Hallucinations
352
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2012
Adult
18+ years
In Hallucinations (2012), Oliver Sacks explores the various causes of hallucinations, including sensory deprivation, injury, and the use of psychedelic drugs, while examining the experiences of different sensory hallucinations such as visual, auditory, olfactory, and bodily sensations. He aims to demystify hallucinations and remove the stigma attached to them, emphasizing that anyone can experience them and that they are not solely linked to mental illness or drug use. The book also discusses phenomena like Charles Bonnet Syndrome, phantom limb syndrome, and the impact of conditions like sleep disorders, stress, and PTSD. Topics addressed include violence and trauma-related experiences such as PTSD.
Informative
Mysterious
Contemplative
Emotional
Unnerving
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Oliver Sacks' Hallucinations is lauded for its insightful and compassionate exploration of the human mind. Critics praise Sacks’ engaging storytelling and ability to make complex topics accessible. Some, however, find the book occasionally repetitive. Overall, it is a compelling read for both professionals and general audiences interested in neurology and psychology.
A reader intrigued by the workings of the human mind and neuroscience, with an interest in firsthand patient narratives and vivid case studies, will enjoy Hallucinations by Oliver Sacks. Comparable to The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Phantoms in the Brain, it appeals to those fascinated by psychological phenomena.
25,547 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Hallucinations by Oliver Sacks sheds light on how hallucinations have been a part of human experience historically, often influencing art and literature.
The author, Oliver Sacks, was a renowned neurologist known for demystifying complex neurological conditions in his writings, making the phenomena accessible and intriguing for a general audience.
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Sacks explores the idea that hallucinations are not solely the domain of the mentally ill but can occur in anyone given the right circumstances, such as sensory deprivation or substance use.
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352
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2012
Adult
18+ years
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