I picked up 'My Lobotomy: A Memoir' on a whim, drawn by its haunting title and the promise of a raw, unfiltered personal story. Howard Dully’s account of his childhood lobotomy is one of those reads that lingers long after the last page. The way he describes his confusion, pain, and eventual journey toward understanding is heartbreaking yet strangely uplifting. Critics often highlight how Dully’s straightforward prose strips away any sensationalism, making the horror of his experience even more stark.
What struck me most was the broader commentary on medical ethics and how easily power can be abused. It’s not just a memoir; it’s a cautionary tale about trust and autonomy. The book’s reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising its courage and clarity. If you’re into memoirs that challenge your perspective, this one’s a must-read. Just be prepared for some heavy emotional lifting.
'My Lobotomy: A Memoir' is the kind of book that makes you pause mid-read just to process what you’ve learned. Howard Dully’s story is surreal—how his stepmother convinced doctors to lobotomize him at 12, and how he spent years piecing together why. Reviews often focus on his lack of bitterness, which is astonishing given the trauma. The Guardian praised its 'quiet power,' and that’s spot-on.
It’s not an easy read, but it’s an important one. Dully’s journey from confusion to clarity is wrenching, yet there’s a weird hope in his survival. The way he interviews others involved in his lobotomy adds layers to the narrative. Definitely recommend if you can handle the weight of it.
Ever stumbled upon a book that makes you angry and sad in equal measure? That’s 'My Lobotomy' for me. Howard Dully’s story isn’t just about surviving a lobotomy as a kid—it’s about reclaiming his voice decades later. Reviews often mention how jarring it is to see such a brutal procedure framed through the eyes of a child who didn’t even understand what was happening. The new york Times called it 'a testament to resilience,' and I agree.
What’s fascinating is how Dully avoids self-pity. He’s matter-of-fact, almost detached at times, which somehow makes it hit harder. The book also digs into the cultural obsession with lobotomies in mid-20th century America, adding historical depth. If you’re into dark, thought-provoking nonfiction, this’ll stick with you like a shadow.
2026-01-02 02:03:08
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They Laughed Hard While I Was Dying
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My girlfriend's so-called guy best friend found out I had epilepsy. He deliberately spiked my drink with stimulants.
The moment I drank it, my nervous system was overstimulated. My heart rate surged. My chest tightened. Then the familiar warning signs hit–blurred vision, fragmented awareness, the onset of a seizure.
The next second, I lost control of my body and collapsed onto the floor. My muscles convulsed violently. My jaw locked tight. My breathing turned uneven.
I struggled to pull out the emergency medication I always carried with me, trying to stop the seizure from worsening.
However, just as I was about to take it, I realized the hot water in my bottle had been replaced with highly concentrated coffee.
The extra caffeine intensified the neurological stimulation. My convulsions worsened. My thoughts became more chaotic. My fingers stiffened to the point where I could barely move.
Aaron Stone looked down at me on the floor and laughed.
"Not bad. You're pretty convincing.
"I've seen plenty of seizure patients before. Never seen anyone act this well."
Gasping for air, I forced myself onto my knees in front of Mia, my jaw tightening from the spasms.
"Mia... call an ambulance... I'm having a seizure..."
Mia frowned at my obvious condition, but there was only impatience on her face.
"Enough already.
"If you keep acting like this, it's honestly too much. Since when can people having seizures still talk?
"Aaron's a doctor. With him here, what could possibly happen to you?"
I stopped trying to explain.
Because I was already entering the next stage of neurological collapse. Even speaking had become difficult.
Using the last of my strength, I pulled out my phone and sent an emergency distress message.
Adrian Moretti’s adopted sister—She knew perfectly well that I suffered from severe asthma and could not be exposed to smoke or strong scents.
Yet during the yacht reception, she deliberately dragged me onto the open deck, where cigars burned nonstop and the wind howled.
Within seconds, my chest tightened.
When I reached for my inhaler, my blood ran cold.
It was empty.
I collapsed against the railing, gasping violently, my lungs burning as if they were collapsing in on themselves.
She crouched beside me and smiled.
“You’re always so dramatic. It’s just a little smoke. You don’t need to act like you’re dying,” she said softly.
“You’re too weak. You need to build some tolerance.”
I looked toward Adrian, my vision already blurring.
“Adrian,” I choked. “Give me my inhaler. If I don’t use it right now, I’m going to suffocate.”
He frowned slightly.
“Don’t you think you’re overreacting?” he said coldly.
“I’ve never heard of anyone dying from a bit of smoke. She’s right—you’re always seeking attention. We finally gathered tonight, and you’re ruining it.”
My heart dropped.
I fumbled for my phone and called my mother.
“Mom,” I sobbed, barely able to breathe.
“I’m being bullied… and I can’t breathe.”
My voice shook violently.
A lethal neurotoxin had taken hold of my lungs.
My time is running out.
My mother, Sofia, was the most connected lawyer in Palermo, excelling in burying crimes and twisting the law.
When my brother Vincent mowed me down and shattered my leg, she called in every favor to clear his record.
My father, Tommaso, the most feared private doctor in Sicily, faked my medical files, branding me unstable and delusional, all to mold me into the obedient son they needed.
Then there was Lina, only daughter of Don Vitali, my wife.
She said, “We let him out for Vincent’s liver. What if he says no?”
Dad’s voice went cold.
“He has two choices: lie quietly on that operating table… or waste away in the sanatorium for what’s left of his life.”
I pushed the parlor door open, steady and slow.
My voice was flat.
“I’ll do it.”
Every one of them let out a breath they’d been holding, showering me with hollow words.
They didn’t know there was no life left to threaten.
I had twenty-four hours.
By sunrise, I would be dead either way.
Funny… now that I’m in the ground, why are they all crying?
My husband, Jacob Morris, wrongly believed that I had pushed the woman he loved down the stairs. So, he locked me in the basement to make me reflect on my actions.
He hired people to punish me, trying to break my spirit. I suffered inhumane torture. My tendons were cut, and my face was disfigured.
Four years later, he finally remembered me and let me out.
But by then, I was too broken to love him anymore.
On the day I'm diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer, my dad suddenly gains the ability to hear people's inner thoughts.
My stepmother, Pauline Barton, scolds inwardly, "Why isn't this old fool dead yet?"
But what my dad hears is, "Honey, I'd gladly trade ten years of my life for your health."
I kneel before him and beg him to take me to the hospital. In my heart, I'm crying, "Dad, please save me. I'm in so much pain."
But what he hears is, "Hurry up and give me some money, old man. I want to buy the latest designer bag."
So, he dotes on Pauline while throwing me, who is gravely ill, into a dog cage without food or water.
Pointing at me, he snarls, "How can you be so vicious? I can't believe you want me dead!"
Curled up in agony, I sob as I try to explain. However, all I get in return are even harsher beatings and insults.
The moment I die, his ability finally starts working properly. My soul drifts above as I watch him hold Pauline and weep.
But inside, she's laughing hysterically. "They're finally all dead. Now the entire family fortune is mine."
This time, Dad hears every single word, loud and clear.
My Husband Operated on Me for 18 Hours… So I Left Him
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Thanks to a car accident, I've suffered from a severe injury in my head, leaving me with one foot in my grave.
My husband, Andrew Rollins who's known for being an extremely talented doctor, serves as my primary surgeon. He conducts a surgery on me that lasts for 18 hours straight just so he can wrench my life from Death's cold fingers.
But the first thing I do after I wake up is tell him, "Let's get divorced, Andrew."
His eyes become bloodshot immediately. "Tess, I just saved your life, and yet the first thing you want is a divorce? Is it because I've been too busy with my work at the hospital that it cuts down on the time I get to spend with you?"
I frown deeply. "It's precisely due to the fact that you've saved me that I must file for a divorce. That's the only way I can help you uphold your title as an extremely talented doctor."
My older family members are quick to advise me. "Andrew is such an amazing husband. Not only is he a family man, but he also loves you with all his heart. Why must you insist on getting a divorce? Are you tired of living a great life with Andrew?"
Whoever has the gall to advise me will receive a rebuttal from me, no questions asked.
"If you think he's such a prized man, you can have him after the divorce."
Because of that, everyone is pissed at me. "Go ahead with the divorce, then! You'd better not regret your decision in the future!"
I mumble under my breath, "Oh, I regret it alright… I regret not divorcing him sooner."