55 pages • 1 hour read
Oliver SacksAn Anthropologist on Mars: Seven Paradoxical Tales
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1995A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
An Anthropologist on Mars by Oliver Sacks is a narrative nonfiction collection documenting seven individuals with unique neurological conditions that challenge notions of illness, adaptation, and self-perception. Through essays such as “The Case of the Colorblind Painter,” “A Surgeon’s Life,” and “An Anthropologist on Mars,” Sacks explores themes of identity and resilience, showcasing the remarkable ways these individuals navigate their lives amidst neurological diversity. The book addresses topics such as blindness due to brain tumors and the challenges faced by individuals with autism and Tourette syndrome.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Oliver Sacks' An Anthropologist on Mars is lauded for its compassionate and detailed exploration of neurological disorders, blending scientific insight with storytelling. While praised for humanizing complex cases, some critiques point to its dense medical jargon. Overall, it's an enlightening read for both laymen and professionals interested in the human brain.
Who Should Read An Anthropologist on Mars?
An ideal reader for Oliver Sacks' An Anthropologist on Mars is someone fascinated by the human mind's complexities and peculiarities. Comparable to an enthusiast of Temple Grandin's Thinking in Pictures or Malcolm Gladwell's The Tipping Point, they appreciate narrative-driven case studies that blend neuroscience, psychology, and empathy for the human condition.