planet.

I also appreciate that she recognizes the privilege she has by having good medical insurance and a supportive family and loved ones. She recognizes that the end result would likely not be the same for other people.

A fascinating medical memoir told by a gifted storyteller.

Content Warnings