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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
Definately disproved my early wondering is sacks was demi :p
Was interesting
Was interesting
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Beautiful at the sentence level, beautiful at the story level, rough with transitions and book level
this book makes me want to take more risks, travel more, be cool, be self absorbed
this book makes me want to take more risks, travel more, be cool, be self absorbed
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
3.5 stars. I listened to this book and would have preferred having a British reader. I have never read any of Dr. Sacks books though have read many of his articles in the New Yorker over the years. This autobiography touches on his early career, passion for motorcycles, weightlifting, his coming out, as well stories about his family. He also discusses the development of several of his books (e.g., Awakenings, The Man Who Mistook his Wife for a Hat). An interesting man.
Fascinating not just bc I've read his other books but bc Sacks's life story and attitude towards life was very interesting and inspiring. Great writer and an unusual person.
The life detailed in this memoir is an example of brilliance and beauty in every conceivable way. I have long enjoyed Oliver Sacks’ writing which is capable of transplanting you firmly into the experience of one of his patients. I had no idea that his own life would prove to be so transfixing and exemplary of how life should be lived. A life that as a fan of his, I am ashamed to have known nothing about until picking this book up.
Sacks still takes great pains to acknowledge the privilege that afforded him such a broadness of opportunity. All the while leaving room for his natural curiosity and courage to shine through in the nuanced moments of a vast life. A forward looking perspective that contrasts the often backwards social attitudes of the medical field at his time. Perhaps even today that empathetic lens is left wanting in most professionals.
What stood out most for me was his reflectiveness; a trait that many people lack. It’s this 360 perspective that he maintains that distinguishes his writing a point which he acknowledges he was coached on by many friends. His method has become avoid simply being technical and to find the lyrical grace and fluidity that few can surpass or imitate.
Sacks still takes great pains to acknowledge the privilege that afforded him such a broadness of opportunity. All the while leaving room for his natural curiosity and courage to shine through in the nuanced moments of a vast life. A forward looking perspective that contrasts the often backwards social attitudes of the medical field at his time. Perhaps even today that empathetic lens is left wanting in most professionals.
What stood out most for me was his reflectiveness; a trait that many people lack. It’s this 360 perspective that he maintains that distinguishes his writing a point which he acknowledges he was coached on by many friends. His method has become avoid simply being technical and to find the lyrical grace and fluidity that few can surpass or imitate.
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
I've always enjoyed listening to interviews with Oliver Sacks. It was fun to "listen" to him tell stories about his life - I kept hearing his voice as I read. His life was very unconventional. Im not sure if that is because he was a deeply closeted gay man or if he, though sweet and charming, more fundamentally had a . Had he been more conventional, I don't think he would have been so prolific with the written word. He was certainly intelligent enough to rise to the highest levels of the professional ladder in neurology but he clearly had no interest in a life like that (with which I can completely relate!). Its an easy enjoyable read especially if you've had a fondness for Oliver over the years.