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the_eggelstone's review against another edition
4.0
I’m usually not reading a lot of non-fiction but this is a very poetic and inspiring read on the senses with lots of references to culture and the arts! It’s a pleasure to read and Ackerman draws vivid comparisons and examples to make every chapter dedicated to one of the senses an experience!
winesharksea's review against another edition
3.5
Interesting concept and beautiful writing, but meanders a LOT on intriguing but strange tangents
Written 25 years ago at this point so some of the research and some of the terminology is now outdated, but overall a good read if a bit too purple for some tastes
Written 25 years ago at this point so some of the research and some of the terminology is now outdated, but overall a good read if a bit too purple for some tastes
wolfbridge's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
4.0
Useful for rethinking how to use concrete sensory details in your own writing.
jess_mango's review against another edition
2.0
A Natural History of the Senses was this month's selection for one of my book clubs. I felt as if I was trudging through this book. There are way too many metaphors and wandering anecdotes. There were some interesting bits of information scattered throughout, but I could have done without all the flowery text.
ehmannky's review against another edition
I guess I would have been able to soldier through this but it felt like every 10 pages or so Ackerman would say something that was like borderline ableist or just wild? Like she talks about Helen Keller being “more alive” because of her disability (rather than, you know, just someone who experienced the world differently) and then she is like “oh bestiality was common among shepherds in some of those regions” when discussing the sense of smell and supports this wildly racist statement with vibes 😩
_m_sarai's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic! Such a beautiful mix of poetic insights and interesting scientific facts! It's goal seems to be to open the eyes of the reader to all of the wonder and fascination to be found in the world most people take for granted. In my opinion, it succeeds. I would recommend this book to absolutely everyone as it presents such a joyful combination of unique perspective and understanding. READ IT!
sarahanne8382's review against another edition
4.0
Exquisite, but I was in too much of a hurry while reading it to properly enjoy it.
kefleck's review against another edition
I really did give it another try, but this isn’t for me. Life is too short! Going to donate this and k bet someone at the little free library will be delighted ❤️