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Struck by Genius

How a Brain Injury Made Me a Mathematical Marvel
bibliotechnocrat
Aug 20, 2014bibliotechnocrat rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
After surviving a mugging involving brain trauma, Jason Pagett suddenly takes on Rain Man qualities (albeit without quite as severe social issues). Previously a party boy uninterested in math, academics, or other more serious pursuits, he suddenly sees the world in an entirely new way. He has both synthesia and acquired savantism. The story of the mugging and his eventual (and miraculous) recovery is interesting as it raises so many questions about how perceptions develop, and how the brain is wired. However, as a narrative, it sags in several places. The voice is also a little unclear - perhaps due to the dual authorship.