A Winter’s Week

BOOKS

I have been invested in an Oliver Sacks book this week. It’s called On The Move.

Oliver Sacks (1933–2015) was a British neurologist, writer, and professor known for his compassionate and deeply human portrayals of people with neurological disorders. He combined clinical insight with literary skill to explore the ways brain conditions shape identity and perception.

His most famous works include:

“Awakenings” – about patients who were catatonic for decades due to encephalitis lethargica and temporarily revived with L-DOPA (later adapted into a film). “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat” – a collection of unusual and fascinating neurological case studies.

He was known for bridging science with humanities.

On the Move: a Life is Oliver Sacks’s candid and moving memoir, offering a deeply personal look at his life beyond his public identity as a neurologist and author. In this autobiography, Sacks reflects on his early years as a shy, curious boy in London, his struggles with identity as a gay man, and his passionate interests in weightlifting, motorcycles, and travel. He recounts his medical training and the formative experiences that led him to become a compassionate and unconventional doctor, often drawn to the most unusual and overlooked cases. With honesty and humility, Sacks reveals his inner battles, professional triumphs, and lifelong quest to understand the human mind.

As a speech pathologist I enjoyed his writings and case histories on Tourette’s syndrome, Autism, and other neurological disorders as he discussed various aspects of language development affecting these disorders.

I also enjoyed hearing of his motorcycle journeys in various parts of the world.

BOOKISH LIFE

On Thursday night we went to a very interesting book launch at Fullers bookshop by author Bruce Wolpe and ABC correspondent Sabra Lane. The book discussed was What Trump’s Second Term Means for Australia. The audience really got into this discussion and it was an interesting event. I liked the description Ms Lane gave to Trump’s administration- a term of whiplash. Question time at the end of the event was lively. Fullers book launches generally go for an hour. People arrive for 5:30 when the speakers begin. The conversation goes for 45 min. Then there are questions for the next 15 to 20 minutes. Attendees pay $10 or $12 and that includes a glass of wine or a soft drink. We go to a lot of these events and they are always so much fun. We see the same faces but it is lovely to see so many young people come as well and get involved.

PHOTOGRAPHY

I drove to a wetlands lagoon just north of Hobart one day and took a short walk. I was curious what birds I might see there this time of year. Mainly ducks and cormorants. There were as many rabbits around the place as birds. Not much happening but it was good to get out.

COMING UP

In two weeks I’m on Bruny Island, south of here for several days for another photography excursion. This one will be seascapes and night sky if not too cloudy. I’ve not done Milky Way shots before so a new learning curve. We might see an aurora as there have been quite a few lately. We’re also doing a Pennicott boat tour into the Tasman Sea for cliff faces, and wildlife. Maybe a whale? Dolphins? Seabirds and lots of seals. I have a new box of seasick tablets and looking forward to see if they work.

I also have another Fullers bookshop event this coming week but more on that later.

Our 8 kg+ (18 lb) cat Grizzy escaping winter.