This is a well-structured and interesting examination of a cluster of memory-loss cases with no clear explanation, but selective damage to the hippocampus and circumstances suggesting some association with opiate overdoses. The research leads to other pathways as well, possibly improving our understanding of other conditions causing memory loss, such as Alzheimer’s.

I liked how the author related one individual’s lived experience and included snippets of email and text conversations. The email and text conversations broke up the solid blocks of narrative text and helped showcase the people behind the research, and having the individual’s lived experience with profound memory loss said so much more than a list of symptoms would.

This is the book to read if you like reading about science at work: how do research projects get off the ground or not? what are the challenges involved in identifying new conditions? Also recommended if you’re interested in memory or memory loss. ( )