September 24, 2009

The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat: And Other Clinical Tales


I had just finished a book (The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky) and was about to get on the subway last week with nothing but my Neurology notes to keep me company. I scanned the joint bookcase in my apartment trying to see what I could borrow and The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat jumped out. I had heard of it, but never read it - nor could I quite place where this title had be suggested to me before. Little did I know that when I cracked it open as a break from studying for my first Neurology test, that this wonderfully witty and heartwarming collection of tales is actually written by an English neurologist! Oliver Sacks published this informative and amusing book in 1989. It is comprised of describing the case histories of some of his patients in a collection that breaks down into 24 stories. These stories are grouped into sections that deal with a particular aspect of brain function. Thus far, it has been a delightful - and perfectly timed - addition to my subway reading! It's been great to learn about Neurology in class, then get on the train to read the many ways people can deal with afflictions, and at times triumph over one Neurological deficiency with the healing potential of another Neurological energy!

The best part? The tales are told in a way that even if you aren't in the middle of this kind of science course, you can learn a lot just by reading how strong and creative people can when they truly want to heal and live their best life!

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