Gratitude by Oliver Sacks

There is little to attract one to this book other than it's name. Having seen the glowing reviews in several magazines I was attracted to the book and actively sought it out. The sad fact is that this book was written in anticipation of death and appears to have been published solely for the purpose of providing for another grab for dollars. There is little of appeal here, there is nothing profound or insightful. On finishing the book I commented to my wife ,who had also read it that it was disappointing, she said "Thank God, I thought it was just me." I am amazed at how a publicist can foist this off on an unsuspecting public, more amazed that others would buy into the hype. Simply put save your money this book is a waste. There is nothing to be gained by reading this. The author had a very long and good life, Read that last line and you will have gotten all that there is to get out of the book.

1 Star


Thus reads my review of the book Gratitude by Oliver Sacks as I posted it on AMAZON.

A week or so ago I mentioned that Gratitude has become a hot topic and seemingly is the virtue that will allow one to realize the worth of his life.  So I cam across a book by the name of Gratitude with its attendant high praise reviews.  I wanted in.  I wanted to learn the practice the topic the nuances of the virtue, so that I too could realize the worth of my life.

 So with that , we found a copy , purchased same and took it home. My wife began reading it first and was annoyed with my grabbing it off and moving the flap that she used for her bookmark.

She finished first and said nothing.  I finished and told her that I was less than pleased with the book, she concurred.  I was grateful for her concurrence as for so many other things she brings to my life.

It really is not a very memorable read.  But coming away from it I conclude that someone had a friend in the publishing business and someone had achieved something of a name as an author on previous occasions and someone had penned a legacy tome as someone started to die.  Someone's publisher must have seen the market for the last book of Dr. Sacks and decided to foist it off on the public.There is little poignancy when a man dies at 83 after a long fruitful life and there was none to be found in the book.  I am happy that his life was fulfilling and I am sure he was happy too. 
But that did not translate in this book.

I will remember this little escapade next time I read a book review.  I will also keep on searching for the answers.