Book description
Turns out Susannah Cahalan's brain had a better plot than her New York Post column. Picture this: 24-year-old journalist Susannah wakes up strapped to a hospital bed, unable to move or speak, with zero memory of how she got there. Her life-first serious relationship, shiny new job, adulthood just beginning-had evaporated overnight. Doctors labeled her "violent," "psychotic." Her own mind had turned traitor.
What makes Brain on Fire crackle isn't just the medical thriller angle (autoimmune brain disease? Yes, please, and make it rare), but how Cahalan's voice-delivered with raw, urgent clarity in the audiobook-makes you feel every terrifying second. You're right there with her as her thoughts fracture: Why is my family screaming? Why can't I say my own name? The audiobook format is genius here-her narration turns panic into a whispered confession you can't stop listening to. You hear the exhaustion in her voice when she describes the sheer terror of being you but trapped inside a stranger's body.
Her family's fight is the emotional anchor. They didn't buy the "psychosis" diagnosis. They remembered her-the girl who'd once eaten an entire pizza for breakfast. Their stubborn love becomes the quiet hero of the story, a lifeline when the medical system nearly missed the diagnosis entirely. Cahalan doesn't just recount the mystery; she makes you taste the hospital coffee, feel the confusion of a mind going haywire, and cheer when the puzzle finally clicks.
And the humor? Oh, it's there, sharp and unexpected. Like her deadpan take on her own "flight risk" status: "I'd been a flight risk since I was five and tried to escape a petting zoo." She's not just a victim-she's a journalist dissecting her own chaos, weaving science and soul into a story that's equal parts terrifying and deeply human. You'll find yourself nodding along, thinking, Yeah, that's exactly how it feels when your brain decides to host a rave without your permission.
By the end, it's not just about surviving a rare disease-it's about the sheer, messy miracle of being you. The audiobook wraps you in that journey, making the relief of her diagnosis feel like your own. It's a reminder that even when your body betrays you, your story is worth fighting for. And honestly? After listening, you'll never glance at a stranger's coffee cup without wondering, What's their brain up to right now? (But seriously, go listen to this. Your own brain will thank you.)
Hightower
The app's customization options allow me to tailor the listening experience to my liking. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is truly impressive. ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories. Perfect for listening to educational materials. Highly efficient and useful.
BuzzBait
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. I'm hooked on this app's intuitive features – from chapters to playback controls. ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever.
Nutmeg Riot
I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch.
Clover Rabbit
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. I'm impressed by ListenBook's dedication to providing a comfortable listening experience. The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If you’re looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Swampmasher
I've become addicted to this app – in the best possible way! Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys – this app's ease of use is a delight. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true for those epic tales. It's like having a personal audiobook library in your pocket.
Venious
With this app, every moment is an opportunity to dive into a new story. With this app, I can read anytime, anywhere – it's a reader's dream come true. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
AlertXis
An audiobook lover's dream come true. So many options, I'm in heaven! This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine – it's a habit I cherish. Audiobooks made easy – this app's functionality is truly a gift. Sharing books with friends via AirDrop is so convenient. Thanks, ListenBook! A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
Mosquit-No
Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is top-notch. This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. 📖🔊
Poppy Coffee
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. 📱📖 The app never crashes. It’s reliable and stable.
Winded On Friday
I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature. A perfectly acceptable audiobook that fulfilled its purpose. The narration was competent if not particularly memorable, and the production quality was standard for the genre. It served as decent background entertainment during mundane tasks.
Eight Patrol
ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. 🎉 This app has ignited my passion for reading – I can't get enough of its convenience! 📚🔥 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening. The app is perfect for long flights. It keeps me entertained the whole time. The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
White Dragon
I can't get enough of this app – it's a true game-changer for book lovers. The narrator's voice was so pleasant and easy to listen to. They had perfect pacing and made even the slower parts engaging. I found myself looking forward to my commute just to listen more!
Senior Smurf
I can't get enough of this app's versatile features – from playback speed to bookmarking, it's all there. 🧘♂️ Finding zen through storytelling – this app makes meditation even more calming. 🧘♂️🎧 Listening to audiobooks on my iPad has never been easier. Highly recommend ListenBook!
Tart Voodoo
Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me. The seamless integration with CarPlay adds convenience and entertainment during my daily commutes. Perfect for my daily walks. The story was engaging enough to keep me motivated to exercise but not so complex that I got lost in thought. Great production quality too.
Metal Lady
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting – pure magic! ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
VPR
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle – I can enjoy books while doing chores! Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. 🚗 Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! 🚗📚 Kudos to the developers for creating an app that caters to audiobook lovers like me. From sleek design to functional features, it's a true gem. 💎📚 ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine.
Round Kick Boomer
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a detail-oriented touch I truly appreciate. ListenBook has become an indispensable part of my daily routine – it's my ultimate audio companion. This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go – it's like carrying a library in my pocket. 🎉 This app is a testament to thoughtful design – its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. 📚✨
Mad Jack
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didn’t have any major complaints, but I also don’t see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
Innocent Ghost
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. 📱 No more lugging around heavy books – this app brings the library to my phone! 📚📱 Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions.
Mr. Lucky
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories – this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. 📱🎧
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience