Inightful and fascinating
938017
A delightful introduction to the world of neurology, Sack's book covers a wide breadth of topics each with an informative background and emotional zeal uncommon to scientific publications. The reader is given a true sense of the dedication and compassion necessary to understand the patient as a person, and not merely a subject and is given a great amount of detail concerning the impacts on practical life. Dr. Sack's demonstrates a knowledge and compassion that remains untouched by many authors and this work is presented in such a manner that it touches the heart as well as the mind.

One of the most inspiring books on clinical practice and definitely a five star read.
1002114
This book provides an in-depth view of a life fully lived by an extraordinary man going from blind to sight.  Its positive, well written and full of interesting details.  I would recommend this fascinating book.
2338825
This wonderfully titled, and remarkably beautiful book, is a compelling read. The author's unfortunate viral illness that laid her low for many years gave rise to a beautiful experience for the readers. A wonderful book to share with anyone going through hard times, an illness, or is simply someone who loves nature and is fascinated by its complexity and beauty.
3351845
Decoding the Heavens is a well-written and sometimes challenging story of a most remarkable discovery.  Jo Marchant manages to capture both the centuries-ahead-of-its-time sophistication of the Antikythera Mechanism, as well as the enthusiasm - in some cases bordering on obsession - with which scientists have tried to unlock its secrets.  While the book is not light reading, delving deeply into matters both technological and astronomical, it never bogs down.  And it definitely will leave the reader with a tremendous appreciation for the accomplishments of Classical Greek civilization!
2550556
The author provides a thoughtful and beautiful journey through the world that she sees. It is both seductive and compelling to this discerning reader, leaving me wanting more from her...hoping to travel along side.
3567631
A fascinating look at the universe and it's scientific beauty. Brian Green explains the known theories with understandable metaphors and illustrations. If nothing else it will make you ponder.
4704440
In this wonderful book, Christopher de Hamel makes the arcana of illuminated manuscripts exciting and accessible.  For each of his twelve studies, de Hamel gives us not just a description of the writing, construction, and illumination of the manuscripts, but also a tour of some of the great libraries where the manuscripts are housed.  Each chapter also serves as a detective story, as de Hamel detects and traces the manuscript origins and journey through time.  Christopher de Hamel is a delightful companion; we get a sense of the love he has for his topic and the immense curiosity he brings to the endeavor.  The book has thick paper, vivid typography, and is beautifully illustrated.  It is a tome to be savored.
1601830
This book is illuminating and fun to read. Szoradi combines the intellectual and visual as he puts forth new ideas and makes us see the world in a new way. My only regret is that this isn't a large format hardcover; I'd leave it in my living room and watch as people naturally gravitated to it!
2887136
I'm just finishing this book now and have loved it.  At first I was disconcerted that I could not follow all the characters, especially when Mantel did not make it clear to whom she was referring.  However, when I stepped back and decided I did not need to know everything that happened precisely, I found that I gained a marvelous view of the life and times of the people involved.  Her writing style is somewhere between prose and poetry, which allows room for me to roam about in the sentences, finding layers of meaning.  I caught up on some of the details on Wikipedia.
1706109
A surprising and amazing book, impossible to imagine without opening it.  The single subject, a puddle, reflects and then somehow helps us to reflect also on the life passing by it, which, in some of the more abstract impressions of only slightly representational color and light, can feel a bit trans-dimensional.  Engaging the photographs in all these ways, it is easy for the imagination to wander and wonder about the eye and heart of the photographer and the deep artistry that lives there.  Really lovely.  A wonderful gift.
2880379
Simon Winchester does a terrific job of bringing his subject to life.  This is a fascinating biography of a Brit who became intrigued with Chinese culture.  I couldn't put it down (even though I usually prefer literary novels).

You'll learn about innumerable things that Chinese people invented centuries before the West.

But perhaps the most unforgettable thing I learned from the book is how naive very intelligent people can be, and how easily fooled.  A humbling insight into human nature.
4259472
I really enjoyed the writing in this story of a blind man who is given the chance to see. The first part of the book introduces the life of Mike May, the fellow who has lived without vision since childhood.  It is, by any reckoning a good life.  The second part of the book explores the feelings he and his family go through at the prospect of him being given vision.  The last part of the book explores his experience of his new sense.

I actually cried a few times, so well was May's reaction to his newfound sight described.  I had to put the book down and take a break from reading.  Much of the book is, though emotional, softer and less striking.  That is what I found so impressive about Robert Kurson, he built up the foundation of the story, then gave it a payoff with his detailed descriptions of what it was like to see.  Amazing stuff.

There is a little bit of information about research into visual perception, a subject which as always interested me, but Kurson avoided the mistake of clouding the drama of his story by over-explaining the science.

Very well done.
3263805
I recently watched the Perseid meteor shower, in no small part because of this book. The lovely descriptions of interstellar life; the insightful reflections on what it means to pursue, and be consumed by, passion; and the depth and breadth of information about meteorites and those whose lives are touched by these fallen bits of sky--this book leaves nothing overlooked, no stone unturned.

I'm baffled by some of the claims that the book omits important pieces of information. I found a note about calcium-aluminum inclusions in a longer discussion of chondrules--see the reference to them in the index. I also found the balance between Cokinos's introspection and his recounting of important scientists and collectors to be perfect. It's a fine example of narrative nonfiction. It's clear that this book is well researched, thoughtful, and in this reader's opinion, a must read for anyone who has stared at the sky in wonder.
4159262
This book reveals a powerful view of humanity. I enjoyed a fascinating journey with rich insights shared through the author's focused mystic lens. I was inspired as Anodea uncovered patterns in history in a unique and refreshing way.

I was guided through dark periods of human development and atrocities yet the authors' guidance enabled me to see how we can rise from our common past to embrace a bright future brimming with new possibilities.

Easy to read and understand, I felt that this book gives us clear information and wise council to help us navigate the opportunities of this very dynamic and exciting future we are co-creating. The textured insights into the character and development of humanity through different eras are presented artfully and with deep understanding.

I appreciate the illumination of the masculine and feminine dance through time. Not only does the author reveal many fascinating twists and brilliant nuances that kept the book in my hands way past my usual bedtime, she also points the way to a brighter future that makes me want to get up early to be part of the unfolding possibilities.

Be informed and inspired with this unique literary gem. Experience a rich bath in the historical, psychological and spiritual design of our present moment. Read this book and awaken to the grand unfolding that we are privileged to share. Thank You Anodea for this awesome offering.
1530632
This book was wonderfully written--poetic and full of transporting description.  I really was able to visualize what she wrote.  For example:  "We left town as the light of a sunny late fall day was fading and the half moon was rising from the east.  The water looked like oil, reflecting the dim light of a day morphing to night.  The moon accompanied us with his pale yellow light.  Spruce trees along the river were casting long shadows that reached into the river like fingers reaching from the past into the future."

While reading this book I found myself constantly asking myself, Could I ever do that?  --Leave "civilization" for life in the wilderness?  Honestly, I probably couldn't/wouldn't, but it made me think about living my life by making bold, deliberate decisions, nonetheless.

I downloaded the e-book, so I didn't see Ms. Zeitlhofer's photos in color but only in black-and-white.  Even then, however, the images of nature were really amazing.  I was also impressed with the bird carvings her husband made--a few of which also were shown among the book's photographs.  --When I first saw the photo of a bald eagle Gaetan, I assumed it was a real bird sitting outside of their window!  The level of detail shown in the carving was astounding.

I wish Ms. Zeitlhofer would write a "prequel" to this book, because I'm curious to learn more about the details of how she and her husband made the decision to live in such a remote area, although she does very briefly touch on this subject.  Also, it would be very interesting to hear their daughter's thoughts and recollections/memories on growing up in the wilderness--but for that I suppose I'll have to wait at least another fifteen years, given that she's still in infancy right now!

Overall, a fascinating book which I highly recommend.
4862424
Even though I first met Russell Targ nearly three decades ago, and having been active in the field,there were still things to be learned. This book is full of details that will delight the reader.  In addition to the historical perspective of remote viewing, Targ manages to provide a personal perspective about what brought him to the field, the family relationships that give depth, and an understanding of what it all means in a global, even spiritual, context.  If you think you've heard it all before; well you haven't.

As the reader learns, Targ is a very complex man, one who has followed a multiplicity of trails. While he is legally blind and a self-confessed "Mr. Magoo,", he really does ride a motorcycle efficiently.  Though best known for studying consciousness, he is also a laser physicist. Somewhat surprisingly, those, and many other aspects of his life, are adroitly intertwined in a way that makes sense, but only after the disparate pieces are assembled.

This is the latests of several books he has written.  They are clear, concise, and complelling.  Do You See What I See? is highly recommended for both consciousness aficionados and those novice-curious.
3166674
I could not put this book down. It was really a wonderful way to explore so many dimensions of people, places, and the environment. The editor's introductions gives good insight on the readings that follow.