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Liked It1 of 1 members found this review helpful “This book was interesting and fun to read. The author examines our senses one by one, taking the ordinary and making it extraordinary. She can sit on your shelf next to Lewis Thomas and Oliver Sacks, all of whom make science interesting and understandable for the lay reader.” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“the movies too”
Meagan C wrote this review Wednesday, November 25 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Would give this six stars if I could. How we perceive the world through our senses, as told by the incomparable Diane Ackerman, whose depth of knowledge is nothing short of startling. 'Luscious' is the word often used to describe this book, and it's an apt description.”
Lawrence C wrote this review Monday, September 7 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Must read! Ackerman speaks to your senses while making you see, hear, feel, and smell every word. Can't wait to read her other books.”
MJ wrote this review Sunday, July 19 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“lovable”
Rainbow S wrote this review Sunday, June 28 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“One of the most interesting books I've ever read. Her writing style is breathtaking and surprising on occasion laugh out loud funny.”
Bernadette Taplin wrote this review Sunday, June 21 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I read this when I was in Japan. Very interesting non-fiction that sparks off a desire to follow ideas off in different directions and learn more about topics she introduces in the book. Kind of like wikipedia in that way :) This book is divided into sections based on the human senses. I found the information about babies and their need for touch, as well as the bit about human pheremones very interesting. ”
Colleen wrote this review Wednesday, March 18 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Over a decade ago I picked up a book that changed my life. It was Diane Ackerman's "A Natural History of the Senses", and her humanist, holistic, sensitive approach to that most basic of subjects; how we sense the world, was a revelation. Her writing was inclusive and funny, at once deep and yet accessible. She loved to explore complex issues like the olfactory system, or the sounding of whales, and to take the reader along on that exploration. Science was no longer dry and I was no longer excluded from it. I read it like a novel.
Kay Sexton wrote this review Saturday, February 28 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Since then I've lost two copies to 'borrowers' and given away five. Whenever I feel that I have nothing to say, I take this book from the shelf, read a few paragraphs about something, anything, and am immediately reminded that my ability to experience is a series of miracles. It may not inspire me immediately, but within a few hours I'll have seen or smelt, touched or heard or tasted something that I want to write about - and Ackerman will have worked her magic on me again.”
“This book was truly spectacular. It takes a while to get through it if you're paying close attention and trying to absorb it all, but it's worth the ride.”
laura s wrote this review Thursday, February 12 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“did you know that you have to smell something first before you can taste it?
Jr. Rabbit wrote this review Wednesday, September 10 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
that's why we dont taste anything when we have a cold or clogged nose.
this fascinating book will surprise you and delight you and will show you why you shouldn't take your senses for granted.”
