Reviews tagging 'Mental illness'

Brein in brand: Hoe mijn lichaam mijn hersenen aanviel by Willem van Paassen, Susannah Cahalan

58 reviews

lilo000's review against another edition

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challenging informative medium-paced

5.0

An incredibly interesting read. Not my typical book but this book checked off all the things I could've asked from it. Went into a good amount of detail on the medical side, had some political commentary on the medical/mental health systems in place (in the U.S. at least), and was super interesting to read, despite being nonfiction. Never a dull moment. The fact that it was told in first person, which is difficult to do when one goes through such adversity/a severe illness. Also highlights the importance of trusting your gut as loved ones of someone going through such a difficult illness and how to advocate for yourself/patient despite the system not being well-built for finding rare diagnoses.
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kilonshele's review against another edition

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emotional informative reflective medium-paced

4.25

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sperigo's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective tense fast-paced

4.5

Absolutely gripping story, with some fascinating medical insights. The only con is that the writer expresses some fatphobic bias towards the end of the book. 
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heoleen's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad fast-paced

4.0

Intens en bedroevend, maar ook zeer inspirerend.
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doctorjessie's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

3.5

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erinbarton's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

5.0

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lisasilv's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced

4.75

Before I begin this review, one needs to know that I LOVE medical mysteries. I loved House and watched way too many seasons of Grey's Anatomy and ER. Had I been able to survive high school biology, I would have more seriously considered going to med school.

So, I'm biased in that sense but I LOVED this book. The chapters end with turns making you want more, there's no obvious solution and it's clear that this is going to have a tough ending. The author is REAL, no holds bar, not your typical memoir where you either feel sorry for the author or think they are the greatest person to ever walk the planet. 

I also appreciate that she recognizes the privilege she has by having good medical insurance and a supportive family and loved ones. She recognizes that the end result would likely not be the same for other people.

A fascinating medical memoir told by a gifted storyteller.
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autumnflorence's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring tense fast-paced

5.0

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bissm16's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring medium-paced

3.5

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m1923's review against another edition

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emotional informative slow-paced

3.5

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