Neurological illness brings pathos and shock but also an element of humanism. Thus, neurological disorders and their vicissitudes—in particular, the more disabling afflictions—speak to the imagination of book and screen writers. We wish to describe our experience of these art forms within the Neurology Book and Film Club at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA.

Our ‘club’ was initiated in 2010 by neurology residents and is supported and attended by residents, fellows and consultant staff. We hold a monthly event to discuss a book or movie with a neurological theme, suggested and voted upon by attendees (figure 1). Currently, each participant buys or loans the book. The event rotates between residents’ and consultants’ homes. The experience of cinema requires optimal display of sight and sound, and …