. . . a thinking person's storyteller . . ., 2. Juli 2000

Although in "The Man..." Oliver Sacks focuses on specific neurological anomalies, in the process of describing how patients deal with their unique problems he presents far more than information about just a disease or a person. He reveals something about our nature as human beings. By exploring the micro levels of deficits, he shows us the macro dimensions of positive physical resources we either didn't know about or just tend to take for granted. Sacks is a thinking person's storyteller. His curiosity, intellectual humility, and keen diagnostic insight join together to bring him and the reader to truly redemptive discoveries about the resilience and transcendence of the brain and nervous system(s). What a book! You can't just read it; you are compelled to ponder it and live it.

      Exists on 2 levels, one better than the other, 8. Juni 2000

This book could be read on two levels: in a clinical sense, with its million-dollar scientific terms and long winded, detailed description of methods and diagnoses; and in an anecdotal sense, as stories about quirky, remarkable characters. After reading a bit, I preferred to continue reading with the latter approach in mind, and was distracted by the clinical stuff. I felt it really took away from the amazing stories therein. Additionally, Sacks was kind of self-aggrandizing, and didn't so much place his patients as the book's center as he did himself, and his assessment of their eccentricities.

       Very Good Reading, 16. Mai 2000

This is an excelent book! The clinical tales are captive and you will not feel like stopping the reading. The mysteries of the brain misfunctions are exposed and you would probably never think that such cases would ever happen. If you like this book I would strongly suggest "Defending the Cavewoman" from Doctor Klawans ( he and Oliver Sacks were friends. Also Oliver Sacks is very clear and shows an extraordinary knowledge not only from his field but also from philosophy and a great sensibility with his patients delicate situation.

      Sacks, lives and videotape., 21. März 2000

Oliver Sacks, famed neuropsychologist, holds a unique position amongst popular science writers following the film dramatisation of his book Awakenings. 'The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat' reinforces his standing as a brilliant medic and gifted communicator. A balanced approach to the writing makes it accessible to scientist and lay man alike.

The book successfully refrains from clinical coldness but the distinct nature and number cases creates a slightly curt, stop-and-start feel.

I feel that one ought to note that the insight Sacks gives us owes much to things learnt from illness and damage to particular regions of the brain. I appreciate that this may hit a little close to home for those who have a more intimate understanding of such conditions. Sadly, a case study would never do true justice to the patients' personalities, fears and strengths. However, Sacks' tone is never dispassionate and the ingenuity of some of his patients shines through.

All in all, this remains an interesting and somewhat awe-inspiring introduction to the workings of the mind.

       A great read for any person interested in the human mind, 10. März 2000

I loved this book. I read it as an undegraduate English major, and it fascinated me with its accounts of people with various neurological deficits and excesses. Non-medical professionals will have no trouble appreciating Sacks' writing, which is clear and free of complicated medical jargon.

For me, the book stimulated much thought on the nature of the human mind, and the concept of the Self that we all carry. It's one of my all-tme favorite books, one I would recommend to readers who enjoy literature and works of philosophy.

Looking over the other reviews, one sees a lot of 4 and 5 star reviews, with the occasional "I hated it" review. For exmaple, one reader cited what she called Sacks' "horribly cruel and unempathetic tone." I didn't detect such a tone in Sacks' writing, and I'm surprised that anyone did. I guess it is a matter of perecption, and depends upon your own experiences, etc. Some people have very definite ideas about how medical cases should be discussed; this book did not offend any of my ideas on that subject. I highly recommend it.