this book was my first introduction to Oliver Sacks. a friend told me about the section in this book about Temple Grandin (she is autistic and actually named the book). he also tells of the surgeon with Tourette's syndrome that stops when he operates and this surgeon is also a piolot.the author flew with him and it is a pretty amusing passage.there are about 7 stories some more interesting than others.a very interesting read.

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The brain is an amazing organ indeed. Here we have 7 paroxical tales of neurological disorders and creativity. How do neurological disorders relate to creativity? How do patients compensate for loss of neurologic function? How can a surgeon operate despite the outbursts of Tourette's syndrome or how can an artist paint if he loses his ability to see color? I've liked all of Dr. Sacks' books and this one is one his best.

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Here is a compassionate scientist neurologist who writes the case study into a work of art.

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This book was a great mix of clearly explained medical information and reflection on the psychological and social affects the disorders encountered had on the individuals Oliver Sacks describes. Of his books, this one is my favorite because it has more cases where the patients are able to manage well, or even receive artistic inspiration from their ailment than those who are limited by it. It really was a collection of stories of people who have been forced to live differently, and how they manage to do that.

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fascinating -- some chapters more interesting than others but overall a very good read

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I got this book in order to read the essay on Temple Grandin and I was not disappointed. It was a very thoughtful and touching essay.

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