Natural History of the Senses (Cassettes)

Rating:
Summary: Poetic & Informative
Review: "A Natural History of the Senses" by Diane Ackerman is such a wonderful book; poetic and informative, it is among the best creative non-fiction that I have found. After having read the book, I find myself taking extra care when I touch my husband, listen to the sounds around me, and eat and experience food.

I love to acquire knowledge about, everything, and I love to do it by reading unfortunately, I have a short attention span when it comes to reading the usual book or journal entry about science or health. While this book only touches the surface of the senses and the how and why of them; she only has so much space after all, Ackerman gives the reader enough information about the senses so that the reader can go research more about the subjects if she is so inclined.

Ackerman's literate and scientific mind combined with her masterful and poetic use of language has created a wonderful book and if I could give this another ½ star, I would.

Rating:
Summary: A cultural, creative, and sensory delight
Review: After reading a few of Ackerman's New Yorker pieces, as well as The Moon by Whale Light and her contribution to Sisters of the Earth, I knew I would eventually read all of her books. A Natural History of the Senses does not disappoint. It flows like cool water through literature, history, music, politics, philosophy, and poetry. As a writer, I appreciate this book as a resource of my own, a way to deepen my understanding of our sensory appreciation of the world - but also as an example of beautiful writing by a master of the craft.
In a nutshell, I wish Diane Ackerman lived next door to me.

Rating:
Summary: Delightful prose and broad brush strokes of wonder!
Review: DA has a wonderful writing style that makes reading her book a sensory pleasure in its own. At the risk of sounding sexist, it must be mentioned that the power of this book lies in the wonderfully delicate and detailed descriptions of the various senses and their experiences. While DA has chosen a subject that is reasonably biological, it is her descriptive flair for the minutiae, her almost artistic way of writing and her sense of joy and wonder which she conveys; all make this book a wonderfully engrossing tale about our sense organs.

While DA succeeds at opening our eyes (and ears, nose.... etc) to the world around us, perhaps the only shortcoming of the book lies in creating expectations in the reader of a rigorous treatment in the biological/evolutionary development of the sense organs. The reader seeking such a detailed analysis of the senses and their development would be served better by looking elsewhere. However, this book is a tasty little morsel and food for thought.

Definitely worth a read.

Rating:
Summary: A perfect book for lazy, quiet afternoons
Review: I loved the experiences Diane Ackerman shares in this book. She seems to have the ability to dive wholeheartedly into one aspect of being, whether that is to enfold herself completely in the pleasures of a single scent or explore the mysteries of what it means to different individuals to hear a strain of music.

My only complaint about the style of the book is how often Ackerman drifts into romantic prose that sounds lovely but is ultimately without substance. Examining the factual and historical nuances of the five senses is engaging enough; I felt that the long passionate passages were too much of a good thing.

My recommendation would be to read this book during long stretches of quiet time alone, or while soaking in a scented bath. Either environment is ideal for this wonderful, poetic contemplation of human experience.

Rating:
Summary: This book changed my life...
Review: I read "A Natural History of the Senses" about ten years ago just a few months out of art school. I thought that I was fully engaged in the world and was aware of all that was around me. I soon learned that I was mistaken. I had been moving through the world virtually half-asleeep, just pushing my way through crowds and not really paying attention. I began opening myself fully to all experiences (through my senses) and I started to feel alive in a new way. I began a slow but steady transformation that has meant everything to me. Touch moved me most and eventually I went back to school and became a Massage Therapist. I am able, not only to experience my world in a new way; but I am also able to share something as comforting as massage with someone else. That is truly amazing!!

Diane Ackerman's style is enlightening and poetic. A Natural History of the Senses is one of those books that you share with good friends and read over and over again. I still have my very first paperback copy (now autographed and a bit tattered) and it inspires me to be aware every day!

Rating:
Summary: Stimulate your senses
Review: Sometimes one comes across a writer, who, no matter what he/she writes about, we become enthralled. Ackerman is one of those for me. I don't usually read books of this genre, but did this time, to observe a writer's attempt at describing the 'sensual' outside the realm of novels. She most certainly mastered the art of description, so the reader clearly feels the experience. I recommend this book for this and her generally engaging style.

Full of interesting trivia on the five senses, including why we enjoy sensory experiences, how they operate and evolved. Approached with great insight, research and wit, Ackerman puts together a collection of intriguing examples to understand the world of stimulis abounding around us.

Rating:
Summary: A Fantastic Journey From First Page To Last
Review: This is the most beautiful book I have ever read. It opened my eyes to the world and how its viewed by all of our senses. I will never just brew myself a cup of coffee ever again. Instead, I will feel the grinds in my hand, savor the rich aroma, hear the pop and hum of the coffee maker and then taste the rich, earthy coffee.
Yes, this is a journey for the senses but also an expansion of the mind. Ackerman expands the mind with some of the most interesting facts about nature, science, and history. Not boring humdrum facts you could care less about but meaningful tidbits of knowledge you'll want to impress your friends with.
This is not just a book; it's an experience; for your senses, your mind, and your soul.