Over vacation I had some nice relaxing time on the beach to get into (and finish) the book that we chose to read for my book club.
Brain on Fire, by Susannah Cahalan
It's a true story of a New York Post reporter who, suddenly seemed to be going "crazy." In reality, she had a disease that is not very well known, and can mask itself as various other diseases or disorders such as schizophrenia.
The book chronicles the events leading up to the beginning of the disease, her month-long stay in the hospital while the doctors tried repeatedly to figure out what she had, and later her recovery.
The synopsis on Goodreads is:
One day, Susannah Cahalan woke up in a strange hospital room, strapped to her bed, under guard, and unable to move or speak. Her medical records—from a month-long hospital stay of which she had no memory—showed psychosis, violence, and dangerous instability. Yet, only weeks earlier she had been a healthy, ambitious twenty-four year old, six months into her first serious relationship and a sparkling career as a cub reporter.
The book was intense, and makes you think a lot--about what you would do in that situation, what you would do if it was a family or friend of yours, etc.
It was a different read than I'm used to, but I found it to be really informative, interesting and captivating.
This one is on my list-- I've been so curious about it and can't wait to read it. Glad to hear you liked it!
ReplyDeletei don't think i can handle something like this. if i read it ... i'd start to think i have those symptoms and the next thing you know i'm on webmd all diagnosed with whatever she has...see what happened here? i'm all freaked out now. heading over to webmd to figure out what i'm dying from now.
ReplyDeleteI like books like this, especially when they are true stories. Might just have to add it to my list!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely need to read this one!!! Sounds fascinating!
ReplyDeletewow this sounds interesting!
ReplyDeletehappy friday!
Totally up my ally! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteInteresting - if a little unnerving! I definitely like it when fellow bloggers do book reviews - I like to know what I'm getting into before I purchase a book. This might be one I have to try! Happy Weekend, Jenn!
ReplyDeleteI have heard so much about this book. I think I would like it if it's told in first person (as much as possible, anyway). Thanks for sharing, adding to my list!
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