Special Report

Curricula non Medica

Mary Wleklinski, Mary Giardina, and Donald A. Stewart

Lunchtime conversations often revolve around the center of society; families depend mainly on the dumb, mundane, or familiar, sometimes on the mother for guidance and stability. Cat's Ey e current rages or sensations, and may even lead by Margaret Atwood-A journey through the to intriguing speculations-eg, how many neu­ fears of middle age, and how our memory of the roradiologists play musical instruments (espe­ past can help us get through difficult times. cially the bagpipes), or what do neuroradiologists Medicine: Preserving the Passion edited by Phil read outside of the ever increasing amount of Manning and Lois DeBakey-The working and professional journals and books-indeed, do they learning habits of medicine's great men/women; read other books at all? Believe it or not, your provides role models in an era in which they are AJNR staff speculated on the latter question difficult to find. Many Masks: A Life of Frank recently, with guesses ranging from total prepon­ Lloyd Wright by Brendan Gill-Genius and hard derance of science fiction to old Peanuts car­ work can occur in other disciplines, despite per­ toons. We decided to find out (we were drinking sonal eccentricities; originality triumphs and is cokes with lunch). respectfully remembered. We wrote letters to a small sample of the ASNR Dale A. Charletta. Neuromancer by William membership, asking them to list five or so books Gibson-An astonishing work of creative genius. that they read over the past five or so years, and Gibson weaves a visionary tale of computer hack­ to tell us (in a few sentences) how these books ers, ninjas, mega-corporations, the Yakuza (Jap­ affected their thinking or why they liked them. anese underworld), and clones; the prose is par­ The responses, we believe, are interesting, and ticularly well-crafted. The Fall of Hyperion by we offer an array of them here with a minimum Dan Simmons-Another writer whose command of editorial tampering. of the English language equals his understanding R. A. Brinker. Cracking India by Bapsi of science; these are two of the most thought­ Sidhwa-A master story of India in 1948 told provoking works of imagination that I have ex­ from a young child's perspective. Learning to perienced. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card­ Bow by Bruce Feiler-a young American man Thoroughly entertaining science fiction novel; living among and teaching Japanese children. Card's characterizations are superb. Code/, Child of the Revolution by Wolfgang Leonhard­ Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid by Doug­ Events in Germany and Russia (1930-1947) told las Hofstadter-Perhaps the most intellectually by a German communist. Father Melancholy's stimulating novel I have read. But one doesn't Daugher by Gail Godwin-Masterfully told story simply read this book-one engages in a battle of a depression-ridden Episcopal priest. The of wits with it. Hofstadter deals with patterns that Golden Constant by R. W. Jastram- The value tie together varied disciplines such as mathemat­ of goods and services versus gold through the ics, graphic arts, and music. American Psycho by ages. Bret Easton Ellis-Horrible; profoundly disturb­ Mauricio Castillo. The Prince of Tides by Pat ing; consummate evil. Ellis is either a madman Conroy-Magnificent storytelling. Makes one or the author of a convincing character study of face the pleasant and unpleasant episodes of same. The fact that I can't decide is what bothers childhood and fosters a positive outlook. One me most about this book. Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Mar­ Roy Cobb. Surrender the Pink by Carrie quez-Makes us realize that despite the different Fisher-Dryly humorous novel about the battle characters that form a family, the family remains of the sexes. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper

From the AJNR Editorial Office, Department of Radiology, RPSL Medical Center, Chicago, IL.

Index terms: Neuroradiology and neuroradiologists

AJNR 13:1495-1499, Sep/ Oct 1992 0195-6108/92/1305-1495 © America n Society of Neuroradiology 1495 1496 WLEKLINSKI AJNR: 13, September / October 1992

Lee-Classic story about growing up, completely Fishman-True story of a journalist who under­ different when read as an adult. A/1-Bright Court went resection of a brain-AVM; thought provok­ by Connie Porter-Complex story of growing up ing, instructive, but somewhat disturbing; black in th~ north-not the promised land so brought me a little closer to my patients. many southern migrants thought it would be. Ajax E. George. Interview with the Vampire by Marshall Colburn. Battle Cry of Freedom by Ann Rice-One of my all time favorites; profound James M . McPherson-Best single volume de­ and disturbing images of power, passion, love scribing events leading to and occurring during and despair. Growing Up by Russell Baker­ the Civil War. McPherson relates the political and Charming and witty autobiography that leaves social movements of those times, which resulted you convinced that the old, downhome values in the coming of the "second American Revolu­ are worthwhile after all. Henry Miller: A Life by tion." Very well-written and readable. Freedom Robert Ferguson-Both debunks the myths re­ by William Safire-An historical novel based on garding Henry Miller and, at the same time, hu­ the events of 1862, the year Lincoln proclaimed manizes him. The Colossus of Maroussi by Henry the Emancipation. Purists may find fault with Miller-After reading this, you feel you have been Safire's use of some of the historical events (out on one of the best vacations of your life to one of sequence) but he is able to show more of the of the most exciting places in the world. The Man heart and soul of Abraham Lincoln than anyone Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver else I have read. If you want to know Lincoln and Sacks-Finally understood what Alzheimer dis­ understand his fundamental greatness, this book ease really means. is a must. From Beirut to Jerusalem by Thomas Robert I. Grossman. Iron & Silk by Mark L. Friedman-Friedman (Middle-East corre­ Salzman-lnteresting narrative of modern China. spondent for the New York Times in the 1980s) Captured the spirit of the country from a recent clearly creates the framework necessary to begin college graduate's perspective. Gave insight into to understand the events that occurred (and are how people think. Men at Work by George F. still occurring) in Lebanon and Israel. For the first Will-Tremendous depth about the game of time, I have some understanding re the goals of baseball. If you enjoy numbers and statistics, this the Israeli government and those forces that influ­ book captures those elements of baseball. Bar­ ence its behavior; more timely now than when it barians at the Gate by Bryan Burrough and John was published (1989). The Last Lion by William Helgan-Fantastic story about RJR Nabisco take­ Manchester-The first volume, Visions of Glory, over. Liar's Poker by Michael Lewis-Good story recounts the youth and manhood of Churchill to about life at an investment banking firm. The the time of Hitler's rise in 1933-helping one to Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe-Well­ understand the roots of Churchill's behavior, written novel about a bond salesmen and his which led ultimately to his fearless determination downfall. and actions in all matters he believed were right­ William Hanafee. Golf Begins at 50 by Gary Manchester is a clear and interesting writer; an Player-After neuroradiology, there is plenty to enjoyable book. look forward to. Donald A. Eckard. The Dictionary of Cultural Ric Harnsberger. The Grifters by Jim Thomp­ Literacy by E. D. Hirsch, Jr., Joseph F. Kett, and son-Stunning insight into the world of the con­ James Trefii-Presents the body of knowledge artist. Wonderfully written. The Prince of Tides that, according to the authors, "every American by Pat Conroy-Conroy is a master of the English needs to know." Includes chapters on religion, language. Compelling look at the dark side of mythology, literature, art, history, geography, the violent inner workings of a southern family with sciences, etc; very informative. Clear and Present an abusive parent as well as an episode of abuse Danger by Tom Clancy-Very entertaining, non­ from an outside source. The Mists of Avalon by stop action book that is hard to put down; pro­ Marion Zimmer Bradley-Enthralling escape into vides a possible answer to America's drug war. Arthurian lore. Leave the 20th century for the The Way Things Work by David Macaulay­ mists of Avalon. The Clan of the Cave Bear by lnformative, entertaining discussion__...-about- the Jean M. Auei-Odyssey into prehistoric man's way many common devices work. Straight by developing culture. I loved the way it made me Dick Francis-Entertaining, and the kind of thing view the modern male/female conflicts from a I need to read some nights after a busy or stressful prehistoric perspective. Sundog by Jim Harri­ day at work. A Bomb in the Brain by Steve son-Charts the life of a man "not confined by AJNR: 13, September /October 1992 CURRICULA NON MEDICA 1497 doing the expected and the appropriate." Having the true talent and encourage it to blossom to its been so confined, the vicarious ride was an eye­ full potential! Murder on the Orient Express by opener. Agatha Christie-Light, fluffy fare, full of holes Joe Horton. Rising Sun by Michael Crichton­ and unexplained dangling incidents. Entertaining Sex, violence, and image processing (Really!). mystery, but no real "message" here. The Russia Money is Love by Richard Condon-Funniest House by John Le Carre-Remarkable story that novel I've ever read-and I've read a lot. You presaged the fall of communism in Russia and have to find it in used bookstores, as it is out of Eastern Europe. Beautiful insights on human print. The Sum of All Fears by Tom Clancy­ emotions (but not nearly as exciting as The Little Great escape. Journey Through Genius by Wil­ Drummer Girl). liam Dunham-Tour through developments of J. Robert Kirkwood. Heartsounds by Martha mathematical thought, illustrated through proofs W. Lear-A powerful book about a physician of theorems. Shibumi by Trevanian-On the sur­ with terminal heart disease, it discusses his and face, a sort of spy thriller, but this is to thrillers his wife's interaction with hospitals and other what Moby-Dick is to a wildlife and fishing man­ physicians and the difficulty in coping with the ual. Deeply philosophical. disease. It has had a permanent positive impact Stephen A. Kieffer. The Winds of War and on how I deal with patients. One Hundred Years War and Remembrance by Herman Wouk­ of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez-A look Amazing (mostly true) story of bigotry and prej­ at life in Latin America that has applications in udice leading the world into its worst debacle in the United States. This book gives a strong sense history. The author (an orthodox Jew) shows of the little control that we have over life, but remarkable ability as he writes in the first person with an insight into the love and joy that help us as the main character (an archetypical Anglo­ deal with it. Perestroika by Mikhail Gorbachev­ Saxon Protestant naval officer). Remarkable in­ This book gave what proved to be a true insight sights into how the innate carelessness and inbred into the Russian leader's mind. It also clearly anti-Semitism in major governments (including pointed out the fatal flaw in Russian leadership, the US State Department) led to the Holocaust. ie, they did not understand the power of the hope Beautifully written! Also suggests a possible ex­ for freedom, and this hope's survival over years planation for Pearl Harbor; Roosevelt's inner circle of repression. A Theory of Medical Ethics by may have allowed it to happen in order to get the Robert M. Veatch-A good discussion of the United States into World War II. The Coming conflicting forces involved in both individual and Fury by Bruce Catton-Well-written (almost societal medical decisions. The Prince by Niccolo scholarly in form, but filled with action and inter­ Machiavelli-A good insight into the way those est) history of the major events and political with power operate. philosophy that led to the Civil War. Points out William W. M. Lo. Albion 's Seed: Four British how the failure of key persons, and the populace Folkways in America by David Hackett Fischer­ as a whole, to take the aggressive movements of This 946-page treatise is an in-depth look at the "far out" zealots seriously at a crucial time led different values and customs of each of the four eventually to the costliest (in human lives) war in great waves of English speaking immigrants from US history. There is a common thread here be­ 1629 to 1775 (the Puritans; the Royalists and tween this book and Wouk's (above). Lust for their indentured servants; the Friends; and the Life by Irving Stone-Beautiful, almost heart­ North Britain borderlanders and northern Irelan­ rending, story of the life of Vincent Van Gogh, a ders) and their profound influence upon subse­ remarkable, "driven" individual who had to endure quent immigrant ethnic groups that to this day the worst aspects of poverty (hunger, starvation, control regional attitudes toward politics, educa­ and disease) because he could not bring himself tion, government, gender, and violence. The book to paint in the accepted style of his time. He gave me an appreciation of the pluralism of the eventually became deeply depressed and com­ four British folkways in early America and how it mitted suicide. A remarkable talent who was may have provided a stronger foundation than a unable to sell a single canvas in his lifetime. single culture could have for a free society. Insight: this book offers a portrait of the individual Strangers from a Different Shore by Ronald Tak­ who "marches to a different drummer" with per­ aki-lt gave me knowledge and appreciation of severance. All of us encounter such people in our the history and cultural adaptation of the various lives and work; the key is to be able to recognize Asian ethnic groups in the United States. Democ- 1498 WLEKLINSKI AJNR: 13, September/October 1992 racy or Babel-The Case for Official English by ture tale, incorporating successful application of Fernando de Ia Pena-lt helped to crystallize my primitive human skills. Flight of the Old Dog by own belief in the necessity and importance of a Dale Brown-Simply a good yarn about a military single common language for official use in the flying adventure. United States. Iron & Silk by Mark Salzman-( John Pile-Spellman. Sexual Personnae by gained new knowledge and understanding of Camille Paglia- Stimulating thoughts on the role Chinese values and customs through the eyes of of sexuality on and throughout history. A History a foreigner. I M Pei by Carter Wiseman-It gave of Private Life by Philippe Aries and Georges me an appreciation of the complexity and the Duby- Fascinating chronicle of all life's aspects immeasurable role of human realities in the cre­ from pagan Rome to Byzantium. From Beirut to ation, shaping, and end result of buildings through Jerusalem by Thomas L. Friedman- Provides in­ the biography of one of the great architects of depth cultural insight into the Middle East im­ the century. broglio and the threat of religious fundamental­ Dixon Moody. Dracula by Bram Stoker-One ism. The House of Morgan by Ron Chernow-A aspect of this novel is especially fascinating to powerful history of the development of modern me because I have become interested in Jean­ finance and the abuses of capitalism. Love in the Martin Charcot. This book was published in 1897, Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez­ just four years after Charcot's death. Professor Simply the most wonderful tale of love and rom­ Charcot is mentioned in Dracula in the context ance. of hypnotism and it points out that Charcot was Eric Russell. Silent Coup by Len Colodny and a media sensation. By inviting lay people into the Robert Gettlin- Well-researched history of Wa­ demonstration theater of the Salpetriere to wit­ tergate and the Nixon White House. Uncovers the ness hypnotism, Charcot opened himself up to basis of John Dean's key role and Woodward's charges of outright fraud and "quackery." Please, connections to Alexander Haig leading to the don't anyone waste time reading this poorly writ­ scoop in the Washington Post. It by Stephen ten book! J-M. Charcot 1825-1893, His Life-His King-Horror fiction in the form of a classic Work by Georges Guillain-This man made an novel. Disturbing childhood relationships that we impact on neurology and neuropathology in the all can relate to. Great literature. A Brief History 19th century equal to the impact of cross-sec­ of Time by Stephen Hawking-Enables universal tional imaging in the 20th century over a similarly perspective. Frees the mind to consider the basis short time span. A tabulation of his original dis­ of existence and religion. Escape from small­ coveries would fill up this page. Angels: An En­ mindedness. dangered Species by Malcolm Godwin- ( never James A. Scatliff. Short Stories of Ernest knew there were so many angels! A review of Hemingway-( had read most of Hemingway's biblical text, myth, and apocrypha as they pertain novels but not many of his short stories. This to angles. Prospects for Faculty in the Arts & book includes his first 49 with a preface by Sciences by William G. Bowen and Julie A . Hemingway. The Hunt for Red October by Tom Sosa-Predicts a golden age for youngsters with Clancy-Clancy's knowledge of high technology PhDs in the arts and sciences reaching the job as used by the navy is amazing. The story was market in this decade. The Path to Power by fascinating as well as scary. I went on to read Robert A. Caro-A look at the workings of poli­ Red Storm Rising and Patriot Games, by the same tics by a study of the ultimate political animal author. Tess of the d 'Urbervilles by Thomas (Lyndon Johnson). Hardy-1 had never read much Hardy. My daugh­ Paul F. J. New. The Source by James Miche­ ters rented the video of "Tess." I watched it and ner-Very evocative of early man, his emerging was intrigued by the film. It prompted my reading religious beliefs, development and the power of of the book. Both the book and the movie are fanaticism. A Brief History of Time by Stephen marvelous recreations, I believe, of 19th century Hawking-Insight of the mind of a genius who is "Wessex." The chapter notes were especially in­ incomprehensible vocally due to a degenerative teresting and helped me understand an era as disease, on a subject of the least comprehensible well as a language long since gone. The First Man dimensions. 2001: A Space Ody ssey by Arthur in Rome by Colleen McCullough- ( have always C. Clarke-A fine story by the best science fiction been interested in Greek and Roman history. Ms writer since Jules Verne. The Last of the Breed McCullough has done incredible research on by Louis L 'Amour-A gripping modern adven- Rome circa 100 B. C., putting together what AJNR: 13, September/ October 1992 CURRICULA NON MEDICA 1499 seems to be almost historically accurate fiction. I Middle East a "hotbed," I thought I should know also learned that clivus is an inclined road on the more about its civilization and Jewish roots. Atlas Palatine hill in Rome, and that "insula" was a nine­ of Warfare by Richard Natkiel-Strategies inter­ story or so apartment house in ancient Rome, est me. I wondered why some armies lost and and not an island. The Prince of Tides by Pat others won and what made great strategists great. Conroy-The book was particularly intriguing Many strategies still apply today. Summer of '49 because- having lived in the southeast for 25 by David Halberstam-To explore a moment years-southeastern coastal areas are well irrelevant to history but relevant to the world. known to me and my family. Its people were not The line from Paul Simon's song, "Mrs. Robin­ as well known to me until Conroy brought for­ son," "Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio?" has ward characters like Wingo, his mother, father, new meaning. Sotheby's Guide to Classic Wines and siblings. Conroy, although a verbose writer, and Their Labels by David Molyneux-Berry-To has put together true characterizations. The learn more about that which enhances meals and southeast that is depicted, as well as the people makes your palate dance. in it, make a good counterpoint for the New York Phillip Stratemeier./n Search of Schrodinger's themes. Cat by John Gribbin-Essay on quantum phys­ W. J. Sickels. The Blind Watchmaker by Rich­ ics, light reading but stimulating. How to Father ard Dawkins- Nonfiction. A very interesting look a Successful Daugher by Nicky Marone-( have at evolution and the complex creatures that have two daughers. Silent Coup: The Removal of a developed through it. Grammatical Man by Jer­ President by Len Colodny and Robert Gettline­ emy Campbell-Nonfiction. A consideration of Nixon' s resignation-alternative viewpoints as to how information is passed in various systems by why and how. Ike the Soldier by Merle Miller-! encoding with rules (grammar) to counteract en­ read this out of an interest in the history of the tropy and noise. Maneaters by Peter Hathaway war years. Rickover & the Nuclear Navy by Fran­ Capstick- Nonfiction. This one will give you a cis Duncan-( was in the navy and have a fasci­ sense of what it's like without the comforts and nation for submarines-Rickover was the right securities of our civilization, where the big cats man at the right time. live. Chaos by James Gleick-This one gives you an appreciation of how oversimplified science Conclusion used to be. King Solomon's Ring by Konrad Lorenz- I had never read it earlier but I wish I Although our science fiction prediction was not had. An introduction to animal communication. completely off, we do feel a bit sheepish about John C. Stears. Money and Class in America underestimating the scope of your interests. by Lewis Lapham-To help understand our social While the subject matter here ranges from mili­ stratification. From the Land of the Totem Poles tary history to foreign cultural studies to leisure by AI dona Jonaitis-To understand and appre­ activities like golfing, wine tasting, and investing, ciate the splendid northwest native cultures. WL T we were heartened to find that the subjects of by Garrison Keillor-For fun. Whiteout: Lost in medicine and science come up in your pleasure Aspen by T. Conover- Semifactual description reading too. Was our sample large enough to of the 50-year degradation of an exhilarating establish a correlation between neuroradiologists common town to a "destination" devoid of any and Gabriel Garcia Marquez? Will we see a book true depth or value. group at the next annual meeting? Many thanks Matthew J. Stern. Wanderings by Chaim Po­ to the participants. Now, everyone get ready for tok-Learn about history and roots. With the that AJNR bagpipe survey .. ..