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augenstern's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
2.5
Very poetic and filled with a love and fascination for life. However, there is a distinct lack of sources for all the bits of knowledges Ackerman heaps onto the page, which makes it incredibly vague. That in itself probably wouldn’t be all that bad for a casual read that doesn’t delve deeper into any of the topics it mentions, but now and then she presents “facts” that are just astonishingly unreflected.
Her presenting the cannibalistic rituals stories the invaders told about the indigenous people of the land they were invading as FACTS for example is just bizarre. Frankly, at that point in time she lost all credibility for me.
Another example that left a bitter taste in my mouth was her talking about Van Gogh and his eating of paint/drinking of kerosine, making it sound almost like fascinating quirks that might explain a vision problem he could’ve had. Incredibly insensitive to the modern reader.
In general, it’s an interesting book, but probably best read with a group of people ready to discuss it (and tear it apart if needed).
Her presenting the cannibalistic rituals stories the invaders told about the indigenous people of the land they were invading as FACTS for example is just bizarre. Frankly, at that point in time she lost all credibility for me.
Another example that left a bitter taste in my mouth was her talking about Van Gogh and his eating of paint/drinking of kerosine, making it sound almost like fascinating quirks that might explain a vision problem he could’ve had. Incredibly insensitive to the modern reader.
In general, it’s an interesting book, but probably best read with a group of people ready to discuss it (and tear it apart if needed).
unabridgedchick's review against another edition
5.0
This beautiful book explores the science behind our five senses in lush, sensual narrative. Ackerman is a poet and her lyrical abilities are seen in her writing: the reader experiences each sense with her. Apparently this is a companion book to a PBS series but it can be read without having seen the show. Highly recommended!
jillian6610's review against another edition
4.0
I don't normally write about a book while I'm still reading it, but I'm making an exception for this one. Ackerman has written a feast of words that should not be missed...I say this after reading only the first chapter, "Smell". Maybe the chapter on "Hearing" will be much less sensual, but with Ackerman at the helm, there's every chance it will be just as tantalizing. Experiencing writer's block? Pick up this gem and read just part of it...something will awaken...
seabirdsong's review against another edition
5.0
This book blew my mind. Especially the chapter on scent. Absolutely fascinating!
andbirds's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
meganjones's review against another edition
4.0
Fascinating anecdotes that will really awaken your senses. Brava.
ampersunder's review against another edition
3.0
‰ЫПIt began in mystery, and it will end in mystery. However many of life‰ЫЄs large, captivating principles and small, captivating details we may explore, unpuzzle, and learn by heart, there will still be vast unknown realms to lure us.‰Ыќ
thewildewoolf's review against another edition
im giving up on this fifty pages before it ends because i cant do it anymore. some parts are truly interesting, but it kinda tapers off. there's only so many times she can comment on plant sex lives. not an actual history, just a weird collection of facts and experiments and anecdotes related to each sense. honestly the most wild part is when she casually says shit like "when i was in antarctica" and "sometimes i consider taking a plane to paris for the afternoon just for this hot chocolate they have at this one restaurant" "i was with my mother in istanbul in the 70s" like ????? who are you diane ackerman?? who has the resources to even contemplate just going to paris for the afternoon for some hot chocolate???