Book cover of The Sleeping Beauties: And Other Stories of Mystery Illness

Book description

Shortlisted for the Royal Society Science Book Prize.

A gripping investigation into an extraordinary medical phenomenon, from Wellcome Prize-winning neurologist Suzanne O'Sullivan.

'To compare any book to a Sacks is unfair, but this one lives up to it . . . I finished it feeling thrillingly unsettled, and wishing there…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Sleeping Beauties as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I love this book because the writing gripped me from the first story of girls in Sweden falling into a sleep-like state.

I loved the richness of the case studies and the compassionate humanity with which O’Sullivan recounts mysterious psychogenic illnesses from all around the world. I found myself intrigued by some of the exotic locations and fascinating spiritual beliefs of the people she interviewed while, at the same time, clearly recognizing the way we, too, have our own illness narratives that shape our understanding of distress and suffering here in the West.

I couldn’t put this book down!

If you love The Sleeping Beauties...

Ad

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Want books like The Sleeping Beauties?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 93 books like The Sleeping Beauties.

Browse books like The Sleeping Beauties

Book cover of The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure
Book cover of Crazy Like Us: The Globalization of the American Psyche
Book cover of The End of Trauma: How the New Science of Resilience Is Changing How We Think About PTSD

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,276

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like The Sleeping Beauties, you might also like...

Book cover of My Book Boyfriend

My Book Boyfriend by Kathy Strobos,

Lily loves her community garden. Rupert wants to bulldoze it. When feelings grow, will they blossom or turn to rubble?

"It literally had everything! - Bookworm Characters - Humor - Banter - Swoon-worthy lines."  - Book Reviewer.

Book cover of Everyday Medical Miracles: True Stories from the Frontlines in Women’s Health Care

Everyday Medical Miracles by Joseph S. Sanfilippo (editor),

Frontiers of Women from the healthcare perspective. A compilation of 60 true short stories written by an extensive array of healthcare providers, physicians, and advanced practice providers.

All designed to give you, the reader, a glimpse into the day-to-day activities of all of us who provide your health care. Come…

5 book lists we think you will like!