See What I'm Saying
The Extraordinary Powers of Our Five Senses
10 May 2011
Description
"Eye-opening…memorable…Rosenblum's enthusiasm is contagious and his prose accessible." —Kirkus Reviews
In this revealing romp through the mysteries of human perception, University of California psychologist Lawrence D. Rosenblum explores the astonishing abilities of the five senses—skills of which most of us are unaware. Drawing on groundbreaking insights into the brain's plasticity and integrative powers, Rosenblum examines how our brains use the subtlest information to perceive the world. A blind person, for example, can "see" through bat-like echolocation, wine connoisseurs can actually taste the vintage of an obscure wine, and pheromones can signal a lover's compatibility. Bringing us into the world of a blind detective, a sound engineer, a former supermodel, and other unforgettable characters, Rosenblum not only illuminates the science behind our sensory abilities but also demonstrates how awareness of these abilities can enhance their power.
Reviews
"[An] appealing and compelling look at new findings about the powers of our less-conscious brain, the realm of the senses." — Booklist
"Rosenblum provides hundreds of fascinating examples of the ways in which our sensory entanglements influence our daily lives and make us, well, us." — Scientific American
"This is the first book I've seen that expertly draws the non-scientist into the fascinating world of sensory experience and perception. Rosenblum engages the reader with many stories of intriguing individuals and he does this while melding in lucidly explained hard science." — Rachel Herz, author of Why You Eat What You Eat
