The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat - Oliver Sacks

In his most extraordinary book, Oliver Sacks recounts the stories of patients lost in the bizarre, apparently inescapable world of neurological disorders. These are case studies of people who have lost their memories and with them the greater part of their pasts; who are no longer able to recognize people or common objects; whose limbs have become alien; and, who are afflicted and yet are gifted with uncanny artistic or mathematical talents



This collection of short case studies in psychology explores unusual or odd occurrences that can affect the human race.  Oliver Sacks was a leading psychologist in the 60's and 70's and this book presents some of the cases he has encountered.  A fascinating read into a insight into the weird and wonderful and he has some great examples of different areas of psychology.  The cases themselves vary in interest (but this could be at the readers discretion as some case studies may be more interesting than others).

The writing style can be a little bit difficult, but this is mostly cause the works are dated but once you get into his style of writing, this is not an issue. It can be quite a thought provoking book so its not one you can read all in one go. Its also a book i have read over several times to fully understand the stories involved.  It also can be a little disjointed, Sacks does not see the patients from prognosis to diagnosis and in some what explain little in the disorders themselves - you get a snapshot into each case study. Although he does his best to explain them in the post script.

I would only recommend this book if you are really interested in case studies. It can be hard going but also interesting at the same time.