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Brain on Fire  By  cover art

Brain on Fire

By: Susannah Cahalan
Narrated by: Susannah Cahalan
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Publisher's summary

Includes a brand-new afterword, written and read by the author

Now a major motion picture starring Chloë Grace Moretz

An award-winning memoir and instant New York Times best seller that goes far beyond its riveting medical mystery, Brain on Fire is the powerful account of one woman’s struggle to recapture her identity.

When 24-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.

©2012 Susannah Cahalan (P)2020 Simon & Schuster Audio

Featured Article: The top 100 memoirs of all time


All genres considered, the memoir is among the most difficult and complex for a writer to pull off. After all, giving voice to your own lived experience and recounting deeply painful or uncomfortable memories in a way that still engages and entertains is a remarkable feat. These autobiographies, often narrated by the authors themselves, shine with raw, unfiltered emotion sure to resonate with any listener. But don't just take our word for it—queue up any one of these listens, and you'll hear exactly what we mean.

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What listeners say about Brain on Fire

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What a wild ride!

This book was outstanding. The writing is very well done. Her narration was good. The story is phenomenal!

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Brain on Fire 100%

Such a good combination of medical saga, context given to a complicated disease, and solid, raw storytelling. Thanks, Susannah!

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So well written and articulated!

Loved everything about this - the truthfulness in the story, the no nonsense facts and real life references. No filler - just real content! Highly recommend.

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Eye opener!

Very interesting facts, easy to listen hard to take in all that has been happening. Must listen if you like true stories.

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Amazing book!

My fiance has a brain abscess and so much of this I could understand, brain injuries are no joke, beautifully written, I felt so much of what her and her family went through.

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Amazing Memoir of an Amazing Experience

Thanks to the author for sharing her trip through Hell. I listened to the audiobook twice and was very moved by her experience and by the support she received from so many people.

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Sad to know

My daughter has been diagnosed with something similar. It was so enlightening to hear first hand what she & her parents went through. It explains so many puzzle pieces with the Author's actual experience.

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I think every medical professional should read this book.

I am so grateful to God that she shared her story. she supplied excellent detail, medical knowledge, and she gave a heartfelt true explanation of how this was endured by her. I'm sure that her book has saved many many lives.

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Raw, compelling, well researched

This was an incredibly well written memoir written and read by the author. Her descriptions were so vivid you could see and experience as if you were there. Many scenes brought me to tears. I am thankful for her team- dad, mom, Steven. And most of all a compassionate, brilliant physician longing to restore health and vitality to a beautiful young lady.

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A must book for all students searching

Searching for a career - a passion - a reason to work to write . This needs to be added to required books for high school. Watching the movie first when I woke up with my brain on fire inspired getting this book.

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2 people found this helpful