Review: Fascinating Read
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 8, 2011
This was a fantastic read. I have always loved psychology and the function of the brain - I studied it extensively in high school and college - but I never got a first hand look into a surgery testing the sections of the brain like I did with this book. You might think, "Ooh surgery," but unlike those graphic documentary style shows that show you just a little (or a lot) too much, Ms. Rozanski leaves enough to the imagination and explores the more important aspect of it - what happens when you stimulate different areas. I found myself wishing I could be a fly on the wall of the surgery to experience Anna's response to it myself in reality.Further into the story we are introduced to other characters and each has his or her own level and sense of desperation. In a story that could have come across as merely a scientific study of a girl with epilepsy overcoming a necessary surgery to alleviate and prevent brain damage, the characters drive the story forward through fascinating scenes of therapy for Anna and a compelling mystery as well. I struggled some with her parents and how they were characterized but their exasperation and lack of understanding probably is very realistic considering the circumstances.For me the mystery was somewhat secondary because I enjoyed learning and observing Anna along with the idiosyncrasies of her upbeat and determined doctor, not to mention the others around Anna in the hospital and her family. Though the mystery is definitely there and it does indeed culminate in the courtroom with intensity reminiscent of one of my favorite movies, Suspect with Cher.I think I literally cheered several times throughout this book. Both for the accomplishments of Anna and for the determination of those around her to get her back to some semblance of normalcy. Ms. Rozanski is a fine author and I think I will be picking up more of her stories in the future!