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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
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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.

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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Brain food aflame

You only learn from problems and practice. Her passionate need to find a diagnosis told through her own words and fevered brain teach and they do so with compassion for as she put it: those awaiting diagnosis and thus answers.

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Amazing

I couldn’t stop listening. I’ll recommend Susannah’s book to everyone. she’s an inspiration. Can’t wait to read her second book.

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Powerful

What a beautifully powerful story that gives so much insight to a phenomenon, the way a person loses their grasp on reality, that few can understand. Eloquent storytelling and an incredible ability to relate the medical diagnosis with the humanity behind the disease- so well done.

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Brain on Fire

The author was generous in sharing an amazing journey of strength and love. Medically technical explanations were given in an understandable way without losing the everyday person. Very personal story extremely well told.

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What a book!

This is not my normal read, but I really enjoyed hearing this woman’s story. She was able to share her journey and explain complicated brain related material correlating to her situation in a way that was engaging and informative. It’s a gift that she, a writer, is able to share in hopes that others in her situation find answers sooner or literally at all.

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Life changing

The bravery, accuracy, insight, and knowledge of this disease, brain function and anatomy is astounding. The story of me woman and her family and team of doctors is riveting. I highly recommend.

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