UNCLE TUNGSTEN: MEMORIES OF A CHEMICAL BOYHOOD (2001)

Is it any surprise that neurologist Oliver Sacks (The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat) was the ultimate science geek growing up? Thanks to close relationships with two of his uncles -- one devoted to physics, the other to metals -- a young Sacks became enthralled by chemistry, marine biology, and geology, not to mention bits of a dissected octopus he kept in his room. He was also given to skulking around H.G. Wells' house, hoping to catch a glimpse of the sci-fi author. Even if you don't speak his ''chemical language,'' you'll find Sacks' boyhood enthusiasm for his myriad passions infectious.