Jackie M. (jackiemo) - reviewed on 7/14/2010 + 27 more book reviews

This is perhaps the most disturbing memoir that I have ever read. Howard Dully underwent a transorbital lobotomy at the age of 12 instigated by his step-mother. Howard may have suffered from ADHD or was just a high energy child who was somewhat defiant after losing his mother at a young age. Basically, he was raised in an abusive environment and placed outside of the home on occasion but eventually underwent a transorbital lobotomy in 1960 in an attempt to control him. It is amazing that this was allowed to happen. Howard spent about 10 years in mental institutions where he was taught no life skills. He was arrested many times, homeless at times, abused drugs and alcohol, and maintained no stable relationships until he married his current wife. Eventually, he got some education and found gainful employement as a commercial bus driver and instructor. He began to wonder why his life had been so difficult and went in search of the reasons behind his lobotomy at such a young age. The book came after Howard did an moving interview for NPR (which I highly recommend listening to). This edition also includes information about brain scans done on Howard after the book was published and what they revealed about him and the procedure.

As a mother of a "difficult" child and as a nurse, this story told in simple language made my blood run cold. This is definately worth your time and is a shameful part of our history of medicine in this country. I highly recommend it.

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