Physician and writer Oliver Sacks recounts his experiences as a young neurologist; his physical passions--weight lifting and swimming; his love affairs, both romantic and intellectual; his guilt over leaving his family to come to America; his bond with his schizophrenic brother; and the writers and scientists--Thom Gunn, A. R. Luria, W. H. Auden, Gerald M. Edelman, Francis Crick--who influenced him.

"This is a Borzoi book." Includes index.

On the move -- Leaving the nest -- San Francisco -- Muscle beach -- Out of reach -- Awakenings -- The bull on the mountain -- A matter of identity -- City island -- Voyages -- A new vision of the mind -- Home.