PATIENT H.M A STORY OF MEMORY,MADNESS & FAMILY SECRETS BY LUKE DITTRICH

PATIENT H.M. A STORY OF MEMORY,MADNESS & FAMILY SECRETS BY LUKE DITTRICH .  When I chose this book from goodreads the blurb intrigued me. I had never heard of patient H.M & my curiosity was peaked.  I am very happy I won this book from goodreads.

The authors grandfather, a famous neurosurgeon is the co subject of this book along with his patient H.M Henry Molaison we now know.  This book is a combination memoir , medical science and in my opinion the gathering of how & why  Dittrich's grandfather literally took the memory from patient HM.  We find out that Dittrich's grandmother had mental health issues and ended up institutionalized at a time where electric shock therapy ,  steamy hot and freezing cold baths were some of the "treatments" to combat mental illness.  We learn about HM, who as a child was hit by a bicycle thus starting the seizures that led to the doctor performing surgery on him.

I found that not only did I learn about the history of neurosurgery but the history of mental illness and the "cures".  I found myself every evening turning the pages, delving into the life of not only HM but Mr.Dittrich's family & their secrets.  I found this one of the most in-depth and intriguing memories I've every read.

i recieved this book from goodreads free in exchange for an honest review.