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Broken Brains
A personal book about physical brain health and mental brain health, and how they coexist in two very different spaces.
At the age of 31 Jamila Rizvi was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour. When she shared her diagnosis with loved ones, good friend Rosie Waterland proposed the tumour eventually be named 'Jam's Jerky' and kept on display in a jar.
While this sensitive proposal was politely declined, there was a reason Jamila had turned to Rosie for support. Rosie knows what it's like to live with a broken brain. After a childhood of abuse and neglect, she had been dealing with significant trauma symptoms for years.
Jamila and Rosie soon discovered their broken brains had more in common than they could ever have imagined.
In this brave and honest book they share their parallel experiences of being sick, alongside the advice of those who've been there before.
Broken Brains offers exactly what both Jamila and Rosie wish they'd had at the height of their illnesses- comfort, solidarity and understanding. Sometimes funny, sometimes brutal, this book is essential reading for anyone who has ever been sick or loved someone who was.
At the age of 31 Jamila Rizvi was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour. When she shared her diagnosis with loved ones, good friend Rosie Waterland proposed the tumour eventually be named 'Jam's Jerky' and kept on display in a jar.
While this sensitive proposal was politely declined, there was a reason Jamila had turned to Rosie for support. Rosie knows what it's like to live with a broken brain. After a childhood of abuse and neglect, she had been dealing with significant trauma symptoms for years.
Jamila and Rosie soon discovered their broken brains had more in common than they could ever have imagined.
In this brave and honest book they share their parallel experiences of being sick, alongside the advice of those who've been there before.
Broken Brains offers exactly what both Jamila and Rosie wish they'd had at the height of their illnesses- comfort, solidarity and understanding. Sometimes funny, sometimes brutal, this book is essential reading for anyone who has ever been sick or loved someone who was.
336 pages, Paperback
Published May 6, 2025
86 people are currently reading
725 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 18, 2025
Only bought this book because I’m a fan of Rosie and I enjoyed her parts of the book but found myself a bit bored with Jamila’s.
June 24, 2025
First off, the premise of this book is great. Two people, with two very different conditions, experience a lot of the same symptoms, and yet society treats them very differently. I LOVE this concept. I think it is something that should be examined in detail, which is why I was excited to read this book. I also fit within the proclaimed target market of the book "for anyone who's been sick or loved someone who was" - I am both of these.
Unfortunately, this book did not live up to my expectations, and I would argue that their target market is not what it says on the cover. There is very little depth, so many pat statements, very little critical though, some victim blaming, some uncomfortable sections around weight gain/eating disorders, and it basically reads like an extended Mamamia article, which maybe I should've expected, because at one point both authors wrote for Mamamia.
In terms of target audience, I would argue that this book is for absolute beginners in the chronic illness space, e.g. people who don't know about spoon theory or people who have yet to get sick of people asking them "have you tried yoga?" For seasoned chronic illness vets, you probably aren't going to walk away having learnt anything new, and you may feel a little condescended to/alienated.
Some pet peeves that were in this book:
- incorrect definition of endometriosis (c'mon it's 2025!)
- misuse of the 5 stages of grief (it was never meant to describe other people experiencing loss, only people coming to terms with their own deaths when diagnosed with a terminal illness)
- saying exercise has no negative side effects - hello, as a person with POTS/MCAS/HSD type symptoms, I can tell you that exercise can leave me with very negative effects for days if I am not careful. This sucks because I love exercise. Such a statement 100% should not be in a book directed at people with chronic illness.
- the extreme amount of privilege (although, the authors were very open in acknowledging their privilege, I would like someone with less privilege to be given more of a voice)
Some positives:
- I enjoyed learning about craniopharyngioma and how some of the symptoms can be so similar to mental illness. I wish there had been more memoir from Jamila, although I understand if that might be difficult due to her memory loss that arose from the craniopharyngioma
- I enjoyed Rosie's sections as they were more memoir and less pop health/science, and I enjoyed learning about her life
- It was quite validating to hear how sometimes others' experiences of doctors has been quite similar to mine.
Unfortunately, this book did not live up to my expectations, and I would argue that their target market is not what it says on the cover. There is very little depth, so many pat statements, very little critical though, some victim blaming, some uncomfortable sections around weight gain/eating disorders, and it basically reads like an extended Mamamia article, which maybe I should've expected, because at one point both authors wrote for Mamamia.
In terms of target audience, I would argue that this book is for absolute beginners in the chronic illness space, e.g. people who don't know about spoon theory or people who have yet to get sick of people asking them "have you tried yoga?" For seasoned chronic illness vets, you probably aren't going to walk away having learnt anything new, and you may feel a little condescended to/alienated.
Some pet peeves that were in this book:
- incorrect definition of endometriosis (c'mon it's 2025!)
- misuse of the 5 stages of grief (it was never meant to describe other people experiencing loss, only people coming to terms with their own deaths when diagnosed with a terminal illness)
- saying exercise has no negative side effects - hello, as a person with POTS/MCAS/HSD type symptoms, I can tell you that exercise can leave me with very negative effects for days if I am not careful. This sucks because I love exercise. Such a statement 100% should not be in a book directed at people with chronic illness.
- the extreme amount of privilege (although, the authors were very open in acknowledging their privilege, I would like someone with less privilege to be given more of a voice)
Some positives:
- I enjoyed learning about craniopharyngioma and how some of the symptoms can be so similar to mental illness. I wish there had been more memoir from Jamila, although I understand if that might be difficult due to her memory loss that arose from the craniopharyngioma
- I enjoyed Rosie's sections as they were more memoir and less pop health/science, and I enjoyed learning about her life
- It was quite validating to hear how sometimes others' experiences of doctors has been quite similar to mine.
May 20, 2025
I really wanted to love this book—I truly did. The concept of two differently "broken" minds and how society treats each one is compelling. I absolutely love Rosie and everything she does; her chapters were a joy to read. I also appreciated Jamila’s story, but at times it felt like it veered too far off course. Parts of it read more like a medical study intended for a professional board than a narrative. While I believe the two stories could have worked together, they ultimately didn’t. It might have worked better as a podcast episode or even as Jamila’s standalone book, with perhaps a final chapter dedicated to Rosie. I’m sorry—I wanted to love it so much, but in the end, I just couldn’t.
August 23, 2025
Loves the premise of this book but found it lopsided. Rather than being a partnership, Rosie’s sections seemed to be awkwardly shoehorned into the end of chapters despite being the most interesting and poignant ones. Jamila’s story was interesting but there was not enough memoir and too much sickness 101. It’s marketed as a book for sick people or those who love them but the general information on sickness was entry level at best. I would have loved it to more squarely be a more evenly balanced memoir.
July 24, 2025
4 as an audiobook (maybe not as a physical book)
August 16, 2025
Really loved the layout of this book to be back and forth. A great listen
June 16, 2025
This book, Broken Brains, by Jamila Rizvi and Rosie Waterland achieves absolutely nothing for people who live with a serious health condition or for those who know such a person. I had never heard of either of these writers before and I hope I never come in contact with either of them again. They live in a world of privilege surrounded by opportunities most people will never know. Each has received substantial help that is not available to ordinary people. Rizvi presents excellent information about brain injury and the correlations between physical and mental health issues but I easily found similar information on the internet. Waterland claims to have seen a psychiatrist for treatment for about twenty years. Where in the world are there ill people with the funds to pay for that? Rizvi and Waterland have indulged in self-agrandizement in offering this book to the market place. They are arrogant, privileged, greedy, self-centred, and completely lacking in compassion for those who need or deserve support. Am I fit to judge? My personal story makes this book look like a children's party game. Broken Brains is a waste of your time. Leave in on the shelf or, better yet, throw it in the bin.
May 16, 2025
I love this book. I think my colleagues are sick and tired of hearing how much this book rocks! Everyone needs to read it.
As someone who has chronic anxiety, bouts of depression, and a history of debilitating panic attacks from trauma I felt seen by Rosie.
It was perfect timing as my mum has been recovering from bowel cancer whilst I was reading this book. So much of what Jamila discussed was on point with what we are experiencing as a family. It felt less isolating to realise other families have gone through a similar experience in terms of navigating the healthcare system.
Learning about spoon theory is a game changer. It is a concept I will likely be referring to on a weekly basis to help assist my clients.
Thank you Jamila and Rosie for this amazing book. It has helped me so much.
As someone who has chronic anxiety, bouts of depression, and a history of debilitating panic attacks from trauma I felt seen by Rosie.
It was perfect timing as my mum has been recovering from bowel cancer whilst I was reading this book. So much of what Jamila discussed was on point with what we are experiencing as a family. It felt less isolating to realise other families have gone through a similar experience in terms of navigating the healthcare system.
Learning about spoon theory is a game changer. It is a concept I will likely be referring to on a weekly basis to help assist my clients.
Thank you Jamila and Rosie for this amazing book. It has helped me so much.
August 6, 2025
I was blown away by the openness of both authors, Jamila Rizvi & Rosie Waterland, in sharing their struggles and growing strength in dealing with their “broken brains”. Diagnosed with craniopharyngioma, a rare brain tumour, Rizvi’s life was turned around as the tumour continued to grow back after removal, causing brain injury and changing her life forever as she gallantly fought against the disability it created. Rosie’s severe mental health issues, her “broken brain”, was attributed to her traumatic childhood of abuse, abandonment and trauma. Their stories were inspirational in how they dealt with doctors, diagnoses, the health care system, the stereotypes associated with mental and physical illnesses, and the support they received from friends and family. They dedicate their writing to “anyone who’s been sick or loved someone who was” and emphatically provide the readers with their dedication to living their lives with dignity and strength, for as long as they can. The perspectives they provide on how ill people are treated in our society are both alarming (in the worst cases) and loving (in the best).
May 17, 2025
This book is a must listen for everyone whether you have had a brain injury, know someone with a brain injury or have never met anyone with serious illness. It made me laugh and cry. And it’s full of excellent advice. Should you be facing an illness yourself or have a friend or family member going through serious illness this is the book for you.
May 23, 2025
Rosie and Jamila invite us into their (extraordinary) broken brains with such genoeosity, insight and self awareness. Some chapters feel like a beautiful big gut punch, others were completely fascinating - but all left me with the most sense of admiration for both of these women.
July 31, 2025
DNF, but maybe I will eventually. The premise of this is great and I love the two view points. It’s emotional and I certainly shed tears for both women but by a third of the way in I found it hard to continue. I’m not saying I won’t finish it, but it’s gut wrenching whilst also being pretty dry and slow paced.
August 18, 2025
Started off well but then got tedious and didn’t seem to end. I’ve read and really enjoyed Rosie’s other books but this one was mainly written by Jamila who writes very articulately but I found lacked reader connection and engagement after about halfway through. Overall, it had some insightful parts which I enjoyed but mostly was a bit boring. (This is just my opinion of the book and not their personal experiences.)
June 1, 2025
This was hard to rate, there was some really awesome parts but I found Jamila’s parts quite difficult to read in around chapter 8/9.
I had to listen to a little but via audio book to keep it moving , which helped bring a personal aspect back to Jamila’s parts.
Overall it’s a really great book & I loved the message.
I had to listen to a little but via audio book to keep it moving , which helped bring a personal aspect back to Jamila’s parts.
Overall it’s a really great book & I loved the message.
September 29, 2025
Audiobook — a solid 3 (okay fine, 3.5 if I’m generous).
The premise is excellent: two women unpacking their very different lived experiences—Jamila facing a brain tumour diagnosis, Rosie tracing how her childhood trauma seeped into adulthood. Both stories are valid, gut-wrenching, and deeply human. But as an audiobook, the delivery sometimes grated. Rosie in particular had a habit of performing every beat, which made it feel a touch over-dramatized rather than letting the rawness speak for itself.
Having just read Good Morning, Monster and Maybe You Should Talk To Someone (brilliant, psychologist-authored works), I couldn’t help but compare. Those books clinically dissect trauma; Broken Brains drops you right into the lived mess of it. It’s confronting, heartbreaking, and a reminder of how invisible so much suffering really is.
What I loved:
The frank acknowledgement of how expensive and inaccessible healthcare is—Jamila naming her privilege in even accessing treatment is powerful.
Rosie’s raw confession that she once wished for brain cancer rather than a mental health diagnosis, simply because people rally around casseroles and lasagnes for cancer, but not for trauma. That hit me in the bones.
Rosie’s memory of being scolded for her dirty school uniform rather than being asked the obvious: what’s going on at home? Teachers can be lifelines if they look beyond the surface. My mum taught all her life, so I felt a surge of gratitude for the teachers who notice brokenness and respond with compassion.
Ultimately, the book reminds us that while diagnoses differ, what sustains us is community—someone to love, whether that’s friends, family, or the chosen people who hold us together when we’re unravelling.
Not flawless, but certainly moving.
The premise is excellent: two women unpacking their very different lived experiences—Jamila facing a brain tumour diagnosis, Rosie tracing how her childhood trauma seeped into adulthood. Both stories are valid, gut-wrenching, and deeply human. But as an audiobook, the delivery sometimes grated. Rosie in particular had a habit of performing every beat, which made it feel a touch over-dramatized rather than letting the rawness speak for itself.
Having just read Good Morning, Monster and Maybe You Should Talk To Someone (brilliant, psychologist-authored works), I couldn’t help but compare. Those books clinically dissect trauma; Broken Brains drops you right into the lived mess of it. It’s confronting, heartbreaking, and a reminder of how invisible so much suffering really is.
What I loved:
The frank acknowledgement of how expensive and inaccessible healthcare is—Jamila naming her privilege in even accessing treatment is powerful.
Rosie’s raw confession that she once wished for brain cancer rather than a mental health diagnosis, simply because people rally around casseroles and lasagnes for cancer, but not for trauma. That hit me in the bones.
Rosie’s memory of being scolded for her dirty school uniform rather than being asked the obvious: what’s going on at home? Teachers can be lifelines if they look beyond the surface. My mum taught all her life, so I felt a surge of gratitude for the teachers who notice brokenness and respond with compassion.
Ultimately, the book reminds us that while diagnoses differ, what sustains us is community—someone to love, whether that’s friends, family, or the chosen people who hold us together when we’re unravelling.
Not flawless, but certainly moving.
May 18, 2025
Broken Brains is the book I didn’t know I needed. As someone whose family lives with the weight of a chronic health condition — in our case, an organ transplant — I found myself crying at different points throughout this book. Not because it was sad, though it often is, but because it finally gave words to feelings I’ve carried for years.
Jamila and Rosie have created something tender, raw, and painfully real. They articulate the invisible load so many people carry — especially those living with mental health issues — in a way that is both validating and enraging.
There were lines that hit me hard:
• The truth that the lasagnas stop coming after your first hospital visit — and often never arrive at all for those with mental health challenges.
• The weariness of hearing people say “just push through it,” as though willpower can heal trauma or chemical imbalances.
• The persistent dominance of the male lens in medicine, and the dismissal that so many women, nonbinary people, and marginalized individuals still face when seeking help.
• The school system that writes detention slips for ripped stockings, missing entirely the silent scream of a child in distress.
• And the brutal irony that “playing disabled” wins Oscars — but living with it often earns judgement, invisibility, or disbelief.
I found deep comfort in this book. It made me feel seen. It reminded me that our experiences aren’t isolated, and that there is profound strength in being honest about our brokenness.
Thank you, Jamila and Rosie, for speaking truth with heart and humour. This book is a lifeline.
Jamila and Rosie have created something tender, raw, and painfully real. They articulate the invisible load so many people carry — especially those living with mental health issues — in a way that is both validating and enraging.
There were lines that hit me hard:
• The truth that the lasagnas stop coming after your first hospital visit — and often never arrive at all for those with mental health challenges.
• The weariness of hearing people say “just push through it,” as though willpower can heal trauma or chemical imbalances.
• The persistent dominance of the male lens in medicine, and the dismissal that so many women, nonbinary people, and marginalized individuals still face when seeking help.
• The school system that writes detention slips for ripped stockings, missing entirely the silent scream of a child in distress.
• And the brutal irony that “playing disabled” wins Oscars — but living with it often earns judgement, invisibility, or disbelief.
I found deep comfort in this book. It made me feel seen. It reminded me that our experiences aren’t isolated, and that there is profound strength in being honest about our brokenness.
Thank you, Jamila and Rosie, for speaking truth with heart and humour. This book is a lifeline.
June 13, 2025
Our Review...
I have been fangirling over both Jamila Rizvi and Rosie Waterland for decades and this latest morsel of their creative goodness is a must read. With a vulnerable, educated and lived experience approach, the book is a chapter-by-chapter reflection on what it means to have a broken brain and the impact that bystanders may never have considered.
In her very early 30s Jamila Rizvi was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour, and her life and world were turned upside down. Navigating a chronic health condition, still trying to thrive in her career and raise a young child became a daily struggle.
While firm friend Rosie Waterland, understands what it means to have a broken brain in a different sense. Having grown up in an abusive and dysfunctional family, the ongoing challenge that childhood trauma brings is often understated.
This part memoir, self help guide and all together darkly hilarious, yet deadly (pun intended) serious book is a brilliant snapshot into what it is like to like to live with a chronic health condition or mental illness.
Sharing with vulnerability and openness, this book will be a voice for anyone who has ever experienced what it is to be unwell. Alternatively, it is equally highly recommended to broaden your understanding and crack open wide the world of ablest norm.
Review by Lydia @ Great Escape Books
I have been fangirling over both Jamila Rizvi and Rosie Waterland for decades and this latest morsel of their creative goodness is a must read. With a vulnerable, educated and lived experience approach, the book is a chapter-by-chapter reflection on what it means to have a broken brain and the impact that bystanders may never have considered.
In her very early 30s Jamila Rizvi was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour, and her life and world were turned upside down. Navigating a chronic health condition, still trying to thrive in her career and raise a young child became a daily struggle.
While firm friend Rosie Waterland, understands what it means to have a broken brain in a different sense. Having grown up in an abusive and dysfunctional family, the ongoing challenge that childhood trauma brings is often understated.
This part memoir, self help guide and all together darkly hilarious, yet deadly (pun intended) serious book is a brilliant snapshot into what it is like to like to live with a chronic health condition or mental illness.
Sharing with vulnerability and openness, this book will be a voice for anyone who has ever experienced what it is to be unwell. Alternatively, it is equally highly recommended to broaden your understanding and crack open wide the world of ablest norm.
Review by Lydia @ Great Escape Books
July 17, 2025
I’m a huge fan of both Jamila and Rosie! I loved that they cowrote this book together to talk about both mental and physical health and the effects it has on individuals as well as friends, family and work.
I really enjoyed how Jamila wrote her sections and connected to other people’s stories. As someone who’s grown up with Endo and auto immunity I felt really seen! It was such an honest piece around our health system and how society treats people who are unwell.
I’ve always loved Rosie’s amazing ability to tell stories and share her story specifically. Having read both her memoirs previously, I am familiar with Rosie’s history but loved hearing more about her life and again found her parts relatable and so insightful.
I definitely recommend the audiobook, it’s an easy listen with both of these wonderful women narrating.
Thank you Jamila and Rosie!
I really enjoyed how Jamila wrote her sections and connected to other people’s stories. As someone who’s grown up with Endo and auto immunity I felt really seen! It was such an honest piece around our health system and how society treats people who are unwell.
I’ve always loved Rosie’s amazing ability to tell stories and share her story specifically. Having read both her memoirs previously, I am familiar with Rosie’s history but loved hearing more about her life and again found her parts relatable and so insightful.
I definitely recommend the audiobook, it’s an easy listen with both of these wonderful women narrating.
Thank you Jamila and Rosie!
October 9, 2025
Absolutely love love loved this book. As someone with a broken brain, I felt so held and understood by both authors, who articulated the world of living with a broken brain so well (perhaps because I already understand it, maybe it would be a different experience for someone reading who they themselves have not had to experience that difficulty). I really appreciated their peppered in stories of others’ tales. It brought relatable, holistic view to the issue, and particularly appreciated the emphasis they put on clearly outlining the difference of how you’re treated with a mentally broken brain vs a physically broken brain. I think they were absolutely gold as co-authors, and honestly just wish I could buy a copy to give to everyone I love.
June 1, 2025
Started off strong and really engaging but seemed to drop off and not be as engaging as I continued.
I found some of the medical anecdotes interesting to learn, but I didn’t expect this whilst reading the book and found some a bit misplaced.
I have followed Jamila for years and listened to her on a few podcasts so her parts were not new to me and I didn’t feel like I gained further insights.
I loved Rosie’s parts and am now keen to look into more of her work.
It is really validating to read as someone with an autoimmune disease, the invisible load that comes with navagting illness. I felt so seen and enjoyed that aspect.
A great read overall
I found some of the medical anecdotes interesting to learn, but I didn’t expect this whilst reading the book and found some a bit misplaced.
I have followed Jamila for years and listened to her on a few podcasts so her parts were not new to me and I didn’t feel like I gained further insights.
I loved Rosie’s parts and am now keen to look into more of her work.
It is really validating to read as someone with an autoimmune disease, the invisible load that comes with navagting illness. I felt so seen and enjoyed that aspect.
A great read overall
November 14, 2025
I really love the concept for this book and the importance of bringing awareness to the different types of “broken brains” we can have. Unfortunately I really struggled to finish this book. I loved the chapters and parts of Rosie’s story, I found it very interesting, authentic and enlightening. However, I struggled with Jamilla’s chapters - not the parts about her story, but rather the other medical topics & stories that she bought in. The book also felt quite lopsided towards Jamilla. I really wanted to love this book but unfortunately didn’t.
May 29, 2025
A book everyone should read.
After having meningitis three times and neurosurgery for a brain access, I needed this book. I have a whole in my dura (a result from sinus surgery). I like to say ‘I have a hole in my brain’ to explain my bad days and this book helped me think of all the people and things that have helped me in the mending my broken brain. So well written, so many life stories.
After having meningitis three times and neurosurgery for a brain access, I needed this book. I have a whole in my dura (a result from sinus surgery). I like to say ‘I have a hole in my brain’ to explain my bad days and this book helped me think of all the people and things that have helped me in the mending my broken brain. So well written, so many life stories.
June 25, 2025
This is a really fascinating book about two friends who struggle with chronic illness and how it impacts their lives. They share further about how being disabled by an illness or a condition doesn't necessarily prevent you from living a complete and great life contrary to popular belief.
It is definitely a must read for anyone who struggle with similar things or may have to support their loved ones with any illnesses in the future. As our health will eventually decline as we age.
It is definitely a must read for anyone who struggle with similar things or may have to support their loved ones with any illnesses in the future. As our health will eventually decline as we age.
June 5, 2025
As someone who lives with a broken brain and chronic invisible illnesses I really enjoyed this book. Their stories were very relatable to me and I found my own story in them. I’ve recommended this to everyone I know and will be purchasing copies for friends to read. Thank you both for writing such a beautiful book that so many of us can relate too.
October 8, 2025
Broken brains; brain tumours, mental illness. Visible; invisible. Their lives; mine. The consumer; the family. The seen; the unseen. The similarities; the differences. THE LASAGNE. (Why is it always the lasagne 🥲).
Wish I could read this again and again and again and again for the first time, highlighting the shit out of the sentences and phrases that struck chords with me. WOWSER.
Wish I could read this again and again and again and again for the first time, highlighting the shit out of the sentences and phrases that struck chords with me. WOWSER.
July 21, 2025
A really interesting look at what it's like to live with brain cancer as opposed to someone living with trauma and related mental health issues. Very polar experiences of understanding, empathy and support.
Read by Suzie
Read by Suzie
August 5, 2025
An excellent book - if chronic illness or mental health hits your family or friends this is a great book to understand perspectives from two woman who have gone through and will continue to go through such challenges. Perspectives told with great warmth, insight and practicality.
August 18, 2025
Loved it.
I love it when an author(s) narrate their own work.
I am grateful for these ladies and their transparency & vulnerability in order for others to understand what it is like to live with disability and mental illness in Australia today.
I love it when an author(s) narrate their own work.
I am grateful for these ladies and their transparency & vulnerability in order for others to understand what it is like to live with disability and mental illness in Australia today.
October 26, 2025
Would have been better as a podcast or long read. Jamila’s chapters were overly ambitious and tried to tackle too much. Still, loved Rosie’s chapters. It’s heavy, big hearted and makes you think about what an ableist society we live in and also have physical health can affect mental health
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews