Book Recommendation!
“The Mind Electric” by Pria Anand
The upshot in a quick 1-2-3:
HOOKED: an electric blue cover —design by Meg Shepherd
FASCINATED: the science and mystery of the brain
ENTRANCED: the unexpectedly lyrical narrative
I’m on holiday, and that means: books!
One is this brand-new book by Pria Anand, an American neurologist who follows in the humanitarian tradition of Oliver Sacks (“The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat”).
A worthy successor she is, too, bringing the science several decades forward from Sacks’ work, and frequently delving many centuries bac
k as well, exploring scientists’ ongoing search for the causes of inexplicable conditions.
The history is as fascinating as the science: did you know that the modern template of medical residents working nonstop, 28-hour shifts was instigated by a doctor who was…addicted to cocaine? Sad but true. Explains a lot.
One thread running through the book is the myriad ways that women’s ailments (their “complaints”) have been taken less seriously than men’s. This is not a feminist slant, it’s just the facts. Also explains a lot.
Well, I’ve got a couple chapters left to read, so ‘bye for now; happy reading to all!
“The Mind Electric”, Pria Anand, © 2025, Little Brown
Sounds interesting. I’ll add it to my list.