brainstrust

Was it C. S. Lewis who said 'we read to know that we are not alone'? Since our voyage began I have read copious books related to neurosurgery – not all non-fiction. If reading helps you, then here a few recommendations.

And don’t forget to support brainstrust and order them through our Amazon link! Oh, except the first one, which isn’t available in the UK yet, but you can order it through us (send us an email) or through Amazon.com.

'Living with a Brain Tumour: Dr. Peter Black's Guide to Taking Control of Your Treatment'

Written by our Patron and the neurosurgeon that operated on Meg, this book must surely be the definitive guide. It is brilliantly conceived as Peter offers his expertise about a variety of topics that affect brain tumour patients and their loved ones in an easy to understand format. It is divided into five parts:

• An introduction to brain tumors,
• Types of brain tumors
• Living with a brain tumor
• Treatment options
• Recovery

The narrative style is key though. Peter's warmth and compassion underpin all that he writes, and yet the book still succeeds at working on so many levels, whether you are a brain tumour patient, a medical professional, or a relative.

A must read for all who have an interest in this field. Everything you have ever wanted to know is in here. It really is the most comprehensive guide we have come across and explains everything so clearly.

'Henry Tumour' by Anthony McGowan

Lots of health warnings around this novel. This book works if you are reading it for the right reasons, but I am still not sure what they are. It is for teenagers (swearing and some graphic sexual connotation), but if you are looking for a book which might help an adolescent understand what it means to be living with a brain tumour then this isn't it. And I am anxious that some parents might think that this is what it sets out to do. It is more about difference, being accepted and what's normal. But having a brain tumour at any age isn't normal. A good read, but don't read it for information (it isn't accurate) and don't read it if you are looking for support. It isn't a supportive book.

'Another Day in the Frontal Lobe: A Brain Surgeon Exposes Life on the Inside' by Katrina Firlik

This is weighted with detail and is a rich anecdotal novel, but focuses on the author and her motivation for becoming a neurosurgeon. So whilst less informative and more autobiographical, it does give you perception of what it is like on the inside. However, it is 'breezy' and there is a self congratulatory element about the author which grated with me. Still glad I read it though.

'Saturday' by Ian McEwan

I avoided this once I knew it was about a neurosurgeon, just after 9/11. I thought there can't be anything more depressing and I was, I admit, frightened by what I might read. So I ignored it and it glowered at me. Now I have looked the tiger in the eye and wished I had read this ages ago. It is just superb. There are about three neurosurgical operations described in detail, but I just skipped the detail. It is a narrative and has unity of time, set in a 24 hour period (Saturday!). But it is based on Neil Kitchen, neurosurgeon at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. Ian spent two years shadowing him, so it is a fine, closely observed novel, written with sympathy and perception. It is superbly original and, at times, maliciously funny.