Plot Summary

Awakenings

Oliver Sacks
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Awakenings

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1973

Book Brief

Oliver Sacks

Awakenings

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1973
Book Details
Pages

464

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Mount Carmel, New York • 1960s

Publication Year

1973

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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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

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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 this

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.

Book Details
Pages

464

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Mount Carmel, New York • 1960s

Publication Year

1973

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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