A Mind Unraveled: A True Story of Disease, Love, and Triumph

After being a victim of epilepsy for 30 years, this book left me speechless. It's slow in the beginning, but gets gripping later. In the end, I felt grateful that I got the right doctor, who cured me after a brain surgery.

Das Außergewöhnliche an diesem Buch ist, dass es nicht einfach ein weiterer Bericht über eine individuelle Epilepsie ist. Es ist eine ehrliche, schonungslose Darstellung, frei von jedweder Effekthascherei oder Selbstmitleid und eben von einem Profi geschrieben. Es liest sich – wie ein medizinischer Korrespondent von CNN es formuliert hat – wie ein medizinischer Thriller. Ich hoffe sehr, dass es bald auch einen deutschsprachige Übersetzung geben wird.

I have read all of Kurt Eichenwald's books, and for my money he is the best business author ever; I have long thought that at least one of his books, "A Conspiracy of Fools" (about the collapse of Enron), should be required reading at law schools and business schools. In fact, I probably do him a disservice by referring to him as a "business author" -- he's a brilliant writer who has particularly excelled in the business arena.However, i knew nothing of his life or background, and I certainly had no reason to think or expect that he is a brilliant memoirist. I also had no idea that he has epilepsy, much less that he suffered so greatly from the horrendous treatment accorded to him in his early years as a result of his disease.The book is simply riveting; i read its nearly 400 pages in two days, and literally couldn't put it down. His writing has its customary lucidity blended with incredible passion. It is profoundly upsetting, to the point that I found myself losing it in anger at his doctors, the administration at his college, and more. It is also moving, as when his parents begin to realize what he is going through or when he meets the caring woman who becomes his wife.This is not a "pretty" story, but it commands our attention and must be read.

A Mind Unraveled is a beautifully written book, which is outstanding on so many levels. This book is more than a book about epilepsy. In fact, it is one of the best books I have ever read. As other reviewers have noted, it is one of those volumes that I could not put down. First, the book inspires us to take charge of our own medical care instead of ceding our power to physicians who don’t always know best. It exposes the ugly side of medicine and encourages us to “question authority.” For too long, people have trusted the experts and let them run rampant with their destructive ways. Second, the book is about Kurt’s journey with epilepsy and how he overcomes its associated challenges. Third, A Mind Unraveled speaks to the amazing power of beautiful and supportive relationships, including family, friends, roommates, and a handful of talented doctors and other caring providers. Fourth, one of the major themes reveals Kurt’s fight against the establishment as he works for what is right and just. Finally, the book carries an existential message about life and living it to the fullest extent possible.I bought A Mind Unraveled after seeing Kurt on Book TV, where he eloquently shared his story. I am not a person with epilepsy, so this book provided a great deal of education in that regard.After visiting Kurt’s Twitter account, the only suggestion I might offer would be to establish two separate accounts, one for his book and one for his political views. As an Independent who is fed up with bipartisan vitriol, that was a big turn-off and could potentially take away from the positive message of the book. Other than that, I would highly recommend A Mind Unraveled, as it holds something for everyone.

A Mind Unraveled chronicles Kurt Eichenwald's journey overcoming epilepsy, discrimination, and mistreatment. Though ultimately triumphant, the challenges which Eichenwald describes in his book are both shocking and yet all too familiar to those with intractable seizures.The larger truths revealed by Eichenwald's story transcend epilepsy -- and could apply equally well to any struggle to live a full and happy life despite daunting obstacles. Through trial and error, Eichenwald learned to balance determination with risk taking that was courageous but not reckless.This would be a great choice for a book club. After reading A Mind Unraveled, you're going to want to discuss it -- and even re-read to glean all of its inspirational lessons.