Review: Man Who Tasted Shapes
Editorial Review - Kirkus ReviewsWhen a curious-minded neurologist meets a neurological curiosity--in this case, a neighbor who experiences tastes as physical shapes--the result, at least here, is a mixed bag: a fascinating scientific exploration of that rare sensory linkage and overlapping called synesthesia plus less interesting ponderings on the nature of the human mind. Washington, D.C., neurologist Cytowic was so intrigued to learn that his neighbor ``Michael'' possessed synesthesia--a trait found in only ten people per million--that he enlisted him in a research project to explore this mysterious phenomenon. Here, Cytowic divides his report on synesthesia into two sections. The first, ``A Medical Mystery Tale,'' is an account of his research and medical findings. Michael, the author tells us, cooperated in countless tedious tests and eventually even agreed to an angiogram to determine the pattern of blood flow in his brain. From this research, Cytowic concluded that synesthesia is localized in the limbic system of the brain's left hemisphere-- and that it's a normal brain function that's always existed in everyone but has been lost from conscious awareness in all but a few individuals. Apparently solving the mystery of synesthesia, Cytowic created a new conception of the organization of the mind- -one that places greater importance on the limbic system and thus on the primacy of emotion over reason. While the cortex analyzes what's going on in the world, he contends, the limbic system gives value to events. In the second part of the text, ``Essays on The Primacy of Emotion,'' the author looks at the implications of his findings. In pieces that discuss imagination, objectivity and subjectivity, consciousness, reason, and spirituality, he would have us understand that behind the rational mind is another irrational, emotional one that's really in charge. An absorbing tale of medical detection coupled with less- than-gripping philosophical musings. (Photographs, line drawings- -not seen)
Review: The Man Who Tasted Shapes
User Review - Andrea Walker - GoodreadsThis is rather out of date, which is a pity, because it's fascinating. I'd like to know more about where neurology, psychiatry and psychology are with regards to synesthesia at the moment. I've always ... Read full review
Review: The Man Who Tasted Shapes
User Review - Kenny - GoodreadsThis particular book (not the subject matter) could have only been written by this author, his experience. Not exceptionally well-written, but so far, a good, interesting introduction to the ... Read full review
Review: The Man Who Tasted Shapes
User Review - Clayton Littlewood - GoodreadsI have to admit, this is not the type of book I would normally be drawn to. 'The Man Who Tasted Shapes' is a good title - because if I had seen this book on a shelf with the title 'Synaesthesia: An ... Read full review
Review: The Man Who Tasted Shapes
User Review - Quilltips - GoodreadsAs a synesthete myself, I was amazed at the research this book contains. It's really illuminating. Read full review
Review: The Man Who Tasted Shapes
User Review - Dylan - Goodreads"If you want to learn new things, you should try reading new books." Interesting book, but I didn't finish it (I got to page 60). I would have liked it better if it had focused more on people with synesthesia, and maybe the book did, but I just didn't get to that part. Read full review
Review: The Man Who Tasted Shapes
User Review - Michael Kerwin - GoodreadsOther than the "dialogues" which come across as stiff and unnatural, the science is absolutely fascinating Read full review
Review: The Man Who Tasted Shapes
User Review - Laurie - GoodreadsI personally thought that this was a interesting and fun read. Read full review
Review: The Man Who Tasted Shapes
User Review - Antonia - GoodreadsI had to do a project for school on synesthesia and this book was really interesting to read. Read full review
Review: The Man Who Tasted Shapes
User Review - Manintheboat - GoodreadsIt's a 4 star book but it goes off in another direction at the end without really finishing the story. Read full review
