Critics agreed that while The Mind's Eye could have been just another collection of Sacks's absorbing case studies, what distinguishes this volume is the inclusion of the author's reflection on his own ocular melanoma, which threatens his life. Sacks's personal story turns what would have otherwise been fascinating case studies into "something altogether more personal, terrifying, and urgent" (Boston Globe). As always, Sacks writes with his trademark empathy, erudition, optimism, and ease. A few critics complained of overly detailed case histories; others thought Sacks formulaic. Overall, however, The Mind's Eye is a graceful and coherent study of the complex relationship of brain and vision. This is an excerpt from a review published in Bookmarks magazine.