Awakenings
Awakenings
Book Brief
Beta464
Book • Nonfiction
•
PsychologyMount Carmel, New York • 1960s
•
Psychology•
Science & Nature1999
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Awakenings by Oliver Sacks recounts the experiences of individuals who were left immobile by encephalitis lethargica. With the administration of the drug L-DOPA, these individuals experienced temporary awakenings, showcasing the complexity of neurological conditions. The text explores their personal journeys, highlighting the profound impact of the treatment and the resilience of individuals living with these conditions.
Informative
Emotional
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
14,320 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Oliver Sacks' Awakenings is acclaimed for its compassionate and insightful examination of post-encephalitic patients. Readers praise its empathetic narrative and depth of medical detail, though some find it dense and challenging. Criticisms point to its complex medical jargon, which may deter casual readers. Overall, it is a profound exploration of humane medical care.
Who Should Read Awakenings?
Readers who appreciate Awakenings by Oliver Sacks are typically interested in neurology, human stories, and the complexities of the mind. Fans of The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Sacks and Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan will find the same blend of scientific insight and empathetic narrative engaging.
14,320 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Awakenings was adapted into a successful 1990 film starring Robin Williams and Robert De Niro, which garnered three Academy Award nominations.
The book is based on real-life cases of patients at Beth Abraham Hospital in the Bronx, where Oliver Sacks worked in the 1960s.
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Oliver Sacks, known for his engaging and detailed narrative style, intertwines medical history with personal stories in Awakenings, providing unique insights into human consciousness and resilience.
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464
Book • Nonfiction
•
PsychologyMount Carmel, New York • 1960s
•
Psychology•
Science & Nature1999
Adult
18+ years
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