Concussion
Concussion
Book Brief
288
Biography • Nonfiction
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • 2000s
2015
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Concussion by Jeanne Marie Laskas follows Nigerian-born forensic pathologist Bennet Omalu as he investigates the tragic death of football player Mike Webster, ultimately discovering the condition chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) caused by repeated concussions. Omalu's work challenges the National Football League (NFL) and leads to significant changes in sports medicine and professional athletics. The book discusses traumatic brain injuries and the impact on athletes.
Informative
Mysterious
Challenging
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
5,184 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Jeanne Marie Laskas' Concussion is widely praised for its compelling storytelling and thorough research on the impact of brain injuries in football. Critics commend Laskas' ability to humanize the scientific subject through engaging narratives, though some mention the emotional tone can overshadow factual content. Overall, it’s an enlightening and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Concussion?
Readers who appreciate investigative journalism and medical intrigue, similar to readers of Rebecca Skloot's The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks or John Carreyrou's Bad Blood, will find Jeanne Marie Laskas's Concussion compelling. Perfect for those interested in sports, brain science, and true stories of discovery and moral dilemma.
5,184 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Concussion by Jeanne Marie Laskas tells the story of Dr. Bennet Omalu, whose research led to the discovery of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in American football players.
The book inspired the 2015 film Concussion, starring Will Smith as Dr. Bennet Omalu, bringing widespread attention to the issue of brain injuries in sports.
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Jeanne Marie Laskas originally wrote about Dr. Omalu's groundbreaking work in a 2009 article for GQ magazine, which laid the foundation for the book.
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288
Biography • Nonfiction
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • 2000s
2015
Adult
18+ years
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