this book is a collection of stories assembled from the medical notes and journal entries written by Dr. Sachs over the course of many years. at times the humor and sensitivity with which he writes is deeply engaging, and the subjects of his study and treatment are indeed intriguing, but nevertheless i cannot shake the feeling that he is playing the hawker at a 21st century freakshow. no amount of care or concern can mask his sheer amazement and occasionally, revulsion. all the same, i enjoyed his tales very much. and, as Sachs points out, only knowledge of the bizarre and rare conditions he describes can lead eventually to understanding and acceptance of the people who suffer from them.