Concussion

*Concussion* chronicles the story of Dr. Bennet Omalu, a forensic pathologist who discovered chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in the brains of NFL players. The book follows his journey from performing an autopsy on former Pittsburgh Steelers center Mike Webster through his efforts to bring awareness to the link between football and brain damage. Laskas details the scientific process, medical findings, and institutional resistance Dr. Omalu faced while pursuing his research. The narrative tracks both the clinical aspects of his work and the personal toll of challenging a powerful sports organization. The book explores how one doctor's determination helped expose a health crisis in America's most popular sport. Through extensive interviews and research, Laskas examines the intersection of science, sports, corporate interests, and public health. This work raises questions about the human cost of entertainment and the responsibility of institutions to protect their employees. The tension between truth and profit emerges as a central theme throughout the narrative.

Readers praise Laskas's investigative journalism and ability to humanize Dr. Bennet Omalu's discovery of CTE in football players. Many note the book provides more depth and personal details than the movie version. Readers appreciate: - Clear explanations of complex medical concepts - Behind-the-scenes look at NFL's response - Dr. Omalu's personal journey and persistence - Broader context about immigrant experiences Common criticisms: - Repetitive passages - Disjointed timeline jumps - Too much focus on Omalu's personal life versus medical findings - Writing style can feel overdramatic Review Scores: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (430+ ratings) Sample reader comment: "The science was fascinating but got bogged down by unnecessary personal details. Would have preferred more focus on the medical research." - Goodreads reviewer Several readers noted they finished the book in 1-2 sittings due to the engaging narrative style, despite some pacing issues.

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🧠 Author Jeanne Marie Laskas spent over two years following Dr. Bennet Omalu's story, including traveling to his hometown in Nigeria to better understand his background and motivations. 🏈 The book originated from a 2009 GQ article titled "Game Brain," which first brought widespread attention to Dr. Omalu's groundbreaking CTE research. 🎬 Will Smith portrayed Dr. Omalu in the 2015 film adaptation of the book, helping to further spread awareness about the connection between football and brain trauma. 🔬 Dr. Omalu made his crucial discovery of CTE in former NFL players while working as a pathologist in Pittsburgh, performing an autopsy on Steelers legend Mike Webster. 📚 The book reveals that the NFL spent years attempting to discredit Dr. Omalu's research, with some league-affiliated doctors demanding a retraction of his published findings in the journal Neurosurgery.