47 pages • 1 hour read
Brain On Fire
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Book Brief
288
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
New York City • 2000s
2012
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan recounts her experience with anti-NMDA-receptor autoimmune encephalitis, describing her journey from a healthy journalist to a misdiagnosed psychotic patient, and her eventual recovery. The narrative details her symptoms, hospitalizations, misdiagnoses, and eventual correct diagnosis by Dr. Najjar, leading to her healing process. The memoir includes journal entries and medical records for an immersive understanding of her ordeal. The book recounts experiences with psychosis, medical neglect, and intensive treatment.
Informative
Emotional
Unnerving
Inspirational
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
241,001 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Susannah Cahalan’s Brain On Fire is praised for its compelling narrative and insightful look into a rare medical condition. Readers commend her for blending medical details with personal storytelling, making complex details accessible. Some critiques mention the book can be repetitive and occasionally lacks depth in exploring broader implications. Overall, it's an engaging, informative read.
Who Should Read Brain On Fire?
Readers who enjoy gripping medical mysteries and memoirs, akin to The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls or When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, will find Brain On Fire by Susannah Cahalan compelling. Ideal for those intrigued by real-life accounts of overcoming extraordinary health challenges.
241,001 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Stephen
Stephen
Susannah's boyfriend who remains close to her despite the challenges posed by her illness, often being subjected to her unfounded accusations.
Susannah's Mother
Susannah's Mother
Susannah's best friend and a key figure in her life, providing a nurturing presence prior to and during her illness.
Susannah's Father
Susannah's Father
Becomes a source of conflict during Susannah's illness when she falsely accuses him of kidnapping her and distances herself from him.
288
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
New York City • 2000s
2012
Adult
18+ years
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