What really goes on inside an operating room? If you suspect that neurosurgeons listen to their MP3 players and secretly enjoy sawing open skulls, you are right. Neurosurgeon Katrina Firlik set out to write the brain-surgery equivalent of Anthony Bourdain's infamous restaurant trade exposé Kitchen Confidential, and has managed to provide a candid behind-the-scenes peek into the OR and the body's most fascinating organ, which she describes as "soft like tofu". Amanda Gefter talks to the woman who delves deep into grey matter

What are the biggest misconceptions about neurosurgery?

People think of neurosurgery as something highly intellectual. They use phrases like "it doesn't take a brain surgeon". Of course, you have to be smart and make quick decisions, but, in part, a neurosurgeon is a kind of mechanic. We cut heads open, we use drills. On a daily basis we are thinking about practical things like, how do I ...