On the Move: A Life

Recently, author (Awakenings; The Man Who Mistoook His Wife for a Hat) and neurologist Sacks (neurology, New York Univ.)published an essay in which he eloquently speaks of life, death, and his diagnosis of terminal cancer. He states that he has been lucky to live a long, colorful life and to have many accomplishments. This autobiography covers much of that same ground. Sacks, now 81, writes of early school memories, first loves, and his desire to travel. He even utilizes entries from a journal he kept while traveling coast to coast on a motorcycle in the United States. The latter half of the book focuses more on his medical and writing achievements, providing background to his previously published works. It's clear how important his family is to him, and how they've played a role in his experiences. Frank and candid, Sacks sounds as though he's talking to the reader from across the dinner table. His story is a reminder that we create our own journeys.