natgeographic's review against another edition
5.0
sooo interesting. it’s hard to know what’s going on in the brain until something goes wrong. the first half was more fascinating to me than the second, but all of it was interesting! especially if you’re interested in neurology
disabledreamer's review against another edition
5.0
This is an incredible find. While dense the book combines a scientific and factual analysis to different neurological disorders with basic human emotions. I hope to read more by this author soon. I highly recommend this book.
cheryl6of8's review against another edition
3.0
Heavier than I was expecting. But an interesting insight into the workings of the human mind.
whoz_ophelia's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.5
This is only my second Oliver Sacks read and I feel safe in saying I am once again blown away. As you know, I have a dilettante's interest in neuro- biology and - psychology, and am fascinated by the way our brains perceive the world (what is essentially just bits matter.)
While detailing the experiences of people with certain neural and/or cognitive defects, Sacks manages to break down complex terms and concepts in a way the average reader can understand. He also focuses on the humanity of his subjects, and how their defects contribute to their humanity. Every time I read a book like this I am left in awe of the machine that is the human body and all the little things we take for granted. Will be reading more Oliver Sacks, I am fast becoming a fan.
While detailing the experiences of people with certain neural and/or cognitive defects, Sacks manages to break down complex terms and concepts in a way the average reader can understand. He also focuses on the humanity of his subjects, and how their defects contribute to their humanity. Every time I read a book like this I am left in awe of the machine that is the human body and all the little things we take for granted. Will be reading more Oliver Sacks, I am fast becoming a fan.
edboies's review against another edition
5.0
Reading the intial article in the New Yorker really knocked me for a loop and made me think a lot about how people think and interact with each other. Provocative and humane.
doruga's review against another edition
5.0
Incredibly interesting book. Oliver made me feel that there is some deep secret of how the human mind works and its relation to our animalness/time/space. I feel like you could write incredible sci fi from each of the stories here. I also appreciated how Oliver emphasized how each person here is, in the end, human, and deserving of empathy and respect. He doesnt treat the disabled people here like lab rats; instead always seeking and focusing on the humanity in them. Very good!