I’ve noticed an interesting theme emerging from some of the
books I’ve enjoyed recently: they all have something to do with the brain
and/or how it works! I’d recommend
these to anyone who wants a peak into the fascinating world going on in our
craniums:
Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain by Oliver Sacks – Admittedly, I read this a few years ago but it has stayed
with me vividly as an extremely worthwhile and readable book by the
well-known neurologist (Awakenings, etc.), Sacks. I have his, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales on my “to be read” list.
Still Alice by Lisa Genova – this debut novel has quickly
become a favorite of readers and book clubs.
I took it on a recent trip and really appreciated that this story of a
50-year-old Harvard professor diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s is moving
and insightful without becoming overly depressing or sentimental.
Left Neglected by Lisa Genova – Genova, who has degrees in
Biopsychology and Neuroscience, seems to be the “go to” author for brain!fic
and doesn’t disappoint in this sophomore effort. This time we follow Sarah, an overachieving executive
and mother, through the aftermath of an accident that damages her brain. In learning how to deal with “left neglect” -
a syndrome that leaves her unable to feel or see anything on her left side -
Sarah also re-evaluates her priorities and relationships.
Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering
Everything by Joshua Foer (153.14 FOE). When
Foer, a journalist, wondered who the “smartest” person in the world was,
he had no idea that question would start him on a path towards becoming a U. S.
World Memory Champion. This mixture of interviews with some of the
personalities who regularly train and compete in memory competitions, notable
individuals who have unnatural memories, and notes on his own journey, is both informative
and entertaining.
marlise
