Dianne (gardngal) reviewed Asleep: The Forgotten Epidemic that Remains One of Medicine's Greatest Mysteries on + 271 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This author can make the history of medicine read like a great novel. You can't help but empathize with the patients who are the people she writes about, and their doctors who struggled to help them in light of a brand new, unknown affliction. The symptoms that are manifested AFTER a person recovered from sleeping sickness are incredibly bizarre. To this day, it is not known what caused this epidemic, nor what might cure it.
Truly a forgotten disease, she wrote this book based on her observatitons of her grandmother, who contracted it as a teenager. Thoroughly researched, it is told on a case by case basis. A fascinating, easy read and a great follow up to "American Plague" by the same author.
Truly a forgotten disease, she wrote this book based on her observatitons of her grandmother, who contracted it as a teenager. Thoroughly researched, it is told on a case by case basis. A fascinating, easy read and a great follow up to "American Plague" by the same author.
Paula G. (Paulathegreat) reviewed Asleep: The Forgotten Epidemic that Remains One of Medicine's Greatest Mysteries on + 148 more book reviews
A compelling look at a strange neuro-psychological phenomenon. It gives an in depth description of individual cases with typical or not typical reactions to post sleeping sickness. Also shows the research of the time.
Ms. Crosby is much better as a scientist than as a social historian, but the book will hold you until the last page.
Ms. Crosby is much better as a scientist than as a social historian, but the book will hold you until the last page.
Cheryl (boomerbooklover) -
Fascinating account of epidemic of sleeping sickness/form of encephalitis that occurred around the same time as 1918 flu. Exact cause unknown; no cure. Thousands of people had sore throats or fevers, fell asleep, and slept for days or weeks or longer. About 1/3 never woke up/died. Another 1/3 got well/long recovery and lead fairly normal lives. Others needed lifelong care, were institutionalized, mainly in mental institutions, as there was no other place for them. Dr. who 'found' some decades later and his story became book/movie 'Awakenings'. Very sad; terrifying that there is no prevention/cure, and very little known about this disease to this day.
