Review of The Tenth Nerve

Mayang Bature · Post by **Mayang Bature** » 03 Jul 2023, 13:12

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Tenth Nerve" by Chris Honey.]

5 out of 5 stars

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The brain is an intricate and vital organ that controls all bodily functions, making it imperative to handle it with great care. While some aspects of brain function are well understood, many mysteries remain. In the medical field, professionals are trained to focus on the illness rather than the individual to maintain objectivity. Dr. Chris Honey, a neurosurgeon, could not help himself when some of his patients and their conditions forced him to derive life lessons from the enigmatic aspects of the brain, which he shares in his first book, The Tenth Nerve: A Brain Surgeon's Stories of the Patients Who Changed Him.

Surprisingly, The Tenth Nerve is not exclusively intended for medical practitioners. Dr. Honey impressively presents complex concepts in simple language, making them accessible to anyone old enough to understand. For instance, the description of the brain's cranial nerves was so simple that even children could understand it. This approach proved useful when the book discussed topics such as Microvascular Decompression, which involves decompressing blood vessels to facilitate the proper functioning of cranial nerves.

The book contains an enormous amount of research, which is evident in its contents. Despite this, it is still considerate of readers whenever it discusses medical terms and provides subsequent explanations. That was convenient because it did not get me distracted by checking a word and allowed the book to properly build on the aspect it had introduced. It also introduced the reader to the father of neurosurgery, Harvey Cushing, as well as other well-known names in the field, such as William Dandy. While such frequent deviations may bother some people, I found them to be both enlightening and necessary. It provided a more comprehensive perspective and enhanced understanding.

The book's vivid descriptions and buttery-smooth transitions between stories create an immersive reading experience. Although the stories are not presented chronologically, they gradually convey valuable lessons based on the author's personal experiences. This non-linear narrative keeps readers engaged and facilitates the emphasis on each story's morals. Through encounters with individuals like Saika, Alan, Emily, Leo, Nadia, and Armando, the author recognizes the limitations of modern neurosurgery and the significance of looking beyond ailments. The book successfully conveys how these experiences shaped the author's approach to life.

In my opinion, the main goal of attempting to help the reader understand how these experiences influenced the author's approach to life was achieved and executed flawlessly. With this in mind, I believe The Tenth Nerve deserves a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The book is impeccably edited and devoid of errors. There was nothing I disliked about it, and even the frequent deviations did not bother me. This book may appear appealing to those who simply want to learn more about how the brain works in unexpected ways. Also, if you are just curious about how this doctor was transformed, you will not be sorry if you read this.

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The Tenth Nerve
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The Keeper Jr · Post by **The Keeper Jr** » 08 Jul 2023, 14:07

This seems really helpful to increase one's knowledge. The brain is without a doubt one of the most complex systems there and we still haven't understood it completely. I think it's an interesting book. Your review is amazing. Thank you!

Odichimma Okoye · Post by **Odichimma Okoye** » 09 Jul 2023, 12:43

If the book is really as you, the reviewer says, then it's amazing how the workings of such a complicated body part can be explained to even non-medical practitioners. Am I an aspiring medical practitioner? Oui. Do I then consider this book helpful? Still yes. Rather than focus on the disorders of his patients solely, the author was also able to learn life lessons, teach them in a book, and carry along other interested individuals. Wonderful! Oh, before I forget, this review is wonderfully written.

Odichimma Okoye · Post by **Odichimma Okoye** » 09 Jul 2023, 12:44

If the book is really as you, the reviewer says, then it's amazing how the workings of such a complicated body part can be explained to even non-medical practitioners. Am I an aspiring medical practitioner? Oui. Do I then consider this book helpful? Still yes. Rather than focus on the disorders of his patients solely, the author was also able to learn life lessons, teach them in a book, and carry along other interested individuals. Wonderful! Oh, before I forget, this review is wonderfully written.

Ram Uday Mahajan · Post by **Ram Uday Mahajan** » 13 Jul 2023, 12:10

Thank you for sharing such an insightful and comprehensive review of Dr. Chris Honey's book, "The Tenth Nerve." Your appreciation for the author's ability to simplify complex concepts and provide valuable life lessons is truly commendable. Well done!

Mayang Bature · Post by **Mayang Bature** » 14 Jul 2023, 14:09

Odichimma Okoye wrote: ↑09 Jul 2023, 12:44 If the book is really as you, the reviewer says, then it's amazing how the workings of such a complicated body part can be explained to even non-medical practitioners. Am I an aspiring medical practitioner? Oui. Do I then consider this book helpful? Still yes. Rather than focus on the disorders of his patients solely, the author was also able to learn life lessons, teach them in a book, and carry along other interested individuals. Wonderful! Oh, before I forget, this review is wonderfully written.

Thank you, Odichimma for your kind words. After you get into the medical field, I'd love to read your own book too

Odichimma Okoye · Post by **Odichimma Okoye** » 14 Jul 2023, 18:13

Mayang Bature wrote: ↑14 Jul 2023, 14:09
Odichimma Okoye wrote: ↑09 Jul 2023, 12:44 If the book is really as you, the reviewer says, then it's amazing how the workings of such a complicated body part can be explained to even non-medical practitioners. Am I an aspiring medical practitioner? Oui. Do I then consider this book helpful? Still yes. Rather than focus on the disorders of his patients solely, the author was also able to learn life lessons, teach them in a book, and carry along other interested individuals. Wonderful! Oh, before I forget, this review is wonderfully written.

Thank you, Odichimma for your kind words. After you get into the medical field, I'd love to read your own book too

Aww, thanks