Book Review
Title: Musicophilia: Tales Of Music & The Brain
Author: Dr. Oliver Sacks
Publisher: Knopf Canada
Released: October 16^th 2007
ISBN-10: 0676979785
ISBN-13: 978-0676979787
Pages: 400
$34.95CDN/$26.00US 

Reviewed By: Leah Mertz (Edmonton Correspondent - Canada)

5 Stars 

Dr. Oliver Sacks' latest book Musicophilia is a revolutionary glimpse into the neurological experience humanity encounters through music. It reads almost like a bed time story collection; it is a compilation of extraordinary tales about the human brain and music going hand in hand to create the most peculiar of circumstances. Whether it is recalling a tune, never having heard it before, or being disturbed by the peaceful sound of a violin, Musicophilia conveys a level of mysteriousness that challenges its readers to imagine the endless possibilities of our neurological ability.

An accomplished neurologist himself, Dr. Sacks aims to unleash possibility and inhibit theoretical conclusions -- anything goes. Musicophilia is comprised of testaments from people in all walks of life around the globe. Whatever the situation may be, all of these cases are brought together by the universal language of music. There is not another force on earth that is so unexplainable, unpredictable and emotionally charged. Could the magnitude of music possibly correlate to the profound effects it can have on our brain? Dr. Sacks brilliantly exposes the bizarre and unimaginable musical happenings as they merge with scientific analysis. This gives readers an insightful look into the power of music and the subsequent struggles our brain can have when forced to make sense of it, and, the ways we are programmed to go about dealing with it.

Musicophilia aims to prove that music is a powerful but subtle force in our life. We are not usually aware of its significant presence until a particular event happens that forces us to hear its cry and make sense of it. This book was well wrote and extremely interesting. After reading one case, you find yourself asking, ‘What could possibly be odder than that?' Truth is, there are no limits.  

Dr. Sacks writes his book on highly intellectual material; however, it is presented in a way that is very understandable and methodical. I would recommend this read to anyone even remotely interested in music. Regardless of your musical capabilities, it is interesting to discover the clinical possibilities of what Dr. Sacks describes as ‘internal music'. Although there is much more to be discovered, Musicophilia is an exciting advancement. It ultimately bridges the gap between those who are artistically minded and those who veer more towards the sciences.