Brain on Fire

This memoir recounts the events of a month when the author’s life was turned upside down when she suddenly fell ill with a rare brain disease. It highlights a medical system which was quick to diagnose in error, difficult to navigate, where the patient and her family had to advocate for specialists and treatments, and brings to light the multitude of people who may have this disorder and not be diagnosed or be misdiagnosed. Students will see the importance of friends and family during illness, and develop empathy for those with mental illness. This book would be useful in Grade 12 English, Biology, and Psychology classes.