56 pages 1 hour read

Oliver Sacks

Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2007

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks delves into the profound impact of music on the human brain through a collection of case studies, personal anecdotes, and scientific research. It explores a range of unique neurological conditions related to music, such as musical imagery, amusia, and synesthesia, while illustrating music's therapeutic potential for individuals with memory loss, neurological disorders, and brain injuries. Topics include severe injuries and psychological conditions.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Oliver Sacks's Musicophilia captivates readers with its exploration of music's impact on the brain, blending scientific insight with human stories. Pros include Sacks's empathetic narration and accessible prose. However, some critics find the case study format repetitive. Overall, it is praised for illuminating the profound connection between music and neurology.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Musicophilia?

Readers who enjoy Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks are often fascinated by the intersection of neuroscience and music. This book appeals to those who appreciated The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Sacks as well as This Is Your Brain on Music by Daniel Levitin. Ideal for readers with curiosity about how music impacts the brain and human behavior.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Music

Science / Nature

Psychology

Themes

Values/Ideas: Music

Natural World: Nurture v. Nature

Identity: Mental Health

Genre

Psychology