Fifty Shades of Gray Matter

by Teresella Gondolo, MD

Genre: Nonfiction / Science

ISBN: 9781639887798

Print Length: 382 pages

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

A captivating series of neurological anecdotes written with poetic prose

“Fifty Shades of Gray Matter” takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, oscillating between despair and elation, as it delves into the intricate, fascinating, and mysterious connection between the body and mind. Dr. Teresella Gondolo, a neurologist, skillfully weaves loosely connected stories from her own experiences to create a book that embraces the uncertainty of neurology, leaving readers to ponder its conclusions—a true reflection of the enigmatic nature of the field.

The book is divided into six sections: Unfamiliar Faces, Psychiatry: An Interlude, Not Just A Matter of Sex, Medical Mysteries, COVID: An Interlude, and Endings. While the chapter titles suggest a common theme within each section, the stories themselves offer such diverse and peculiar insights that they almost appear disjointed. Each chapter recounts the author’s encounters with patients suffering from various ailments, leaving them confused and often debilitated.

Alongside the intriguing patient stories, Dr. Gondolo interweaves her own commentary, drawing from her extensive medical knowledge and personal history as an Italian immigrant to America. Her thoughts are conveyed with a succinct clarity of thought and an elegant command of language. The unique cases described in the book range from eliciting light amusement to utter bewilderment and even sheer trepidation, prompting readers to empathize with the afflicted individuals. While some stories have positive outcomes, with the doctor successfully identifying the cause and prescribing a solution, others evoke feelings of hopelessness as medical science fails to provide answers, leading to tragic outcomes. At times, the book serves as a commentary on the limitations of the modern medical system, leaving readers questioning the effectiveness of conventional treatments.

“Fifty Shades of Gray Matter” is commendable for its matter-of-fact storytelling combined with the author’s writing style. As readers, we sit across from each patient, listening to their woes, while Dr. Gondolo’s refined powers of observation paint vivid imagery of the patients’ states before us. Her descriptions of weather, office atmosphere, and scene-setting contribute to the memorable nature of each interaction.

Since the book is entirely written from Dr. Gondolo’s first-person perspective, personal opinions are interwoven with the anecdotes. Descriptions of individuals often come with the author’s personal assessments, both flattering and unflattering. Her inner monologue occasionally reveals assumptions and judgments regarding a person’s personal life. While the honesty with which she details these experiences is commendable, it is worth noting that part of her role as a neurologist is to make a complete assessment of individuals to determine the best course of action. However, some readers may find her forthright manner somewhat distasteful.

“Fifty Shades of Gray Matter” is a worthwhile read for those fascinated by lesser-known neurological and psychological maladies. It serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and how swiftly our world can be upended by sudden afflictions. While the book offers some solace in the face of these hardships, it predominantly allows readers to draw their own conclusions and meaning from the tales shared. One thing is certain: this book provides valuable insights into the mysteries of our brains through engaging stories and unapologetic candor.