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Gray Matters: A Biography of Brain Surgery
“If you are at all curious about the brain or the surgeons who operate on it, Gray Matters is a must read and Dr. Theodore Schwartz is the perfect guide, a master brain surgeon and superbly talented writer. I have not read a better biography of our shared profession, and in Schwartz's talented hands, the most enigmatic 3 1/2 pounds of tissue in the known universe comes to light in remarkable and revelatory ways.�
—Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, and New York Times and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age
A popular biography of brain surgery, by one of its preeminent practitioners
We’ve all heard the phrase “it’s not brain surgery.� But what exactly is brain surgery? It’s a profession that is barely a hundred years old and profoundly connects two human beings, but few know how it works, or its history. How did early neurosurgeons come to understand the human brain—an extraordinarily complex organ that controls everything we do, and yet at only three pounds is so fragile? And how did this incredibly challenging and lifesaving specialty emerge?
In this warm, rigorous, and deeply insightful book, Dr. Theodore H. Schwartz explores what it’s like to hold the scalpel, wield the drill, extract a tumor, fix a bullet hole, and remove a blood clot—when every second can mean life or death. Drawing from the author’s own cases, plus media, sports, and government archives, this seminal work delves into all the brain-related topics that have long-consumed public curiosity, like what really happened to JFK, President Biden’s brain surgery, and the NFL’s management of CTE. Dr. Schwartz also surveys the field’s latest incredible advances and discusses the philosophical questions of the unity of the self and the existence of free will.
A neurosurgeon as well as a professor of neurosurgery at Weill Cornell Medical Center at New York Presbyterian Hospital, one of the busiest and most highly ranked neurosurgery centers in the world, Dr. Schwartz tells this story like no one else could. Told through anecdote and clear explanation, this is the ultimate cultural and scientific history of a literally mind-blowing human endeavor, one that cuts to the core of who we are.
—Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, and New York Times and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age
A popular biography of brain surgery, by one of its preeminent practitioners
We’ve all heard the phrase “it’s not brain surgery.� But what exactly is brain surgery? It’s a profession that is barely a hundred years old and profoundly connects two human beings, but few know how it works, or its history. How did early neurosurgeons come to understand the human brain—an extraordinarily complex organ that controls everything we do, and yet at only three pounds is so fragile? And how did this incredibly challenging and lifesaving specialty emerge?
In this warm, rigorous, and deeply insightful book, Dr. Theodore H. Schwartz explores what it’s like to hold the scalpel, wield the drill, extract a tumor, fix a bullet hole, and remove a blood clot—when every second can mean life or death. Drawing from the author’s own cases, plus media, sports, and government archives, this seminal work delves into all the brain-related topics that have long-consumed public curiosity, like what really happened to JFK, President Biden’s brain surgery, and the NFL’s management of CTE. Dr. Schwartz also surveys the field’s latest incredible advances and discusses the philosophical questions of the unity of the self and the existence of free will.
A neurosurgeon as well as a professor of neurosurgery at Weill Cornell Medical Center at New York Presbyterian Hospital, one of the busiest and most highly ranked neurosurgery centers in the world, Dr. Schwartz tells this story like no one else could. Told through anecdote and clear explanation, this is the ultimate cultural and scientific history of a literally mind-blowing human endeavor, one that cuts to the core of who we are.
512 pages, Hardcover
Published August 13, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
March 15, 2025
There is a lot of information to unpack in Gray Matters, however this Biography from renown neurosurgeon Theodore Schwartz manages to break down some of the most intricate parts of brain surgery in a way that the typical person can comprehend. He evaluates some famous cases of people both past and present, such as Robert F. Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln, Gabby Gifford, and Emilia Clarke (Daenerys in Game of Thrones), just to name a few, who suffered a brain injury and breaks down the probable causes, treatments and outcomes in an educational way. Delving into the history of brain treatments for ailments like epilepsy and mental illness, he candidly describes where it went drastically wrong, as well as celebrating the many advancements in this field that have occurred as a result. � Pam B
September 23, 2024
*This only took so long to read cause I had some... personal stuff going on that slowed my reading progress *
This was a really interesting book. I can see myself coming back to it from time to time.
There was one chapter where I wanted to highlight the whole thing.. that especially made me think.. (anyone know how to highlight passages in Play Books? Couldn't figure it out. )
The information was presented in a way that was easy to understand and he didn't talk down to his audience. (I could definitely enjoy a class taught by him if I was on that career path)
This book is one where I think it's better to read some at a time and let your brain absorb it before you pick it up again.
Would recommend 👌.
Hopefully will get a physical copy one day as well, it isn't small print:).
Side note: faceless covers are creepy to me, couldn't look directly at it.. a me thing.
This was a really interesting book. I can see myself coming back to it from time to time.
There was one chapter where I wanted to highlight the whole thing.. that especially made me think.. (anyone know how to highlight passages in Play Books? Couldn't figure it out. )
The information was presented in a way that was easy to understand and he didn't talk down to his audience. (I could definitely enjoy a class taught by him if I was on that career path)
This book is one where I think it's better to read some at a time and let your brain absorb it before you pick it up again.
Would recommend 👌.
Hopefully will get a physical copy one day as well, it isn't small print:).
Side note: faceless covers are creepy to me, couldn't look directly at it.. a me thing.
February 25, 2024
In "Gray Matters". Theodore Schwartz delivers a masterclass of neurosurgery 101. Schwartz tells the story of the past, present, and future of neurosurgery, including portraits of the pioneers of the field, including Cushing, Dandy, and Penfield, to a look into the future of visual prosthetics. Through case studies (including Presidents to Schwartz's own family) and strange cures (including the ingestion of seal genitals, hippopotamus testicles, tortoise blood, and crocodile feces for epilepsy), Schwartz keeps the reader engaged throughout this book.
Schwartz beautifully illustrates the dichotomy of being a neurosurgeon by writing, "At the end of the day, while the doctor in me requires deep wells of empathy and heart, the surgeon in me must be able to turn off the heart and focus solely on one thing: flawless execution." It seems that in the history of neurosurgery many wrong turns occurred when the surgeon focused too strongly on the surgical aspects of their job, leading to surgeries such as the frontal lobotomy. However, by including the pitfalls of the field of neurosurgery, Schwartz is able to give the reader a more accurate representation of neurosurgery, without painting his field in rose covered glasses.
After reading "Gray Matters" I am even more thankful that I live in a world where neurosurgery is much improved and continues to improve rapidly. We are lucky to have neurosurgeons, such as Schwartz, that have the courage to learn from the past and create a better future in a field where anyone may need services at any time (have you checked your arteries lately?).
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
Schwartz beautifully illustrates the dichotomy of being a neurosurgeon by writing, "At the end of the day, while the doctor in me requires deep wells of empathy and heart, the surgeon in me must be able to turn off the heart and focus solely on one thing: flawless execution." It seems that in the history of neurosurgery many wrong turns occurred when the surgeon focused too strongly on the surgical aspects of their job, leading to surgeries such as the frontal lobotomy. However, by including the pitfalls of the field of neurosurgery, Schwartz is able to give the reader a more accurate representation of neurosurgery, without painting his field in rose covered glasses.
After reading "Gray Matters" I am even more thankful that I live in a world where neurosurgery is much improved and continues to improve rapidly. We are lucky to have neurosurgeons, such as Schwartz, that have the courage to learn from the past and create a better future in a field where anyone may need services at any time (have you checked your arteries lately?).
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
September 8, 2024
I went to the largest bookstore in town to search for this new release on brain surgery. Couldn’t wait to read it. I found it in the back of the store on the lower shelf shoved between a few other medical books. It amazed me that this remarkable book of one of the most important parts of our human anatomy was no where near the best sellers.
I wasn’t sure what to expect � another dry publication? Not at all. Dr. Schwartz engages the reader from the start. He described the grueling process of becoming a brain surgeon and what happens during the surgery. He said sometimes it's helpful for the patient to be awake during the procedure and explained that there are no pain receptors within the brain. While the patient is in the operating room, the team has to be careful what they say. He said no one can say, “oops.�
The brain � unlike other parts of the body -- is in its own league. There can’t be any mistakes. Dr. Schwartz told the story of a surgeon who insisted upon a very quiet operating room to concentrate and complained when the nurse was breathing too loudly.
There’s a lot of fascinating information in this book. Every time I read about lobotomies, I am shocked. They were performed in the 1940s and 50s on unruly children, mentally ill patients, disobedient wives, disrespectful teenagers. Other subjects include child abuse, ski accidents, gunshot wounds, brain tumors, strokes, dementia and seizures. Sports enthusiasts are well aware of the effects of brain trauma and the changes made with skull protections.
Technology has provided surgeons with more advanced equipment to save patients. Dr. Schwartz said it wasn’t that long ago when magnifying lenses weren’t available in the operating rooms. Robotic technology is moving at a quick pace. One wonders if it’s possible in the future to read minds.
Dr. Theodore H. Schwartz has an impressive career as a leading neurological surgeon and professor at Cornell. He gives lectures all over the world and published numerous articles and books. This book is informative, enjoyable and it relates to all of us. The audible is excellent with his voice although the book includes various useful pictures related to the brain.
I wasn’t sure what to expect � another dry publication? Not at all. Dr. Schwartz engages the reader from the start. He described the grueling process of becoming a brain surgeon and what happens during the surgery. He said sometimes it's helpful for the patient to be awake during the procedure and explained that there are no pain receptors within the brain. While the patient is in the operating room, the team has to be careful what they say. He said no one can say, “oops.�
The brain � unlike other parts of the body -- is in its own league. There can’t be any mistakes. Dr. Schwartz told the story of a surgeon who insisted upon a very quiet operating room to concentrate and complained when the nurse was breathing too loudly.
There’s a lot of fascinating information in this book. Every time I read about lobotomies, I am shocked. They were performed in the 1940s and 50s on unruly children, mentally ill patients, disobedient wives, disrespectful teenagers. Other subjects include child abuse, ski accidents, gunshot wounds, brain tumors, strokes, dementia and seizures. Sports enthusiasts are well aware of the effects of brain trauma and the changes made with skull protections.
Technology has provided surgeons with more advanced equipment to save patients. Dr. Schwartz said it wasn’t that long ago when magnifying lenses weren’t available in the operating rooms. Robotic technology is moving at a quick pace. One wonders if it’s possible in the future to read minds.
Dr. Theodore H. Schwartz has an impressive career as a leading neurological surgeon and professor at Cornell. He gives lectures all over the world and published numerous articles and books. This book is informative, enjoyable and it relates to all of us. The audible is excellent with his voice although the book includes various useful pictures related to the brain.
October 23, 2024
As far as I read (which, I admit, was not very far), Gray Matters was a dull book, presenting information I really had no interest in: the public perception of neurosurgeons; the sort of individual who chooses to enter the specialty; the way in which neurosurgeons are presented in film media; women and minorities who have entered the field; and a brief summary of the life of Harvey Cushing, the father of modern neurosurgery. I understand that Schwartz goes on to document details about operations performed on celebrities (I have zero interest in celebrities) and that he also presents some of his own surgical cases. Based on what I read, I couldn’t imagine spending a couple hundred pages more with him. His writing reads like a very extended dry encyclopedia entry. There was little to engage with emotionally or philosophically. I found I simply did not care. I appear to be in the minority in my response to this book. I have liked the autobiographical works of other neurosurgeons—Henry Marsh, Rahul Jandial, Frank Vertosick Jr., and Christopher Honey—and recommend those over this one.
August 26, 2024
DNFed @ 40%
The content of this book was extremely interesting, but it was very poorly structured. I thought I was going to get more from the perspective of the author and his own experiences, rather than just explanation and analysis of different brain injuries to famous people and the way they were handled. Still, I did find the cases interesting. However, the format of this book describing case after case grew tired in a hurry. It was just too dense and an information overload.
The content of this book was extremely interesting, but it was very poorly structured. I thought I was going to get more from the perspective of the author and his own experiences, rather than just explanation and analysis of different brain injuries to famous people and the way they were handled. Still, I did find the cases interesting. However, the format of this book describing case after case grew tired in a hurry. It was just too dense and an information overload.
September 22, 2024
I may be a bit biased because Dr. Schwartz was the neurosurgeon who removed my pituitary tumor, but I thought this was excellent. So interesting to read about the skull based surgeries and how they have evolved. Slightly triggering for those of us that have been through it, but so cool at the same time.
December 27, 2024
4.5⭐️ this book was written so well, in a way so accessible that anyone could read it
February 1, 2025
Really, really engaging. The author gives a history of approaches to treating disorders of the brain and describes the personalities of the people who made incredible contributions to the field of neurosurgery. All I can say, is thank goodness there are people with enough smarts, eye-hand coordination, physical stamina (you have to be able to operate all day without food or a bathroom break), and passion for non-stop learning so the rest of us can benefit when we need help. They often sacrifice their family lives; the divorce rate is high. ("The suicide rate for male physicians is 40 percent higher than the general population, and for women it's 130 percent greater)"!
Hard to believe the number of traumatic brain injuries out there (69,000 TBI-related deaths in 2021 alone, which would be an average of 190 a day). Then there are the brain tumors. And the aneurysms. And the strokes. And epilepsy, and Parkinson's, and concussions. [Interestingly, although boys' football is the sport most likely to result in a concussion, girls' soccer is a close second, followed by girls' basketball. What? ]
Lot's of case studies were included, which I really like. He talks about historical cases (like Lincoln and JFK), as well as sports figures (like Mohammed Ali), and celebrities (like Michael J. Fox and Natasha Richardson). And I wish this book had been published before my brother had deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's. There are a lot of questions I didn't know to ask.
I also really liked the chapter that focused on the concept of free will, and what brain research tells us about it. Since the author's undergrad degree was in English and Philosophy, he has a good basis for talking about it). All in all, really good stuff.
Hard to believe the number of traumatic brain injuries out there (69,000 TBI-related deaths in 2021 alone, which would be an average of 190 a day). Then there are the brain tumors. And the aneurysms. And the strokes. And epilepsy, and Parkinson's, and concussions. [Interestingly, although boys' football is the sport most likely to result in a concussion, girls' soccer is a close second, followed by girls' basketball. What? ]
Lot's of case studies were included, which I really like. He talks about historical cases (like Lincoln and JFK), as well as sports figures (like Mohammed Ali), and celebrities (like Michael J. Fox and Natasha Richardson). And I wish this book had been published before my brother had deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's. There are a lot of questions I didn't know to ask.
I also really liked the chapter that focused on the concept of free will, and what brain research tells us about it. Since the author's undergrad degree was in English and Philosophy, he has a good basis for talking about it). All in all, really good stuff.
March 13, 2025
Fascinating read. Excellent analogies. Started to drag a bit toward the end.
April 19, 2024
Thank you to Dutton and NetGalley for the uncorrected e-galley in exchange for my honest feedback.
How many times have you heard "Yeah, but it's not brain surgery!"? Well, in Gray Matters, Schwartz meticulously escorts the reader through the science and people of neurosurgery so that they can get a better understanding of this field. Each of his chapters focus on a specific diagnosis or development, ranging from the field's history, to aneurysms, to brain-computer interfaces. Within each chapter he masterfully, and compellingly, covers: biographies of important figures, the specific history of that chapter's topic, standard and developmental techniques used to treat the affliction (or at least alleviate some of the suffering), multiple real-world case studies (sometimes with well-known individuals you never knew had brain surgery), and his own personal autobiographical encounters with the topic.
There's too much in this book to highlight all of what I enjoyed in each chapter. Schwartz was able to take a difficult field and render it easy to comprehend while simultaneously adding in tension and drama. He presents not just a narrative of the topic, but also vital statistics and information that allows the reader to increase their scientific literacy by engaging with his writing. As a healthcare specialist who also engages with the public (or, well, tries to!), this is no simple task. Yet the book manages exactly this.
As for negative points, there's really only two more minor elements I'd want to highlight for folks before they start reading. First, there are a small handful of sections where Schwartz ventures into "we could do this" territory, rather than "we should do this" territory. Working in Ethics, this is a common flaw I see among other healthcare providers. Simply because something could be done doesn't license us to do it, because we need to consider more than just the medical outcomes when discussing someone's life. Generally speaking, though, he's rather good at sticking to the "should" rather than the "could".
The second negative I want to highlight is that, for someone who engages in a lot of philosophy in this book, Schwartz tends to stick to the older canon. The field of philosophy of mind often works alongside neuro-folks (neuroscientists, neurosurgeons, and neurologists) on projects involving cognition, the mind's architecture, and so forth. I wished I'd have seen more of that, and less of Descartes.
How many times have you heard "Yeah, but it's not brain surgery!"? Well, in Gray Matters, Schwartz meticulously escorts the reader through the science and people of neurosurgery so that they can get a better understanding of this field. Each of his chapters focus on a specific diagnosis or development, ranging from the field's history, to aneurysms, to brain-computer interfaces. Within each chapter he masterfully, and compellingly, covers: biographies of important figures, the specific history of that chapter's topic, standard and developmental techniques used to treat the affliction (or at least alleviate some of the suffering), multiple real-world case studies (sometimes with well-known individuals you never knew had brain surgery), and his own personal autobiographical encounters with the topic.
There's too much in this book to highlight all of what I enjoyed in each chapter. Schwartz was able to take a difficult field and render it easy to comprehend while simultaneously adding in tension and drama. He presents not just a narrative of the topic, but also vital statistics and information that allows the reader to increase their scientific literacy by engaging with his writing. As a healthcare specialist who also engages with the public (or, well, tries to!), this is no simple task. Yet the book manages exactly this.
As for negative points, there's really only two more minor elements I'd want to highlight for folks before they start reading. First, there are a small handful of sections where Schwartz ventures into "we could do this" territory, rather than "we should do this" territory. Working in Ethics, this is a common flaw I see among other healthcare providers. Simply because something could be done doesn't license us to do it, because we need to consider more than just the medical outcomes when discussing someone's life. Generally speaking, though, he's rather good at sticking to the "should" rather than the "could".
The second negative I want to highlight is that, for someone who engages in a lot of philosophy in this book, Schwartz tends to stick to the older canon. The field of philosophy of mind often works alongside neuro-folks (neuroscientists, neurosurgeons, and neurologists) on projects involving cognition, the mind's architecture, and so forth. I wished I'd have seen more of that, and less of Descartes.
August 21, 2024
I knew this was going to be a great book when Dr. Schwartz started off with an explanation as to why Dr. Harvey Cushing was such an important influence in American neurosurgery. In fact, most if not all neurosurgeons who trained in American schools can likely trace their training back to Dr. Cushing because, when it came to neurosurgery training, there was no other.
I really enjoyed how Dr. Schwartz was able to weave the history of neurosurgery against his history as a neurosurgeon—from what it takes to be a great neurosurgeon to what the surgeon needs to consider before operating on the brain.
He also discusses the subject of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) a subject that is near and not so very dear to the heart of many players and fans of contact sports such as American football and soccer (football in other countries). CTE has been in the news lately because so many football players have shown the effects of a constant barrage to the head causing nerve cell death and resulting in a gradual decline in cognition. Unfortunately, some of these former athletes have resorted to suicide and for those who manage to live out their lives, the symptoms of memory loss, confusion, anger, etc., have caused a great concern for their families.
The only part of the book I really wasn’t as interested in was the philosophical discussion of brain versus mind (what makes us human, etc.). But that’s just me—other readers may find it fascinating.
I highly recommend Gray Matters: A Biography of Brain Surgery to anyone who has an interest in medical history—there’s plenty of solid history here—or interested in neurosurgery. I will caution the potential reader that this is a seriously long book, but, in the end, the read was a satisfying one.
5/5 stars
[Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the advanced ebook copy in exchange for my honest and objective opinion, which I have given here.]
I really enjoyed how Dr. Schwartz was able to weave the history of neurosurgery against his history as a neurosurgeon—from what it takes to be a great neurosurgeon to what the surgeon needs to consider before operating on the brain.
He also discusses the subject of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) a subject that is near and not so very dear to the heart of many players and fans of contact sports such as American football and soccer (football in other countries). CTE has been in the news lately because so many football players have shown the effects of a constant barrage to the head causing nerve cell death and resulting in a gradual decline in cognition. Unfortunately, some of these former athletes have resorted to suicide and for those who manage to live out their lives, the symptoms of memory loss, confusion, anger, etc., have caused a great concern for their families.
The only part of the book I really wasn’t as interested in was the philosophical discussion of brain versus mind (what makes us human, etc.). But that’s just me—other readers may find it fascinating.
I highly recommend Gray Matters: A Biography of Brain Surgery to anyone who has an interest in medical history—there’s plenty of solid history here—or interested in neurosurgery. I will caution the potential reader that this is a seriously long book, but, in the end, the read was a satisfying one.
5/5 stars
[Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the advanced ebook copy in exchange for my honest and objective opinion, which I have given here.]
June 29, 2024
Best book ever
November 12, 2024
Who would have ever thought that a book about brain surgery (the history and the current state) would be so engrossing to someone who has no aptitude for science? But this book is! Interestingly, the fact I remember the most from this book is this: in a study done to determine average IQs of brain surgeons, rocket scientists, and "normal people," there was... no difference. Brain surgeons and rocket scientists are NOT smarter than normal people. What they are is more dedicated and more willing to sacrifice the stuff that normal people are not willing to sacrifice (family time, leisure time, etc). That's interesting. Anyway, the rest of the book is also interesting. It is a rare author who can make a book about something as complicated as brain surgery totally readable, and I was impressed. Pop science at its best. Also, the brain is really, really interesting. (Understatement of the century.)
October 16, 2024
Excellent book that is very accessible even for lay people. Lots of nitty gritty scholarly info, but still fascinating to get a deep look at what makes the brain tick. It took me a while to read it as I had to periodically take a break to digest the information. Really enjoyed the many case-studies cited and especially enjoyed his discussion about his mom and dad as both had neurological issues.
December 14, 2024
This is a great book! This is an awesome leisure read, that will share with any reader (in healthcare or not) how and when things can and have gone wrong in Neurosurgery.
As a physician, I loved Dr. Schwartz� predictions for the future of neurosurgery. Great cases chosen for illustration throughout the book as well.
As a physician, I loved Dr. Schwartz� predictions for the future of neurosurgery. Great cases chosen for illustration throughout the book as well.
Read
August 28, 2024I normally love books written by medical professionals. Since my grandfather died of a glioblastoma, neurosurgeons especially fascinate me. However, this over-500-page book isn't so much a biography of a neurosurgeon as much as a very detailed history of the profession. While parts were definitely interesting, especially the case studies, some of the jargon definitely made the book drag. Thank you, NetGalley, for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2024
Fascinating!
December 16, 2024
This was fascinating! The science and evidence presented were really cool. Those last 4 chapters blew my mind. I highly recommend this book!
December 19, 2024
The parts about the training and how a brain surgeon thinks are good. The section about how the brain works was both too superficial and hard to follow. I’m glad I read it though.
December 16, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley the author, and Dutton for this review copy!
GRAY MATTERS is a fascinating exploration of the brain’s potential, expertly balancing scientific insight with philosophical contemplation. As a practicing neurosurgeon, Schwartz has a unique vantage point into the wonders and mysteries of the human brain, which he translates into an engaging and accessible narrative. The book dives deep into the gray matter—the seat of human cognition, emotion, and identity—and asks profound questions about the nature of consciousness, technology's impact on the brain, and the future of neuroscience.
One of the strengths of this book is its ability to make complex medical concepts accessible to a general audience. Schwartz explains the anatomy and physiology of the brain in clear and concise terms, making it easy for readers to follow along. He also delves into the history of neurosurgery, tracing the evolution of the field from ancient times to the present day.
Through his writing, the author conveys a deep sense of empathy and compassion for his patients and their families.
Some of the cases he describes are:
The Musician’s Tumor: Schwartz recounts the case of a professional violinist who had a brain tumor. The surgery was particularly challenging because it was crucial to preserve the patient’s fine motor skills and musical abilities. During the operation, the patient was kept awake and played the violin, allowing Schwartz to ensure that the areas of the brain responsible for these skills were not damaged.
The Young Athlete: Another compelling case involves a young athlete who suffered a severe head injury. Schwartz describes the delicate process of removing a blood clot from the brain and the subsequent rehabilitation that allowed the patient to return to sports. This case highlights the resilience of the human brain and the importance of timely medical intervention.
The Phantom Limb: Schwartz also delves into the phenomenon of phantom limb pain through the story of a patient who experienced severe pain in a limb that had been amputated. The case explores the brain’s complex relationship with the body and how neurosurgery can sometimes alleviate such mysterious conditions.
The Epilepsy Patient: One of the most intriguing cases involves a patient with severe epilepsy. Schwartz performed a surgery to remove the part of the brain causing the seizures. The case is notable for the precision required and the dramatic improvement in the patient’s quality of life post-surgery.
The personal stories of patients provide a humanizing touch to the hard science, making it clear that the brain is more than just an organ—it’s the core of who we are as individuals. These stories give weight to the philosophical questions Schwartz raises: How far can we push the boundaries of human cognition? What are the risks of tampering with the essence of humanity? The discussion of the challenges of making life-and-death decisions and the impact of brain injuries on individuals and their families is unsettling and thought-provoking.
In addition to its medical and personal insights, GRAY MATTERS offers a valuable perspective on the future of neurosurgery. Schwartz discusses emerging technologies, such as brain-computer interfaces and gene therapy, and their potential to revolutionize the treatment of brain disorders. He also addresses the ethical concerns that may arise as these technologies become more advanced.
While the book is primarily focused on the medical aspects of neurosurgery, Schwartz also touches on the personal toll that this demanding profession can take on practitioners. His reflections on the emotional challenges of dealing with life-and-death situations provide a valuable perspective on the human side of medicine.
This is an intellectually stimulating read that merges science and philosophy seamlessly. The book is a compelling blend of memoir and textbook and is a highly recommended read for anyone interested in the brain, medicine, or the human condition. However, those looking for a purely philosophical or speculative work might feel that the book is too grounded in clinical reality.
Regardless, Schwartz’s expertise and passion for his field shine through on every page, making this book a fascinating and informative exploration of the complexities of the human mind and the incredible advancements that have been made in the field of neurosurgery.
GRAY MATTERS is a fascinating exploration of the brain’s potential, expertly balancing scientific insight with philosophical contemplation. As a practicing neurosurgeon, Schwartz has a unique vantage point into the wonders and mysteries of the human brain, which he translates into an engaging and accessible narrative. The book dives deep into the gray matter—the seat of human cognition, emotion, and identity—and asks profound questions about the nature of consciousness, technology's impact on the brain, and the future of neuroscience.
One of the strengths of this book is its ability to make complex medical concepts accessible to a general audience. Schwartz explains the anatomy and physiology of the brain in clear and concise terms, making it easy for readers to follow along. He also delves into the history of neurosurgery, tracing the evolution of the field from ancient times to the present day.
Through his writing, the author conveys a deep sense of empathy and compassion for his patients and their families.
Some of the cases he describes are:
The Musician’s Tumor: Schwartz recounts the case of a professional violinist who had a brain tumor. The surgery was particularly challenging because it was crucial to preserve the patient’s fine motor skills and musical abilities. During the operation, the patient was kept awake and played the violin, allowing Schwartz to ensure that the areas of the brain responsible for these skills were not damaged.
The Young Athlete: Another compelling case involves a young athlete who suffered a severe head injury. Schwartz describes the delicate process of removing a blood clot from the brain and the subsequent rehabilitation that allowed the patient to return to sports. This case highlights the resilience of the human brain and the importance of timely medical intervention.
The Phantom Limb: Schwartz also delves into the phenomenon of phantom limb pain through the story of a patient who experienced severe pain in a limb that had been amputated. The case explores the brain’s complex relationship with the body and how neurosurgery can sometimes alleviate such mysterious conditions.
The Epilepsy Patient: One of the most intriguing cases involves a patient with severe epilepsy. Schwartz performed a surgery to remove the part of the brain causing the seizures. The case is notable for the precision required and the dramatic improvement in the patient’s quality of life post-surgery.
The personal stories of patients provide a humanizing touch to the hard science, making it clear that the brain is more than just an organ—it’s the core of who we are as individuals. These stories give weight to the philosophical questions Schwartz raises: How far can we push the boundaries of human cognition? What are the risks of tampering with the essence of humanity? The discussion of the challenges of making life-and-death decisions and the impact of brain injuries on individuals and their families is unsettling and thought-provoking.
In addition to its medical and personal insights, GRAY MATTERS offers a valuable perspective on the future of neurosurgery. Schwartz discusses emerging technologies, such as brain-computer interfaces and gene therapy, and their potential to revolutionize the treatment of brain disorders. He also addresses the ethical concerns that may arise as these technologies become more advanced.
While the book is primarily focused on the medical aspects of neurosurgery, Schwartz also touches on the personal toll that this demanding profession can take on practitioners. His reflections on the emotional challenges of dealing with life-and-death situations provide a valuable perspective on the human side of medicine.
This is an intellectually stimulating read that merges science and philosophy seamlessly. The book is a compelling blend of memoir and textbook and is a highly recommended read for anyone interested in the brain, medicine, or the human condition. However, those looking for a purely philosophical or speculative work might feel that the book is too grounded in clinical reality.
Regardless, Schwartz’s expertise and passion for his field shine through on every page, making this book a fascinating and informative exploration of the complexities of the human mind and the incredible advancements that have been made in the field of neurosurgery.
September 29, 2024
The history of the profession and the who-begat-who tedium made it a bit bit boring for me. I did enjoy the case studies and the book would have been richer with more of these...and not just famous ones.
February 17, 2025
A wonderful account of the development of brain surgery for the lay reader. Imagine going from a primitive world of open skull surgeries, frontal lobotomies and mental asylums to today's minimally invasive neurovascular surgery, non-invasive ultrasound neurosurgery and neurostimulation treatments. We meet fascinating neurosurgeons and scientists who advanced the understanding of the brain and how it works (at several levels down to the neuron), and those who are innovating today to treat various brain injuries and diseases. Exciting to learn!
February 21, 2025
Muy interesante
Es un libro muy interesante y de fácil lectura. Está muy bien escrito y muy claro. He leído varios libros sobre el tema y este me pareció informativo y claro.
Es un libro muy interesante y de fácil lectura. Está muy bien escrito y muy claro. He leído varios libros sobre el tema y este me pareció informativo y claro.
February 16, 2025
I enjoyed this book up until the last 50 pages. Rather than sum up the journey, the author rambled on about various sci-fi movies, comparing them to current research and the future of computers and brain surgery. I hated the ending. That is such a shame because it went from a highly recommendable read of 5 star to a disappointing ending. Bummer.
February 8, 2025
This book is truly fascinating - especially if you are interested in the brain. It is truly a textbook for Neurosurgery 101. It is long and has lots of historical information, but it was fascinating.
February 2, 2025
Sometimes a non-fiction book can be as compelling and hard to put down as a fictional thriller. This is what this book was like for me. I learned so much I had no idea about, and each chapter was riveting. Highly recommend!
June 5, 2024
Loved this book! Not only are you getting the author’s story, but also the story of brain surgery.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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