 |
Dr. Gondolo’s musings about the human brain are written in a memoir/essay format (with quirky illustrations). Her book is at once entertaining and informative, fierce and tender, and lyrically rendered yet eminently practical. A board-certified neurologist with a busy New York City practice, Gondolo shares with readers the basic symptoms and outcomes of many neurological disorders, exploring both the physical and psychological ramifications with a philosophical slant. Clearly revealed is her commitment to aid her patients with expertise and compassion. Though the various diseases and disorders of the brain and nervous system are complicated and emotionally and scientifically challenging, the author successfully distills these stories in accessible prose with a dash of literary panache.
Gondolo is well-qualified to write about the ravages of neurological disease and to wax poetic on the fate of her patients whose lives are upended by conditions that lead to severe disability and death for many. However, there are success stories, too, such as healings wrought by modern medical practices, love and determination, and a touch of divine oversight. The book shines a spotlight on many types of neurological disorders ranging from mental health issues such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, various types of dementia, and even rare and exotic problems such as sexsomnia and painful orgasms caused by neurological conditions. Another facet of insight is revealed when Gondolo discusses her practice and the state of medicine during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her experiences take on extra poignancy as her practice is whittled down to the basics of assisting as many patients as possible under the physical limitations of pandemic protocol imposed prior to the development of vaccines to combat the disease. Readers interested in themes of human struggle and humankind’s ultimate physical impermanence will find much that is commendable in these essays.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review