BOOK BRIEF

Patient H.M.: A Story of Memory, Madness, and Family Secrets

Luke Dittrich
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Patient H.M.: A Story of Memory, Madness, and Family Secrets

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2016

Book Brief

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Luke Dittrich

Patient H.M.: A Story of Memory, Madness, and Family Secrets

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

15

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Biography

Psychology
Setting

Hartford, Connecticut • 1950s

Topic
Health

Mental Illness

Psychology
Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Patient H.M.: A Story of Memory, Madness, and Family Secrets by Luke Dittrich explores the life of Henry Molaison, an individual who underwent experimental brain surgery leading to significant memory loss. The book delves into the ethical implications of medical experimentation and examines the impact on Molaison's personal and family life, offering insights into neuroscience's history.

Informative

Mysterious

Challenging

Dark

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.1

6,529 ratings

70%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Patient H.M.: A Story of Memory, Madness, and Family Secrets by Luke Dittrich is lauded for its engaging narrative and deep dive into neuroscience history, specifically regarding memory research. Critics praise its thorough research but express concerns about potential ethical issues in storytelling and factual accuracy. Overall, the book is a compelling but controversial exploration of scientific and personal legacy.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Patient H.M.: A Story of Memory, Madness, and Family Secrets?

Ideal for readers interested in neuroscience and biography, those who enjoyed The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks or Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan will find Patient H.M. intriguing, as it combines scientific exploration with personal narrative and historical mystery.

4.1

6,529 ratings

70%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

15

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Biography

Psychology
Setting

Hartford, Connecticut • 1950s

Topic
Health

Mental Illness

Psychology
Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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