Awakenings--which inspired the major motion picture--is the remarkable story of a group of patients who contracted sleeping-sickness during the great epidemic just after World War I. Frozen for decades in a trance-like state; these men and women were given up as hopeless until 1969; when Dr. Oliver Sacks gave them the then-new drug L-DOPA; which had an astonishing; explosive; "awakening" effect. Dr. Sacks recounts the moving case histories of his patients; their lives; and the extraordinary transformations which went with their reintroduction to a changed world.
#744683 in Books Boynton Robert S 2017-01-17 2017-01-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.25 x .65 x 5.50l; .0 #File Name: 0374536724288 pagesInvitation Only Zone
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. An Interesting Glimpse of a Little Known SchemeBy JamesonHaving read quite a few accounts of North Korea; I found "The Invitation-Only Zone" a unique look into a program that is often briefly highlighted in other books. The Abduction Project pursued by North Korea in the latter part of the twentieth-century appears to be something ripped from the pages of a novel. Mr. Boynton does a superb job of highlighting both the details and scope of the project; all the while humanising those who were affected by it in one way or another.Aside from the abduction program; Mr. Boynton goes on to put the program into a larger geopolitical context. He provides a thorough; interesting account of the history of Korea that led to the ultimate creation of Kim Il Sung's "Juche" ideology. Especially considering recent events over the past few years; I consider this a great introductory book for anyone looking to learn about the psyche of the North Korean regime that has remained closed off from the rest of the world during the twentieth century. The accounts are alarming; thought-provoking; and occasionally entertaining. A short; quick read; it is suitable for those looking who have no basic knowledge of the regime to those looking for an overview of this fascinating subject.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Well written narrative that still leaves us wondering - why?By Ralph OsgoodIn the course of telling this story - a story almost too strange to be true - the author takes us through important elements of the inter-relationship between Korea and Japan post-Meiji - we really don't see why until the story completes; as the author notes; he didn't realize how important this was either. The telling of this history with the story of the abductions is not meant to excuse the acts; nor is the introduction of numerous Leftist characters. (If you read the fiction or history in fiction books by W. F. Buckley you will know that communists all come from somewhere very human; they are not really spawn of Satan). The only disappointment is one I am sure the author shares: why did the kidnappings happen? For what purpose? There are many who speculate but we may never know. The return of abductees is central to Japanese politics these days; it should also be noted that many non-Japanese were also abducted; and many many more duped into going North and never being allowed to leave again.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Fascinated and gripping. A thoroughly researched yet highly readable ...By Poetry loverFascinated and gripping. A thoroughly researched yet highly readable account of the abductions of Japanese (and other) citizens by the bizarre; inscrutable North Korean regime. I could not put this down. Boynton writes with authority yet also with humility; focusing on the gentle souls whose lives were stolen.
