Very interesting!

It was not a science heavy book but I would not say I did not learn something from it. Humans are weird and that weirdness is varied. Also, if you start feeling strange symptoms you should get it checked out.

I want to also mention the audiobook narration. Mr Leschziner was a delight to listen to. There were some bits where you could hear him breathing in deeply through his nose or moving his hand close to his face and altering the way his voice sounded, that I just found to be so endearing. I know some people hate that but for me personally it made the listening experience more personal. It was less of a strict science book and more of a very cozy chat with an experienced doctor.

Really fascinating. It's told mainly through case studies which I think makes it less dry. I think it may be in between a professional science text and a popular science read but I could be wrong.

My desire to understand human beings: the way we function, how we interact with each other, and most importantly, why we do the things we do is what initially drew me to psychology. Supporting those deemed “abnormal” through research and observation is the reason I wish to pursue this field as a career. “The Man Who Tasted Words” was a powerful read as it not only illustrated the biological functions and evolutionary value of our senses, but also provided me with a new perspective on how we as human beings exist and make the decisions that guide our lives.

Prior to this text, I valued my senses but never considered them to be the key informers of my perception of reality. Through the examples of individuals with extremities regarding their senses, I gleaned a new understanding of how our senses work with our brain to best explain what is occurring around us. The case studies described by Leschziner of those with abnormalities in their senses and the effects it had on their lives revealed just how unique our brains are and as a result, our own individual realities. Through the text and our discussion in class, I was shocked to learn that I have both aphantasia and prosopagnosia. While I was previously unaware of this, I now wonder how it informs my own perception of reality, how I process information, and other abnormalities I may have that may or may not be associated with these conditions.

While some may be horrified by the concept that reality is a “controlled hallucination” and that most of what we experience is not the “truth,” for a person who struggles with anxiety and depression, the final section of this book was incredibly freeing. I often feel as if my brain is my own worst enemy and knowing that my perception of reality is merely my brain’s best guess as to what is actually happening relieves some pressure from these debilitating thoughts. The notion that there are many other factors at play that we cannot sense or perceive disrupts the idea there is a “correct” way to live life. Our world is so much larger than we believe it to be and in the grand scheme of biology as well as human interaction, the finite things that we tend to get hung up on do not truly matter.

Despite needing proofreading (I understand the copy I received is an ARC), this book was a fascinating look into our senses and how our brain perceives things differently.

I did feel that some of the author's political commentary was not needed as those thoughts were not relevant to the topic. There is medical jargon that may put off a casual reader; however, the personal experiences the author discusses makes up for any deficiencies.

If you want an interesting read, check out this one.



I received this book for free from the author/publisher from a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you for the opportunity.

4.5 stars.