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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
informative
reflective
medium-paced
I appreciate that humorous view on mental illness from the perspective of a neuroscientist a lot, even though the scientific information is from the 80s. Still very enjoyable.
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Body horror, Chronic illness, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Medical content, Dementia, Grief, Medical trauma, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Injury/Injury detail
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
informative
reflective
medium-paced
I did enjoy this book, but some of it was a bit too clinical, especially the language used. Best way to enjoy it is by reading a chapter here or there, in short spurts, alongside another book. The case studies of neurological maladies are absolutely fascinating.
challenging
informative
slow-paced
This is an intriguing compilation of case studies by neurologist Oliver Sacks that examines a variety of neurological disorders and the distinct experiences of those affected by them. Each chapter focuses on different conditions, providing a deeper understanding of how brain dysfunction can influence perception, identity, and behavior.
One of the standout cases in the book is that of Dr. P., who mistakenly identifies his wife as a hat. Dr. P. experiences visual agnosia, a condition that hinders his ability to recognize faces and objects, even though his vision is perfectly fine. Instead of seeing his wife's face, he perceives her as an object, leading to the humorous yet touching moment when he tries to place her head on his own. This case is particularly striking as it demonstrates the gap between perception and reality, emphasizing how closely our identities are linked to our capacity to recognize and interpret our surroundings.
What makes this narrative particularly engaging is Sacks' portrayal of Dr. P.'s battle with his condition. It prompts deep reflections on the essence of consciousness and identity. To what extent is our sense of self connected to our ability to recognize and connect with others? Dr. P.'s story serves as a poignant reminder of the delicacy of human perception and the intricacies of the mind, showcasing Sacks' talent for merging scientific exploration with compassionate storytelling.
One of the standout cases in the book is that of Dr. P., who mistakenly identifies his wife as a hat. Dr. P. experiences visual agnosia, a condition that hinders his ability to recognize faces and objects, even though his vision is perfectly fine. Instead of seeing his wife's face, he perceives her as an object, leading to the humorous yet touching moment when he tries to place her head on his own. This case is particularly striking as it demonstrates the gap between perception and reality, emphasizing how closely our identities are linked to our capacity to recognize and interpret our surroundings.
What makes this narrative particularly engaging is Sacks' portrayal of Dr. P.'s battle with his condition. It prompts deep reflections on the essence of consciousness and identity. To what extent is our sense of self connected to our ability to recognize and connect with others? Dr. P.'s story serves as a poignant reminder of the delicacy of human perception and the intricacies of the mind, showcasing Sacks' talent for merging scientific exploration with compassionate storytelling.