LITERATURE

Head Case: My Brain and Other Wonders

by Cole Cohen
Holt. 2015. 240p. ISBN 9781627791892. $25; ebk. ISBN 9781627791908. MEMOIR
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Cohen has had neurological issues her entire life. She is perpetually late, frequently hugs people for too long, and cannot grasp basic arithmetic. Unable to accurately judge time and space, her learning disabilities go undiagnosed until age 26, when a resolute doctor orders a PET scan. The results reveal a hole the size of a lemon in her brain, which she has been living with since her life began. What follows is a narrative, told in flashbacks, of the author's coming of age amid a swarm of teachers and doctors who were unable to offer a proper diagnosis.
VERDICT Cohen's distinctive voice makes this tale of navigating elementary school through young adulthood while literally missing a part of her brain a charming, enjoyable read.
Reviewed by Staff , Jun 18, 2015
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