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.)
Avenge Paws
I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! This app's seamless integration with CarPlay and other devices has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. CUE playlist support is a brilliant feature that allows me to create customized listening experiences for different moods, activities, and moments of the day. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Bae
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate. With this app, I've discovered the joy of learning while I'm on the move β it's like having a tutor by my side. Looping playback helps me retain knowledge from audiobooks effectively. It's an invaluable tool.
Shy Warrior
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one app. I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. π± Carrying my library in my pocket β this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! ππ The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go.
Teeder
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Grabber
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BuzzMouse
This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience. π Indulging in soothing bedtime stories β this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. ππ π This app is a testament to thoughtful design β its functionality seamlessly blends with my lifestyle, making reading effortless. πβ¨ The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze. ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks a breeze. The smooth playback and intuitive interface are unmatched.
RZRWRE
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks! Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to an impressive degree. ListenBookβs interface is beautiful and functional. Itβs my favorite app for audiobooks.
ELLerG!c
I'm rediscovering my favorite classics in a whole new way β through audiobooks! I'm addicted to this app β it's a non-stop journey through captivating tales.
Cardinal Rebel
The selection of classics is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
CuriousCrafter
I can't get enough of this app's convenience and the endless possibilities it offers. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
FLAK Angel
This app is a boon for book lovers who are always on the go. CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better.
Jungle King
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect. I'm on a literary adventure wherever I go, all thanks to this app. Its extensive format support and effortless navigation make audiobook listening a breeze. ππ Say goodbye to monotony β this app's diverse format compatibility and intuitive controls have turned every moment into a thrilling audiobook experience. π±π ListenBook has redefined my workout routine. The controls are so user-friendly. Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness.
Skittle Mine
This app is a true gift for book lovers β it's like having a personal library wherever I go. ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful. Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. ππ From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing different formats has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary listening sessions. π±π Binaural audio processing is a game-changer β my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions.
ReiGnZ
πΌ Enhancing work-from-home productivity β audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. π»π Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a winner. Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Metal Lady
The bookmarking feature ensures I never lose my place in a book β so convenient! ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine. Downloading audiobooks is a breeze, thanks to the variety of options available.
AlertXis
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It keeps me entertained and motivated during exercise. The app's seamless integration with Apple Watch makes it my perfect workout companion.
Cupid Dust
πΆπ Tuning in to the symphony of stories β audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. π΅π Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Achilles Mountain
With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's an essential part of my day. π‘ Nurturing my curiosity with audiobooks β this app adds a touch of wonder to my daily routines. π±π Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and diverse compatibility ensure that every tale is a captivating journey. ππ§
Silent
I can't believe how easy it is to discover new titles and genres. Pure delight! The app's interface is sleek and modern, making it a joy to use. Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true standout. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it! This was a competent audiobook production with no major flaws. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough and the audio quality was acceptable, though not exceptional. While the performance didn't particularly stand out, it served its purpose adequately for my daily commute.
QuestWeaver
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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