In this unique neurological memoir Siri Hustvedt attempts to solve her own mysterious condition While speaking at a memorial event for her father in 2006, Siri Hustvedt suffered a violent seizure from the neck down. Despite her flapping arms and shaking legs, she continued to speak clearly and was able to finish her speech. It was as if she had suddenly become two people: a calm orator and a shuddering wreck. Then the seizures happened again and...

In Paris, 19-year-old Augustine suffers a seizure that leaves her partially paralyzed and is sent to a hospital specializing in the then-fashionable ailment of "hysteria". She captures the attention of renowned neurologist Dr. Charcot after she has another attack that appears to give her intense physical pleasure. He begins using her as his principle subject, hypnotizing her in front of his fellow doctors. As she displays her spectacular fits, the...

Wally is a whale who has seizures and struggles with being different from all his friends. He does not like always having to be with someone. He wants more independence. Read more to see what happens when Wally goes on an adventure with his friend. -- P. [4] of cover.