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Emergence: A Memoir of Boyhood, Computation, and the Mysteries of Mind
David Sussillo has made a career at the cutting edge of neuroscience and technology—yet his path there was anything but a straight line. Born to drug-addicted parents in New Mexico, he navigated a childhood marked by violence and neglect. But a seed was planted at the unlikeliest of places—the local arcade.
What follows is a remarkable journey of resilience and transformation, from the chaotic corridors of group homes to the halls of Columbia and Stanford. Along the way, Sussillo takes readers on an illuminating tour of the century-long dance between neuroscience, physics, and computation that has laid the groundwork for neural networks—the technology that drives modern artificial intelligence. As he advances in the field, working to demystify these networks, he also begins to pursue an answer to a more personal why, and how, did he succeed against all odds?
Emergence radiates heartbreak, humor, and scientific wonder, inviting readers on an unforgettable journey that bridges the personal and the profound, revealing how intricate complexities arise from simple beginnings.
What follows is a remarkable journey of resilience and transformation, from the chaotic corridors of group homes to the halls of Columbia and Stanford. Along the way, Sussillo takes readers on an illuminating tour of the century-long dance between neuroscience, physics, and computation that has laid the groundwork for neural networks—the technology that drives modern artificial intelligence. As he advances in the field, working to demystify these networks, he also begins to pursue an answer to a more personal why, and how, did he succeed against all odds?
Emergence radiates heartbreak, humor, and scientific wonder, inviting readers on an unforgettable journey that bridges the personal and the profound, revealing how intricate complexities arise from simple beginnings.
384 pages, Hardcover
Published March 17, 2026
About the author
David Sussillo
1 book21 followersDavid Sussillo spent five years in the Albuquerque Christian Children’s Home and four years at the Milton Hershey School as a child. After graduating high school, he ultimately received a Ph.D. from Columbia University in Computational Neuroscience.
Now David is an adjunct professor at Stanford University and has been a scientist at the Google Brain group (recently featured in the book Genius Makers) and Meta Reality Labs. In his professional pursuits, David researches brain-machine interfaces to develop the next generation of computers. He works to understand the ghost in the machine—how cells in our brain collectively give rise to the computations that determine behavior.
Now David is an adjunct professor at Stanford University and has been a scientist at the Google Brain group (recently featured in the book Genius Makers) and Meta Reality Labs. In his professional pursuits, David researches brain-machine interfaces to develop the next generation of computers. He works to understand the ghost in the machine—how cells in our brain collectively give rise to the computations that determine behavior.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 30, 2025
From the Prologue until the last page I was utterly blown away. This memoir is unlike anything I have ever read and told in such a genuine, clear and courageous voice. I felt as if I were experiencing many of the heartaches and successes myself as I journeyed along with the author on his incredible and seemingly impossible path. I would have to put the book down at times simply because it was such a heartwrenching story, but then I had to quickly pick it up again because I had to know what happened next and how the author got through to the other side.
The author managed to connect his brilliant scientific mind with the emotional spirit using analogies and connections that tied together in a way even a non-scientist (like me) could comprehend.
When I finished the book I went right back to the Prologue and wanted to read the book all over again. This is a work that doesn't leave you once you close the book. This took me to places that I had never even glimpsed.
Reading this book is a powerful favor to yourself.
The author managed to connect his brilliant scientific mind with the emotional spirit using analogies and connections that tied together in a way even a non-scientist (like me) could comprehend.
When I finished the book I went right back to the Prologue and wanted to read the book all over again. This is a work that doesn't leave you once you close the book. This took me to places that I had never even glimpsed.
Reading this book is a powerful favor to yourself.
April 5, 2026
David Sussillo is a neuroscientist currently working at Meta; his academic career includes a PhD from Columbia, a Fulbright fellowship, and many high profile publications. His 2026 memoir Emergence focuses on how he overcame his difficult and turbulent childhood and adolescence to become a successful scientist. Sussillo and his older sister did not have stable parents, so they largely grew up in a religious foster care establishment in New Mexico, with Sussillo later being partially rescued by extended family who decided he was too troubled and shipped him off to a boarding school (the Milton Hershey school in Pennsylvania -- owned by the Hershey chocolate company, and the school also profiled through a different child's experience in Andrea Elliott's excellent work of investigative nonfiction Invisible Child: Poverty, Survival & Hope in an American City). Unfortunately, none of these experiences went well for Sussillo; still, he managed to persevere, get accepted into Carnegie Mellon University, work in tech after undergrad, eventually go back to graduate school and earn his PhD, get married, and become a functioning adult.
This was an interesting memoir, though a bit long-winded for my taste; sometimes it felt like Sussillo was humble-bragging by going into detail on every excellent grade he got in school or every coursework assignment he nailed despite his adverse circumstances. I do think he had much better self-awareness than Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez in her memoir of overcoming an adverse childhood in My Side of the River, but then again Sussillo is in his 50s vs. Gutierrez being around 30 when she wrote her memoir.
The part I resonated with most was Sussillo's difficult PhD experience. His advisor basically kicked him out of his research group after about four years of full-time work, right as Sussillo was leaving for his overseas Fulbright experience. I can relate to the precarity of this experience, as I saw this happen to many other grad students in my PhD program as well. I wish more people would be open about these experiences, as they are more relatable that people realize. I also appreciated Sussillo being open about how hard it was to find his path after college, as well as the struggles he faced later in his life as he realized how many of the children he'd grown up with (as well as his older sister) had had very different adulthoods.
Further reading: memoirs that focus on overcoming difficult childhoods:
Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class by Rob Henderson
Educated by Tara Westover
North of Normal: A Memoir of My Wilderness Childhood, My Unusual Family, and How I Survived Both by Cea Sunrise Person
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
The Worlds I See: Curiosity, Exploration, and Discovery at the Dawn of AI by Fei-Fei Li
My statistics:
Book 64 for 2026
Book 2370 cumulatively
This was an interesting memoir, though a bit long-winded for my taste; sometimes it felt like Sussillo was humble-bragging by going into detail on every excellent grade he got in school or every coursework assignment he nailed despite his adverse circumstances. I do think he had much better self-awareness than Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez in her memoir of overcoming an adverse childhood in My Side of the River, but then again Sussillo is in his 50s vs. Gutierrez being around 30 when she wrote her memoir.
The part I resonated with most was Sussillo's difficult PhD experience. His advisor basically kicked him out of his research group after about four years of full-time work, right as Sussillo was leaving for his overseas Fulbright experience. I can relate to the precarity of this experience, as I saw this happen to many other grad students in my PhD program as well. I wish more people would be open about these experiences, as they are more relatable that people realize. I also appreciated Sussillo being open about how hard it was to find his path after college, as well as the struggles he faced later in his life as he realized how many of the children he'd grown up with (as well as his older sister) had had very different adulthoods.
Further reading: memoirs that focus on overcoming difficult childhoods:
Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class by Rob Henderson
Educated by Tara Westover
North of Normal: A Memoir of My Wilderness Childhood, My Unusual Family, and How I Survived Both by Cea Sunrise Person
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
The Worlds I See: Curiosity, Exploration, and Discovery at the Dawn of AI by Fei-Fei Li
My statistics:
Book 64 for 2026
Book 2370 cumulatively
June 18, 2026
First, thank you to Goodreads for my complimentary signed copy.
This book is, without question, the best memoir I have ever read.
David Sussillo’s story is remarkable not simply because of what he endured, but because of what he became despite seemingly impossible odds. His childhood was marked by instability, poverty, and experiences that would have easily defined the trajectory of another person’s life. Instead, he transformed adversity into curiosity, resilience, and an extraordinary pursuit of understanding the human mind.
What makes this memoir truly exceptional is the way Sussillo seamlessly weaves science throughout his personal narrative. The discussions of neuroscience, computation, artificial intelligence, and consciousness never feel overwhelming or disconnected from the story. Rather, they deepen it. His scientific insights become another lens through which to understand trauma, memory, identity, and the incredible adaptability of the human brain.
Sussillo has a gift for making complex concepts accessible without oversimplifying them. Even readers without a background in science will find themselves captivated by the questions he explores and the connections he draws between his life experiences and his work.
At its heart, Emergence is a testament to the power of perseverance, curiosity, and human potential. It is both deeply moving and intellectually stimulating, a rare combination that left me thinking long after I turned the final page.
This is more than a memoir; it is a profound exploration of what shapes us and what allows us to transcend our circumstances. I highly recommend this book.
This book is, without question, the best memoir I have ever read.
David Sussillo’s story is remarkable not simply because of what he endured, but because of what he became despite seemingly impossible odds. His childhood was marked by instability, poverty, and experiences that would have easily defined the trajectory of another person’s life. Instead, he transformed adversity into curiosity, resilience, and an extraordinary pursuit of understanding the human mind.
What makes this memoir truly exceptional is the way Sussillo seamlessly weaves science throughout his personal narrative. The discussions of neuroscience, computation, artificial intelligence, and consciousness never feel overwhelming or disconnected from the story. Rather, they deepen it. His scientific insights become another lens through which to understand trauma, memory, identity, and the incredible adaptability of the human brain.
Sussillo has a gift for making complex concepts accessible without oversimplifying them. Even readers without a background in science will find themselves captivated by the questions he explores and the connections he draws between his life experiences and his work.
At its heart, Emergence is a testament to the power of perseverance, curiosity, and human potential. It is both deeply moving and intellectually stimulating, a rare combination that left me thinking long after I turned the final page.
This is more than a memoir; it is a profound exploration of what shapes us and what allows us to transcend our circumstances. I highly recommend this book.
March 2, 2026
A Truly amazing biography of an unloved boy overcoming tremendous obstacles to become the great educated man he would become.The author,David Sussillo, was ,born to parents who were constantly addicted to drugs for years and especially his mom who was also mentally ill and was in and out of mental hospitals. David, at age eight, with his slightly older sister were placed in a Christian children’s orphanage for many years …abused by both other kids and their house parents, not sexually but by unwarranted physical punishment. As David grew older he was accepted by the Milton Hershey Boarding School where, once again, he was abused by other students and and received undeserved punishment for breaking minor school rules. David was accepted by many fine universities for his intelligence and self-education on the basis of his computer knowledge obtained initially from his love of playing computer games in arcades/malls from the age of eight.. He majored in neuroscience for years with the help of a wonderful psychoanalyst who helped him to overcome problems related to his upbringing or lack thereof. This bio was compelling, but to be honest, I had to skip many sections that described scientific explanations which were way above my educational level. Thank you NetGalley,author,David Sussillo,and Grand Central Publishing for the arc ebook,Emergence.
On Sale,March 17,2026
On Sale,March 17,2026
March 18, 2026
Sussillo writes with raw, approachable honesty as he recaps his early years and invites us to contemplate the different fates that can emerge from related life circumstances. This memoir is both heartbreaking and heartwarming as he narrates his trials alongside the critical breadcrumbs of care from others that guide his journey.
I was deeply compelled by every page and emerge from the text with new, meaningful thoughts on the human experience.
I was deeply compelled by every page and emerge from the text with new, meaningful thoughts on the human experience.
July 5, 2026
Finished Emergence two weeks ago. This is the kind of book that lingers in your mind and there's a large number of positive things I can say about this book.
David is a well-known, accomplished neuroscientist. Famous for bringing dynamical systems perspectives and rigor to systems neuro. It's generally assumed, that high academic achievers had at a somewhat stable upbringing, since a nurturing and supportive environment seems to be required (for better or worse) for the gauntlet of increasingly selective bottlenecks in an academic career path.
Given David's academic stature, it was a surprise to many when he told his story (I think initially on twitter?) about having grown up in foster care and -- as revealed in this book -- was dealt a pretty bad hand, with drug-addicted parents, etc. Strictly speaking, David's upward trajectory is a statistical anomaly, and I don't think any of his peers and colleagues could have guessed.
The book opens with a question of how to reach the same academic heights (or: fill in the blank for any notion of a successful life) and the initial answer is that it takes luck. As David describes the chapters of his life, the reader is thinking in the back of their mind if there's more to it than just luck. There is a hope throughout the book that maybe we can make sense of things and find some formula for anyone to turn a bad situation into good. And then There is a heaviness at certain parts of the book when the answer seems to come back that no, it really is luck, and that's just how life works at times.
David's writing is immensely engaging. It's been ages since I've finished a book in less than 3 sittings. I can't relate to a foster care upbringing, but much of David's journey still struck me as relatable. I was happy to see that at least someone else felt that their childhood video game obsessions nontrivially contributed to their scientific process in later years, for instance.
The book is two interwoven into one -- part memoir, part science. Unlike other books that have the gimmick to interweave odd and even chapters, Emergence is more memoir than science by page count, but whose scientific chapters earn their stay and weave into the memoir in supportive and compelling ways.
The book doesn't try to answer too heavily on whether it is just luck (or initial conditions). But some themes are noted. First, of course, is the importance and support of others, that nothing can be done alone.
But I took away another lesson, that I don't recall was explicitly mentioned in the book. Throughout David's career, he went the extra mile on everything. Took every strand of luck and put his whole heart into making the best of it. This was most explicit in his positive attitude at CMU as an undergrad. But this trend showed in other life chapters.
All in all -- This was just a damn good read. David is a remarkable person. An inspiring scientist and human. Highly recommend this.
David is a well-known, accomplished neuroscientist. Famous for bringing dynamical systems perspectives and rigor to systems neuro. It's generally assumed, that high academic achievers had at a somewhat stable upbringing, since a nurturing and supportive environment seems to be required (for better or worse) for the gauntlet of increasingly selective bottlenecks in an academic career path.
Given David's academic stature, it was a surprise to many when he told his story (I think initially on twitter?) about having grown up in foster care and -- as revealed in this book -- was dealt a pretty bad hand, with drug-addicted parents, etc. Strictly speaking, David's upward trajectory is a statistical anomaly, and I don't think any of his peers and colleagues could have guessed.
The book opens with a question of how to reach the same academic heights (or: fill in the blank for any notion of a successful life) and the initial answer is that it takes luck. As David describes the chapters of his life, the reader is thinking in the back of their mind if there's more to it than just luck. There is a hope throughout the book that maybe we can make sense of things and find some formula for anyone to turn a bad situation into good. And then There is a heaviness at certain parts of the book when the answer seems to come back that no, it really is luck, and that's just how life works at times.
David's writing is immensely engaging. It's been ages since I've finished a book in less than 3 sittings. I can't relate to a foster care upbringing, but much of David's journey still struck me as relatable. I was happy to see that at least someone else felt that their childhood video game obsessions nontrivially contributed to their scientific process in later years, for instance.
The book is two interwoven into one -- part memoir, part science. Unlike other books that have the gimmick to interweave odd and even chapters, Emergence is more memoir than science by page count, but whose scientific chapters earn their stay and weave into the memoir in supportive and compelling ways.
The book doesn't try to answer too heavily on whether it is just luck (or initial conditions). But some themes are noted. First, of course, is the importance and support of others, that nothing can be done alone.
But I took away another lesson, that I don't recall was explicitly mentioned in the book. Throughout David's career, he went the extra mile on everything. Took every strand of luck and put his whole heart into making the best of it. This was most explicit in his positive attitude at CMU as an undergrad. But this trend showed in other life chapters.
All in all -- This was just a damn good read. David is a remarkable person. An inspiring scientist and human. Highly recommend this.
July 15, 2026
I picked up this book because I’m heavily interested in neuroscience and obviously am a software developer; I feel myself to be an unlikely success due to my own upbringing.
This story is so incredibly real and heartbreaking. I had to pause reading a few times to just reflect on what was going on and reflecting on what it means for moments in my life. I often found myself achingly wishing I could be David’s friend because there are some things I completely understand, and I feel so much love for his young self (and mine through this book).
David didn’t approach the bible and religion as scripture the way some people do. He understood it as one of humanity’s most influential texts, like an anthropologist. This is how I approach religion too. I feel so very validated that my own understandings align with someone so intelligent.
“I started sneaking off the property by myself late at night wandering around the nearby middle class neighborhood of Taylor Ranch in search of answers to questions that had no words. I’d walk the residential streets in the dark, the only sounds of my footsteps echoing off the pavement. The houses were silent, the inhabitants blissfully, unaware of lost boys and dead mothers. Under the soft glow of street lamps I catch glimpses of lives I could never have.”
I know this experience. I’ve lived it before and still do sometimes when I observe others I now have the privilege to be around. I get it, David. And the deep understanding of minds and how they are programmed… I’ve known this for so long it pains me to discover there was a community growing who believe so much of the same things all the while I thought I had no one to talk about it with. I realize the field I need to be in now. I may have always known because I have always passionately read and studied on my own: software, AI, Neuroscience, psychology, etc. Ive even had so many conversations with others about BPD and how it’s absolutely curable and something I don’t believe the victims enjoy or understand within themselves. People relentlessly tell me they can’t be helped and to leave their asses. I disagree. There’s something there and they’re still humans. I refuse to believe they are monsters in full.
I cannot thank you enough for writing this book. If there is a chance you come across this review, I too am self made and lucky. I’d love nothing more than any opportunity to learn from and with you. Please reach out. (A far cry I know, but I know myself to be someone who may do great things eventually given the chance; I did it with my career in software)
This story is so incredibly real and heartbreaking. I had to pause reading a few times to just reflect on what was going on and reflecting on what it means for moments in my life. I often found myself achingly wishing I could be David’s friend because there are some things I completely understand, and I feel so much love for his young self (and mine through this book).
David didn’t approach the bible and religion as scripture the way some people do. He understood it as one of humanity’s most influential texts, like an anthropologist. This is how I approach religion too. I feel so very validated that my own understandings align with someone so intelligent.
“I started sneaking off the property by myself late at night wandering around the nearby middle class neighborhood of Taylor Ranch in search of answers to questions that had no words. I’d walk the residential streets in the dark, the only sounds of my footsteps echoing off the pavement. The houses were silent, the inhabitants blissfully, unaware of lost boys and dead mothers. Under the soft glow of street lamps I catch glimpses of lives I could never have.”
I know this experience. I’ve lived it before and still do sometimes when I observe others I now have the privilege to be around. I get it, David. And the deep understanding of minds and how they are programmed… I’ve known this for so long it pains me to discover there was a community growing who believe so much of the same things all the while I thought I had no one to talk about it with. I realize the field I need to be in now. I may have always known because I have always passionately read and studied on my own: software, AI, Neuroscience, psychology, etc. Ive even had so many conversations with others about BPD and how it’s absolutely curable and something I don’t believe the victims enjoy or understand within themselves. People relentlessly tell me they can’t be helped and to leave their asses. I disagree. There’s something there and they’re still humans. I refuse to believe they are monsters in full.
I cannot thank you enough for writing this book. If there is a chance you come across this review, I too am self made and lucky. I’d love nothing more than any opportunity to learn from and with you. Please reach out. (A far cry I know, but I know myself to be someone who may do great things eventually given the chance; I did it with my career in software)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Emergence by David Sussillo is an engaging look at both his rise from troubled beginnings and the role of important people and circumstance in overcoming obstacles. Plus some interesting science and technology discussions.
While his personal story is a fascinating one, my biggest takeaway had more to do with generally how someone overcomes a difficult start to life. So many mistake such stories as "pulling oneself up by their bootstraps." As if that alone is sufficient. It certainly takes a lot of effort and goal-driven action. But the system is stacked against the vast majority of people under such circumstances and it is usually the coincidences of key mentors (or simply people who let you know you have the ability) and things to pique the curiosity and start the drive. In this case there were some key people and arcade games that combined with his innate curiosity and inquisitiveness that propelled him. He made it in spite of the systems in this country, not because of them.
Like I mentioned, his personal story is both a wonderful read and offers the reader some ways in which to help make a difference. How to spark the curiosity in a young mind and encourage them to go for it. Where might a positive comment or some subtle guidance set someone onto a similar path? Not everyone has the ability Sussillo has, so not everyone will respond the same way. But at the least we can encourage our young people to confidently reach for those things that seem to be only for those with a head start in life.
Recommended for those who enjoy positive memoirs as well as those who like to learn from other lives how they can contribute to more such stories.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
While his personal story is a fascinating one, my biggest takeaway had more to do with generally how someone overcomes a difficult start to life. So many mistake such stories as "pulling oneself up by their bootstraps." As if that alone is sufficient. It certainly takes a lot of effort and goal-driven action. But the system is stacked against the vast majority of people under such circumstances and it is usually the coincidences of key mentors (or simply people who let you know you have the ability) and things to pique the curiosity and start the drive. In this case there were some key people and arcade games that combined with his innate curiosity and inquisitiveness that propelled him. He made it in spite of the systems in this country, not because of them.
Like I mentioned, his personal story is both a wonderful read and offers the reader some ways in which to help make a difference. How to spark the curiosity in a young mind and encourage them to go for it. Where might a positive comment or some subtle guidance set someone onto a similar path? Not everyone has the ability Sussillo has, so not everyone will respond the same way. But at the least we can encourage our young people to confidently reach for those things that seem to be only for those with a head start in life.
Recommended for those who enjoy positive memoirs as well as those who like to learn from other lives how they can contribute to more such stories.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
April 14, 2026
Wow, what a powerful memoir. There were so many times in David's life where things could have taken a different route but there happened to be the right person in his life that helped guide or support him to, eventually, get a PhD in neuroscience.
David overcame both parents being neglectful via being addicted to drugs or mental instability, being put into an orphanage, acting out and breaking rules; but yet his teachers tried to push him to stay in school and use his brain. They could tell he had potential but he just had to fight the odds.
This was a great story of how you can have the cards stacked against you but you can rise above it and succeed.
Most memoirs I read are of figures I know, but David was unknown to me. What drew me into wanting to read it was that I have a background in chemistry. While reading it I was reminded of a teacher pulling me from a math class to take an extra test. I remember sitting in the hall all by myself and finishing that test, next thing I knew I was sent to a higher math class. Later on I had just finished a physics final in college and the professor followed me out. He told me that I could do better if I just tried. I think I told him thanks but I didn't care, but in reality it wasn't him it was an outside factor. I wish I could apologize for that.
David overcame both parents being neglectful via being addicted to drugs or mental instability, being put into an orphanage, acting out and breaking rules; but yet his teachers tried to push him to stay in school and use his brain. They could tell he had potential but he just had to fight the odds.
This was a great story of how you can have the cards stacked against you but you can rise above it and succeed.
Most memoirs I read are of figures I know, but David was unknown to me. What drew me into wanting to read it was that I have a background in chemistry. While reading it I was reminded of a teacher pulling me from a math class to take an extra test. I remember sitting in the hall all by myself and finishing that test, next thing I knew I was sent to a higher math class. Later on I had just finished a physics final in college and the professor followed me out. He told me that I could do better if I just tried. I think I told him thanks but I didn't care, but in reality it wasn't him it was an outside factor. I wish I could apologize for that.
June 27, 2026
I got this book rec from his interview on Armchair Expert and this was a great book with quite the success story. David had a rough childhood (think Educated/The Glass Castle/Demon Copperhead) and this is his memoir with his interest and research in his career sprinkled throughout. Audio was great and it’s a story of choices and happenstances that can really change the course of someone’s life. Check this one out!
June 4, 2026
A beautiful memoir. Heartbreaking, heartwarming story of overcoming what seems impossible odds. David Sussillo’s contribution to our world has not only provided groundbreaking scientific advances, but now with this memoir he has offered us inspiration and hope.
July 16, 2026
I haven’t read a memoir in a while and this one reminded me why I love them so much! This one flipped back & forth between the author’s life story and discussing the science of computers and neuroscience. I loooooved reading his story and his reflection of it; the science went over my head😂 (but did make me respect how much of a genius he is). Really enjoyed this one and I’m so grateful for the vulnerability of people to disclose the hardships they’ve been through. It helps me learn more about what it is to be human.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
*I read an advance copy and was not compensated.
April 7, 2026
David writes about his resilience coming from a broken home filled with violence and drugs. He found his way out of an orphanage into college and earned a Fulbright Scholarship.
April 26, 2026
This was such a good read for me. He overcame so much in his early life against everything else.
May 16, 2026
Usually I don't like fiction that tries to teach me. But this one does it well enough that it did not bother me. Also the true story was compelling. I have some critique but on the whole 4.9 from 5
May 28, 2026
3.5 stars
June 9, 2026
Heartbreaking and inspiring.
June 11, 2026
I liked the personal story and admired all he overcame. I got a little lost when he went into computation aspects of his story.
June 26, 2026
Came (and stayed) for the personal story. The science / math I could take or leave, but appreciate why it’s interwoven.
June 28, 2026
Holy shit this was such a good read. Top three for me this year
July 1, 2026
Hard for me to rate- incredible story but not an incredible writer
July 6, 2026
Heartbreaking story but beautifully written and inspirational.
July 8, 2026
I was worried about how much science vs memoir but it was a good balance. Very interesting story.
July 12, 2026
Science stuff was above my thought process, however the story of his life is fascinating!
May 19, 2026
I cannot recommend this book enough! As a therapist, I was enthralled with David’s journey and as a nerd, I learned so much about neuroscience!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews