Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan

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Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan

Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan

Stars: *****

Simon & Schuster (2012)
266 pages

I received this book as a gift. This post contains affiliate links.

Summary:  When twenty-four-year-old Susannah Cahalan woke up alone in a hospital room, strapped to her bed and unable to move or speak, she had no memory of how she’d gotten there. Days earlier, she had been on the threshold of a new, adult life: at the beginning of her first serious relationship and a promising career at a major New York newspaper. Now she was labeled violent, psychotic, a flight risk. What happened?


In a swift and breathtaking narrative, Susannah tells the astonishing true story of her descent into madness, her family’s inspiring faith in her, and the lifesaving diagnosis that nearly didn’t happen. “A fascinating look at the disease that . . . could have cost this vibrant, vital young woman her life” (People), Brain on Fire is an unforgettable exploration of memory and identity, faith and love, and a profoundly compelling tale of survival and perseverance that is destined to become a classic.

Brain on Fire

This book which was based on a magazine article and now has been made into a major motion picture is all about Susannah Cahalan’s amazing story.

This book had me RIVETED. I couldn’t put it down. What she went through is so scary.  I’m so glad she wrote a book about this rare diagnosis to help raise awareness. The way she tells it is amazing too, you can tell she is a reporter and used to writing stories. This book will definitely be in my top 10 at the end of the year.

If you want, you can find an excerpt from the book at Scientific American.  But having read the whole book, I think the story is better if you don’t read the excerpt and know what’s going on before you get there.

Buy Brain on Fire at Amazon.com

About Kathleen

I've been a nonfiction lover for as long as I can remember. I love children's nonfiction as well and love to share my knowledge and the books I gained them from, with the world. I wish more people would give nonfiction a chance.