An Alchemy of Mind: The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain by Diane Ackerman - A Sensualist's Portrait of the Brain

Does the mind reflect or dictate what the body sees and feels? What is the language of emotion? Is memory a function of our imaginations? Are we all just out of our minds?

In this ambitious and enlightening work, Diane Ackerman combines an artists eye with a scientists erudition to illuminate the magic and mysteries of the human brain. With An Alchemy of Mind, she offers an unprecedented exploration of the mental fantasia in which we spend our days. In addition to explaining memory, thought, emotion, dreams, and language acquisition, Ackerman reports on the latest discoveries in neuroscience and addresses such controversial subjects as the effects of trauma, nature versus nurture, and male versus female brains. In prose that is not simply accessible but also beautiful and electric, Ackerman distills the hard, objective truths of science in order to yield vivid, anecdotal explanations about a range of existential questions regarding consciousness and the nature of identity.

A Sensualist's Portrait of the Brain
"I'm picturing the brain as a lightning-filled jar, where neurons fire millions of electrical bursts each moment, a silent crackling, while potent chemicals flow into and out of each neuron...through that lightening storm, the body speaks to the brain." ~ pg. 66

Diane Ackerman is fascinated by life and her enthusiasm is contagious. In "An Alchemy of Mind" she explores memory, dreaming, the mind's eye, traumatic memories, personality, happiness, laughter and such diverse topics as zoopharmacognosy and magnetoencephalography. Through her own vivid experiences she makes complex concepts understandable. She has lived an exciting life and draws on her experience, weaving facts with reflection. As a sensualist she is naturally inclined to take the reader on journeys to scented rose gardens even though her tales of harrowing mountain climbing experiences vie for your attention.

Diane Ackerman's writing style is intellectual and vivid all while invoking a sense of comfort, like you are talking to an intellectual friend. As she captures moments and then propels your mind into new territories she subtly teaches you more about the world and makes you curious for more. Fortunately she has written quite a few books and after reading one, you may feel compelled to duplicate the experience by reading them all.

~The Rebecca Review

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