Musicophilia
Musicophilia is a fascinating book by Oliver Sacks, a renowned neurologist and author, that explores the complex relationship between music and the human brain. In this book, Sacks delves deep into the neuroscience behind our love for music, examining how it affects our emotions, memory, and cognition.
Sacks's interest in the subject began with his work with patients suffering from neurological disorders. Through his observations and interactions with them, he noticed that many of his patients, despite having lost their ability to speak, remember names or recognize faces, were still able to respond to music in powerful ways. This led him to delve deeper into the role of music in our lives, and Musicophilia is the result of his investigations.
The book is divided into four parts, each exploring a different aspect of music's relationship with the brain. In the first part, Sacks discusses the ways in which music affects our emotions, examining the psychological and physiological responses that music can elicit. In the second part, he explores the neurological basis of musical ability and how it is acquired and lost. The third part delves into the ways in which music can help us cope with various neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Tourette's syndrome. Finally, in the fourth part, Sacks discusses the ways in which music can be used to enhance our understanding of the brain and its workings.
Through his engaging and accessible writing style, Sacks provides readers with a compelling and insightful exploration of the power of music on the human brain. Musicophilia is an essential read for anyone interested in the relationship between music and the brain, and is sure to provide readers with a newfound appreciation for the role that music plays in our lives.
Author: Oliver Sacks
Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400033535
Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 stars (from 1718 reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #23,697 in Books
#4 in Music Appreciation (Books)
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#46 in Popular Neuropsychology