47 pages • 1 hour read
Susannah CahalanBrain On Fire
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2012A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.