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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, best-selling 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 aftermath of a sudden and traumatic brain injury, Drew Magary finds himself grappling with a new reality in his memoir, "The Night the Lights Went Out: A Memoir of Life After Brain Damage." With unflinching honesty and poignant prose, Magary recounts his journey through the physical and emotional challenges of recovery, offering a profound exploration of resilience, love, and the nature of identity.

In the blink of an eye, Magary's life is forever changed when he suffers a massive seizure that leaves him with severe brain damage. As he awakens from a coma, he discovers that the world he once knew has been irrevocably altered. Simple tasks become arduous, memories fade, and relationships are strained by the profound changes in his behavior and cognition.

With raw vulnerability, Magary delves into the depths of despair and frustration that accompany his condition. He grapples with the loss of his former self, the challenges of relearning basic skills, and the constant fear of additional seizures. Yet, amidst the darkness, he finds solace and strength in the unwavering support of his wife and family.

"The Night the Lights Went Out" transcends the boundaries of a medical memoir, becoming a poignant meditation on the human spirit's capacity for healing and transformation. Magary's deeply personal account sheds light on the hidden struggles of brain injury survivors and their loved ones, challenging societal perceptions and promoting empathy.

With humor, insight, and unwavering optimism, Magary invites readers to embark on a journey of hope and resilience. His poignant narrative serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit has an extraordinary capacity to persevere, adapt, and find new meaning in life.