Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain

Musicophilia explores the odd place of music in human neurological development. Oliver Sacks is a neurologist with a keen interest in music. He has may personal tales of the special roles that music plays in patients' lives, as well as many other stories from others. Most of the book is filled with anecdotes, with brief bits describing some of the science and research behind the human relationship with music.

The anecdotes include people struck by lightning who suddenly develop a keen desire for music, as well as others who suddenly lose the ability to appreciate music. Perfect pitch is described as both a blessing and a curse (switch the key and the song sounds totally wrong.) Music "ability" and music "appreciation" are different, with one not necessarily implying the other.

The special place of music therapy is also discussed. Some people with acute dementia may seem to have lost the ability to remember things from even a few minutes ago. Yet, they still have the ability to sing and appreciate songs.

This book is filled with many more interesting anecdotes. It allows for a nice quick read without getting bogged down in too much detail.