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47 pages 1 hour read

Susannah Cahalan

Brain On Fire

Susannah CahalanNonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2012

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Book Brief

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Susannah Cahalan

Brain On Fire

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2012
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

New York City • 2000s

Theme
Publication Year

2012

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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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

4.3

241,001 ratings

78%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

4.3

241,001 ratings

78%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

New York City • 2000s

Theme
Publication Year

2012

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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