When I first read Brain on Fire earlier this year, it expanded my curiosity in the fields of science and medicine. This nonfiction medical mystery sparked my interest because it is readable and brings old fashioned mystery novels to a more realistic context. If you loved Cam Jansen and A Series of Unfortunate Events as a child, you will love Cahalan’s tragic life story. Just as she establishes a successful career at the young age of twenty-four, Cahalan learns she has a rare autoimmune disorder affecting her brain function. It starts when she wakes up in a hospital bed with no memory of how she got there. She is strapped to the bed without the ability to move or say anything. She has been having frequent psychotic episodes. Before being correctly diagnosed, Cahalan is evaluated by several doctors who develop unhelpful theories about her failing health. She eventually gets the medical help she needs to recover and manage her disease, serving as an inspiration for many people. Brain on Fire will make you feel joyous, enraged, curious, sad, and grateful. It is DEFINITELY a must-read!

BY: Kenedy Quandt

Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan