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A review by lisasilv
Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan
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.
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
Graphic: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Schizophrenia/Psychosis