Advanced Reading Copy from Goodreads, Maureen Seaberg and St. Martin's Press.


From amazon.ca:
In 2016, scientists proved that humans could see light at the level of a single photon. We are living in historic times when humans may look at the very fabric of the universe in a laboratory setting. Around the world, other recent discoveries about the senses are just as astounding. It turns out we can hear amplitudes smaller than an atom, smell a trillion scents, have a set of taste buds that can discern molecules of fresh water, and can feel through the sense of touch the difference of a single molecule.

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made takes readers through their own bodies, delving into the molecular and even the quantum, and tells the story of our magnificent sensorium and what it means for the next wave of human potential. From the laboratories to the ordinary homes where these breakthroughs are taking place, the book explores our current sensory Renaissance and shows readers how they, themselves, can heighten their own senses and experience the miraculous.

I received this Advanced Reader Copy from Goodreads and St. Martin's Press.

This was so interesting! Seaberg explains about people who are extra-sensory, those who have all our senses but one or more are heightened. Why some people of heightened senses is not really known but it was fascinating to learn about how the 'extra' manifests in each sense.

People who have synesthesia are called synesthetes. The word “synesthesia” comes from the Greek words: “synth” (which means “together”) and “ethesia” (which means “perception). Synesthetes can often “see” music as colors when they hear it, and “taste” textures like “round” or “pointy” when they eat foods.

For example, people with ADHD may be overwhelmed with sound or colour and this makes it hard for them to concentrate. She even suggested that Vincent Van Gogh may have been a synesthete and this may have have contributed to his use of brilliant colour and unfortunately, his poor mental health. I found this tidbit fascinating because I have just finished reading two books (one fiction and one non-fiction) about Van Gogh's life and his struggles.

I have read about people who see colours in music or certain words so I was not entirely unaware.

Seaberg goes on to discuss how synesthetes may learn how to manage and even exploit this gift to enhance their own lives as well advance studies in disease and human genetics.

She touches lightly on AI and combining AI with human consciousness but does not delve too deeply into it.

This was a fascinating read.

Passing along to LFLHunter after a short discussion about synethesia at our meet up yesterday.

Looks interesting, thank you for passing this book along.