Wide Awake and Dreaming: A Memoir of Narcolepsy

I was diagnosed with Narcolepsy in the late 2000's. This is the book I wish I could make my friends and family read. So many people understand this as only the affliction of comedic disasters, on the silver screen, and amusing puppies on the internet. Her writing style is concise and without embellishment, much as one would expect from an attorney. However, this book is immensely approachable, witty, and deeply personal. My only disappointment, is that this book ended. I hope she writes a follow-up chronicling what she has done in the non-profit sector.

I happened upon this book when visiting the Narcolepsy Network one day recently. I've long been a fan of memoirs (especially health-related), and years ago I searched far and wide for a book about narcolepsy. After a long and arduous search, I was finally diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy in May of 2011. Oh, how I wish there had been a book like this back before I was diagnosed!

I have so many feelings for Wide Awake and Dreaming that it's hard to put them into words. Let me try to sum up why you should read this book, no matter who you are. This might be a bit verbose. I apologize.

As a person with narcolepsy (with or without cataplexy)...
This book will be a welcome friend. As Julie described her initial symptoms - cataplexy while laughing - I could easily relate. (That is how my symptoms began, too!) In reading this book, I experienced Julie's struggles with cataplexy, overwhelming sleepiness, sleep paralysis, and nightmares -- all while she was fiercely working her way through law school. Reading about someone else's experiences and being able to relate to them so much was a really great experience. Having an illness like narcolepsy, which most people don't know much about, can make you feel pretty isolated. Being able to share these experiences with another person reminds you that you're not alone, and there are other people out there who know what you're going through.

As a person struggling with undiagnosed sleep issues...
This book will be a guiding light. When I was struggling with my sleep symptoms, I went to several doctors who tested me for many possible diagnoses. While one neurologist suspected nerve and muscle issues, my mind kept going back to sleep issues. I researched like you wouldn't believe, and I searched and searched for a book about narcolepsy -- just so I could see if I related to the symptoms. If only this book had been available back then! But at the time, Julie was still searching for her own diagnosis. Despite all of the fatigue, unsympathetic friends, and frustration, Julie persevered. Not only did she finish law school, but she found a doctor who would help her, and she got herself back up on two feet. Even if narcolepsy is not what you have, just reading about someone else's experiences with similar struggles is comforting, encouraging, and inspiring.

As a person who knows/loves someone with narcolepsy (or other sleep issues)...
This book will be a gentle reminder. While reading Julie's story, I was continually frustrated with her boyfriend, who seemed to have zero empathy and did not really care what she was going through (even if he did carry her to bed when she had cataplexy!). I was, however, very happy to learn that her father was so supportive. It was nice to see that even though he was her mentor and encouragement to finish law school, he didn't let that cloud his judgement. He always listened to her, supported her, and helped her through each ugly moment. One of my favorite parts of this book was when her dad and stepmother accompanied her to the Narcolepsy Network Conference. Because then, his eyes were opened. Then, he more fully understood her struggles, and the gravity of narcolepsy. Let him be an example of how to treat your loved one who has narcolepsy.

As a person unfamiliar with sleep issues or people who have them...
This book will be a learning experience. I've always enjoyed reading memoirs because you get to experience another person's life and memories at a very close perspective. Reading about the struggles someone has gone through not only teaches you about new things, but it lets you develop your empathy muscles! Aside from all that, this book was a flat-out interesting and inspiring read. It starts out as a mystery, and by the end of it you'll be cheering Julie on!

So, should you read this book? I say, undoubtedly, yes.

I happened upon this book when visiting the Narcolepsy Network one day recently. I've long been a fan of memoirs (especially health-related), and years ago I searched far and wide for a book about narcolepsy. After a long and arduous search, I was finally diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy in May of 2011. Oh, how I wish there had been a book like this back before I was diagnosed!

I have so many feelings for Wide Awake and Dreaming that it's hard to put them into words. Let me try to sum up why you should read this book, no matter who you are. This might be a bit verbose. I apologize.

As a person with narcolepsy (with or without cataplexy)...
This book will be a welcome friend. As Julie described her initial symptoms - cataplexy while laughing - I could easily relate. (That is how my symptoms began, too!) In reading this book, I experienced Julie's struggles with cataplexy, overwhelming sleepiness, sleep paralysis, and nightmares -- all while she was fiercely working her way through law school. Reading about someone else's experiences and being able to relate to them so much was a really great experience. Having an illness like narcolepsy, which most people don't know much about, can make you feel pretty isolated. Being able to share these experiences with another person reminds you that you're not alone, and there are other people out there who know what you're going through.

As a person struggling with undiagnosed sleep issues...
This book will be a guiding light. When I was struggling with my sleep symptoms, I went to several doctors who tested me for many possible diagnoses. While one neurologist suspected nerve and muscle issues, my mind kept going back to sleep issues. I researched like you wouldn't believe, and I searched and searched for a book about narcolepsy -- just so I could see if I related to the symptoms. If only this book had been available back then! But at the time, Julie was still searching for her own diagnosis. Despite all of the fatigue, unsympathetic friends, and frustration, Julie persevered. Not only did she finish law school, but she found a doctor who would help her, and she got herself back up on two feet. Even if narcolepsy is not what you have, just reading about someone else's experiences with similar struggles is comforting, encouraging, and inspiring.

As a person who knows/loves someone with narcolepsy (or other sleep issues)...
This book will be a gentle reminder. While reading Julie's story, I was continually frustrated with her boyfriend, who seemed to have zero empathy and did not really care what she was going through (even if he did carry her to bed when she had cataplexy!). I was, however, very happy to learn that her father was so supportive. It was nice to see that even though he was her mentor and encouragement to finish law school, he didn't let that cloud his judgement. He always listened to her, supported her, and helped her through each ugly moment. One of my favorite parts of this book was when her dad and stepmother accompanied her to the Narcolepsy Network Conference. Because then, his eyes were opened. Then, he more fully understood her struggles, and the gravity of narcolepsy. Let him be an example of how to treat your loved one who has narcolepsy.

As a person unfamiliar with sleep issues or people who have them...
This book will be a learning experience. I've always enjoyed reading memoirs because you get to experience another person's life and memories at a very close perspective. Reading about the struggles someone has gone through not only teaches you about new things, but it lets you develop your empathy muscles! Aside from all that, this book was a flat-out interesting and inspiring read. It starts out as a mystery, and by the end of it you'll be cheering Julie on!

So, should you read this book? I say, undoubtedly, yes.

I have narcolepsy, and I loved Julie's book. She had me crying with understanding, laughing, and cheering her on. I'm so grateful that someone has finally written about this little understood disease that I have, and she did it so well! I want to buy this book and hand it out to everyone I know so that they might understand me better. The way she explained the disease had me giving her an imaginary high-five because it's right on. If you know, or are, someone with narcolepsy-then read this book. If you've never heard of narcolepsy then read this book because maybe you'll recognize the symptoms in someone you know. Or read it just to enjoy a beautifully written memoir.

Besides the fact that I just love Julie Flygare's writing, I am so happy to be able to read a book that doesn't make narcolepsy sound like another medical journal you'd never be able to translate in laymen's turns. Her story is interesting and "Wide Awake and Dreaming" is a compelling book whether you suffer from narcolepsy or not. I am so excited to share with friends and family that ask me questions, or people who don't understand day-to-day life for someone with going through this. Highly recommended!!

Thank you Julie Flygare for being brave enough to share your story with the world. As a person newly diagnosed with Narcolepsy after many years of other diagnoses, I have been looking for sources that help put a face to and describe personal experiences of individuals with Narcolepsy. I am continuing my search for more information to help me live with narcolepsy. I'm a pretty good researcher... but there is not much out there for persons with Narcolepsy. Most information I have found seems to be for the medical community. Wide Awake and Dreaming... is the best resource I have found so far to explain the struggles and feelings of the person and not the condition. Julie has given me hope, that though it will be difficult, it is possible to live my dreams. My struggle now is to admit to myself that I do have limitations and I need to work within those in order to achieve my best. It is definitely smarter than pretending I do not have Narcolepsy. I am learning to pay attention to what my body tells me. Common sense, really! Take a nap! Go to bed! Eat healthy! Who cares if I go to bed early? Who cares if I drink water instead of wine? What’s important is that when I wake I can do what really needs to be done.
Oh and most importantly…This book is a well- written, wonderful read. :)

What an interesting book. I always marvel at how people who suffer something awful can take their experience, and in the hands of a skilled writer, put forth a gripping story of the human spirit--even of victory.

Julie Flygare starts out her first year of law school accompanied by strange, disconcerting physical symptoms that worsen over time. Eventually she is diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy, life-altering conditions that rob her of her strength, focus, confidence, social life, boyfriend, bodily control, career (though she establishes a new one), and, almost, her hope.

Ms. Flygare does some things very well. 1) She explains what narcolepsy is (invasive neurological disorder), and is not (funny sleeping condition, the stuff of jokes). 2) She gives a detailed account of a day in the life of a person with narcolepsy, horrific details that, if they don't evoke an empathetic reaction in the reader, then really, there's something wrong with you. 3) She does a heck of a job, just by writing this informative book, of educating the reader about the nature of the condition and its aftermath. All by itself that is her great gift to the world. I, for one, am grateful for the knowledge I gleaned from her book. It was all new to me, and it feels good to be no longer ignorant. I will never think of narcolepsy as a "funny" condition again.

Her writing is straightforward, easy to follow most of the time, and does its work as a memoir: beginning, middle, and end. I liked that. If you're going to learn about a dreaded physical condition, the most palatable way is in the form of a memoir that reads like a novel. However, she would have benefited by having her book read by a competent editor. There is language in the book about an editor, but at first glance it sounds like the editors were her friends. I am unclear about this. I do know that the book contains a number of spelling errors, typos, and multiple fuzzy sentences. I had to read them several times to catch their meanings. She is vague about some things that beg for explanation--things that a sharp editor would have caught. I would unhesitatingly give this book five stars had it been properly edited.

Nevertheless, this was an engaging, informative, touching read. I recommend it.

As a sleep medicine physician taking care of patients with narcolepsy, it was truly humbling as Julie Flygare walked us through living with narcolepsy. It was personal, vulnerable and educative all in one. It’s a must read for anyone willing to understand what it really means to live with narcolepsy

This book was a wonderful, fast read. Having a child newly diagnosed with narcolepsy, it was fascinating to read and get more insight into the Illness.

Wonderful book! Julie Flygare is an entertaining and informative writer. I have narcolepsy and wish I had read this book many years ago. Her insights helped me when I wrote an article for HuffPost.