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katiebrumbelow's review against another edition
4.0
good but dense. Lots of information but an enjoyable read
comandantea's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
vireogirl's review against another edition
5.0
Gorgeously written. Stuffed full of creative, original descriptions. I had to digest it slowly as it was quite intense, close to poetry. A very thorough romp through all five senses, with an extra section on synesthesia.
Here’s a couple quotes from the section on sight:
It was not like dreaming; it was like trying to sleep with your eyes wide open during a fiesta in full swing.
A hawk leans into nothingness, peeling a layer of flight from thin air.
Here’s a couple quotes from the section on sight:
It was not like dreaming; it was like trying to sleep with your eyes wide open during a fiesta in full swing.
A hawk leans into nothingness, peeling a layer of flight from thin air.
cindypager's review against another edition
5.0
Diane Ackerman's historical, scientific, and cultural journey through our senses is one of the most engaging books I've enjoyed. Her research, combined with her impeccable use of language brings the subject to light in a wonderful way. I was spellbound...and then would laugh out loud.
homomorphiesatz's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
3.5
kamela's review against another edition
3.0
I think I read this too late. It was suggested reading when I was in an MFA writing program in 2000 or so. It's still delicious in places, but a lot of it is...well, a bit embarassing now, to be frank. Lots of gender essentialism and weird, obliquely racist remarks...
There are some good passages in it, for sure, including about whale songs and the bits about monarch butterflies. She does give the senses quite a bath. But I feel like it could use an update.
There are some good passages in it, for sure, including about whale songs and the bits about monarch butterflies. She does give the senses quite a bath. But I feel like it could use an update.
indrabindra's review against another edition
2.5
Ackerman's experience, opinions, interests and anecdotes as they relate loosely to the categories of senses; not quite natural history despite some discussion of anatomy, evolution, and etymology. overly binary regarding sex and gender, and conflates sexuality with sensuality.
galliexyc's review against another edition
3.0
Diane Ackerman writes like an ass. She includes one poem in this book - in the section on sound - and I absolutely loved it. I would read more of her, but not in book format. Some writing styles do not lend themselves to the lengthy.
I can't even say I learned anything because I was too busy straining for substance amongst the stew of purple prose. For well-done naturalist writing that is both lyrical and palatable, read Annie Dillard.
I can't even say I learned anything because I was too busy straining for substance amongst the stew of purple prose. For well-done naturalist writing that is both lyrical and palatable, read Annie Dillard.