3 days ago
Bestselling author of 'Brain on Fire,' adapted into a Netflix movie, coming to Cape Cod
The Truro Library is hosting a talk with bestselling author Susannah Cahalan on Aug. 12.
Cahalan is known for writing "Brain on Fire," which has sold over a million copies and was made into a 2016 film starring Chloë Grace Moretz. She also wrote "The Great Pretender," which was shortlisted for a prestigious science book prize.
According to a community announcement, the library event is set for 6 p.m. and will feature Cahalan discussing her upcoming book, "The Acid Queen: The Psychedelic Life and Counterculture Rebellion of Rosemary Woodruff Leary." This book, published by Viking in April 2025, aims to shed light on a significant figure in counterculture history.
Rosemary Woodruff Leary is often overshadowed by her husband, Timothy Leary. Timothy was a Harvard professor known for his controversial views on psychedelics. However, Rosemary was much more than just his partner. She was a beatnik and a psychonaut, deeply involved in the counterculture movement. According to the announcement, she played a crucial role in shaping the narrative around LSD and the media's portrayal of the movement.
Cahalan's research includes interviews, diaries, and unpublished sources, allowing her to present a comprehensive view of Rosemary's life. The author aims to reclaim Rosemary's story, which has been overlooked for decades.
'Cahalan details a piece of lost but fascinating history, the story of a woman who embodied an era of freedom, experimentation, and psychedelic adventure,' said Susan Orlean, author of "The Library Book."
The Truro Public Library is located at 7 Standish Way in North Truro. Admission to the event is free. For more information, visit
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at
This article originally appeared on Author of 'Brain on Fire' - now a Netflix movie - coming to Cape Cod
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