A fascinating, darkly funny comeback story of learning to live with a broken mind after a near-fatal traumatic brain injury—from the acclaimed author of The Hike“Drew Magary has produced a remarkable account of his journey, one that is filled with terror, tenderness, beauty, and grace.”—David Grann, bestselling author of Killers of the Flower Moon Drew Magary, fan-favorite
Defector and former
Deadspin columnist, is known for his acerbic takes and his surprisingly nuanced chronicling of his own life. But in
The Night the Lights Went Out, he finds himself far out of his depths. On the night of the 2018 Deadspin Awards, he suffered a mysterious fall that caused him to smash his head so hard on a cement floor that he cracked his skull in three places and suffered a catastrophic brain hemorrhage. For two weeks, he remained in a coma. The world was gone to him, and him to it. In his long recovery from his injury, including understanding what his family and friends went through as he lay there dying, coming to terms with his now permanent disabilities, and trying to find some lesson in this cosmic accident, he leaned on the one sure thing that he knows and that didn't leave him—his writing.Drew takes a deep dive into what it meant to be a bystander to his own death and figuring out who this new Drew is: a Drew that doesn't walk as well, doesn't taste or smell or see or hear as well, and a Drew that is often failing as a husband and a father as he bounces between grumpiness, irritability, and existential fury. But what's a good comeback story without heartbreak? Eager to get back what he lost, Drew experiences an awakening of a whole other kind in this incredibly funny, medically illuminating, and heartfelt memoir.
In the poignant and thought-provoking memoir, "The Night the Lights Went Out: A Memoir of Life After Brain Damage," Drew Magary chronicles his harrowing experience of suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the profound impact it had on his life.
Magary vividly recounts the fateful night when, as a young sportswriter covering a minor-league baseball game, he was struck by a foul ball, resulting in a severe TBI. The injury left him with a multitude of physical and cognitive challenges, including memory loss, impaired speech, and difficulty with basic tasks.
With raw honesty and unflinching detail, Magary delves into the depths of his struggle to regain his former life. He candidly shares his experiences with rehabilitation, the complexities of his relationship with his family and friends, and the emotional toll of his injury. As he navigates the labyrinthine healthcare system and grapples with his evolving identity, Magary offers a poignant exploration of resilience, acceptance, and the power of the human spirit.
"The Night the Lights Went Out" is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. Magary's resilience and unwavering determination serve as an inspiration to anyone facing adversity. This book is a poignant and insightful account of a life forever changed, offering a valuable perspective on the human capacity for healing and the enduring bonds of love.
