The Man Who Tasted Shapes

Rating:
Summary: Not for the "Close-minded"!
Review: While Dr. Cytowic's book mainly deals with his investigation of the rare neurological phenomena called "synesthesia", his resulting insights on emotions, reasoning and consciousness are really what make this book worth reading. He presents "The New View of How the Brain Works". A view that helps us understand the critical interaction of emotions and reasoning. If you are open-minded and ready to give an alternate point of view a chance, you will find this book to be truly enlightening, absorbing, thought provoking and enjoyable. If you are close-minded and think that science already has all the right answers - don't waste your time - try science fiction instead!

Rating:
Summary: Deliciously intelligent, smooth and funny
Review: While the book is supposed to focus on synaesthesia, it seems more to focus on Cytowic's views on the medical profession. In addition to the ridiculus interactions between people, he cuts down most people and finds a way to make himself seem intelligent and profound. When Cytowic did actually talk about synaesthesia it was clearly written and very interesting. Perhaps there wasn't enough to write about synaesthesia. Who knows...