76 pages • 2 hours read
A Beautiful Mind
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Book Brief
464
Biography • Nonfiction
Princeton, New Jersey • 1940s
1998
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
A Beautiful Mind by Sylvia Nasar follows the life of John Nash, a brilliant but eccentric mathematician from Bluefield, West Virginia, who rises to prominence with his groundbreaking work in game theory while battling severe mental health challenges, including paranoid schizophrenia, ultimately finding recognition and a measure of stability later in life. The book includes themes of mental illness, LGBT relationships, and institutionalization.
Informative
Inspirational
Contemplative
Melancholic
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
134,556 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
A Beautiful Mind by Sylvia Nasar is a compelling biography that delves deep into the life of mathematician John Nash. Reviews praise its well-researched narrative and engaging storytelling. However, some critiques point to its dense mathematical content that may deter general readers. Overall, it's lauded for its comprehensive portrayal of genius and mental illness.
Who Should Read A Beautiful Mind ?
A reader who would enjoy A Beautiful Mind by Sylvia Nasar is likely fascinated by biographies, particularly those that delve deeply into the human mind and mathematical genius. Fans of The Man Who Knew Infinity by Robert Kanigel and Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson would find this book equally compelling for its insightful portrayal of John Nash's life.
134,556 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Alicia Nash
Alicia Nash
A physicist and the wife of John Nash, who demonstrates determination and loyalty throughout their relationship, playing a crucial role in his life and struggles.
Eleanor
Eleanor
A nurse who becomes involved in a significant yet complicated relationship with John Nash, marked by her caring nature and the challenges they face together.
Bricker
Bricker
A graduate student at MIT who has an open and influential relationship with John Nash, which contributes to Nash's personal development and self-perception.
Johnny Nash
Johnny Nash
The son of John Nash and Alicia, who exhibits promise in mathematics but faces his own challenges, mirroring aspects of his father's experiences.
464
Biography • Nonfiction
Princeton, New Jersey • 1940s
1998
Adult
18+ years
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