
No. reviewers 1.8M +
Rating 4.5 - 4.7
85%+ rated 4 or 5 stars
The Year I Met My Brain by Matilda Boseley
The Year I Met My Brain by Matilda Boseley is a memoir that chronicles the author's life with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In this candid and insightful account, Boseley reflects on her experiences with the condition, exploring the challenges she faced growing up, particularly in an environment where ADHD was often misunderstood. The book delves into the complexities of living with a neurological condition that affects one’s focus, impulsivity, and daily functioning.
Boseley recounts her journey toward receiving a diagnosis, the impact ADHD had on her personal and professional life, and her ongoing efforts to find strategies for managing the condition. The memoir combines humour with emotional honesty, shedding light on the stigma often associated with ADHD while providing a relatable narrative for others with similar experiences. Through her personal story, Boseley raises awareness of ADHD and offers a heartfelt exploration of the self-discovery process and the ongoing battle for self-acceptance.
What reviewers loved
Authentic and Candid Writing: Reviewers appreciated Boseley’s honest and unflinching approach to sharing her experiences with ADHD. Her willingness to expose both the humorous and challenging aspects of living with the condition resonates with readers, making her journey feel deeply authentic and relatable.Humour and Wit: Despite the serious subject matter, many readers found Boseley’s use of humour to be a refreshing and uplifting aspect of the book. Her wit brings a lightness to what could otherwise be a heavy topic, making the memoir enjoyable and engaging.
Educational and Insightful: Many readers found the book to be well researched and informative, particularly in terms of explaining ADHD from the perspective of someone who lives with it. Boseley’s account provides a valuable insight into the practical realities of ADHD, dispelling myths and increasing understanding of the condition.
Unique Insight into ADHD in Women: The book was praised for its refreshing focus on how ADHD affects women, especially as adults. Reviewers appreciated the author’s exploration of how the condition is often underdiagnosed or misunderstood in women, presenting a much-needed perspective on ADHD that goes beyond the stereotypical portrayal of hyperactive boys.
Relatable for Those with ADHD: For readers with ADHD, the memoir was especially impactful. Boseley’s experiences mirrored their own, and many felt that the book offered a sense of validation and solidarity.
Breaking Stigma: Reviewers praised the book for its role in challenging the stigma surrounding ADHD. Boseley’s candid reflections about the difficulties she faced in seeking a diagnosis and navigating life with ADHD have empowered others to share their own stories.
Empathy and Self-Discovery: Readers admired the emotional depth of the memoir, particularly how Boseley reflects on her journey toward self-acceptance. Her process of understanding herself and her condition resonated with those who have similarly struggled with accepting their neurodivergence.
Tone Reflects a Younger Perspective: Some readers felt that the writing and tone of the memoir seemed more suited to a younger audience. Given that Boseley is relatively young, a few reviewers thought that the book would have been more appropriate as a guide for young adults rather than a general adult audience. The style and some reflections felt less mature and more geared toward those still in the process of understanding themselves.
Lack of New Information: While the book is well-researched and informative, some readers noted that it did not offer any groundbreaking new insights into ADHD. For those already familiar with ADHD or who had done previous research, the content felt repetitive, as the information presented is largely based on existing knowledge. A few reviewers were disappointed by the lack of fresh perspectives or novel ideas.
Perceived "Woke" Agenda: A few readers felt that the book pushed a "woke" agenda, critiquing systems such as patriarchy and modern medicine in a way that seemed too overt. These readers felt that certain sections of the book, particularly those discussing societal issues, took away from the core focus on ADHD and detracted from the personal narrative. They felt the political undertones overshadowed the author’s individual story.