Brain Sense: The Science of the Senses and How We Process the World Around Us

I'll admit - I'm not very comfortable with my capacity to understand, and thus enjoy, science. However, I *devoured* Brain Sense! I really, really wish that this had been given to me back when I was in school, as it might have sparked an interest in science that most mainstream publications fail to do. Explaining issues and experiences in the context of the real world (like whether and/or why time slows down during a crisis, or why taste diminishes with age). I've now given Brain Sense to my 11-year-old cousin - I hope it inspires her to do the things and to take the classes that I never felt were fun or right for me! Now my brain makes sense! :) Bravo to Faith Brynie for a fantastic read - I hope there are more to come!

I'm a neurology nurse, and I loved this book. The book is hard to describe, though. It's not your typical "this is how your eyes work" look at the senses, and yet you do get good information on how your eyes work. The same is true for "this is how your brain works." The book looks at the latest research on the brain and senses from the perspective of an author that obviously loves science. So, while you're getting the latest and greatest on sensory research, you also somehow come out of it with a lot more than you already knew about the fundamentals of the brain. I do this for a living, and I was still discovering new things on almost every page. I think this is a great recommendation for students, families of people with brain injuries, or just about anybody with a passion for discovering what those crazy scientists have come up with now.

I dare say if I had read this book at a much earlier stage of my life, I well may have been encouraged to select a science based profession. That's how much Faith Brynie's unabashed enthusiasm for science came through in every chapter. "Brain Sense" answers many of the questions about the senses and other phenomena that all of us have had at one time or another, and it debunks a few myths along the way. Brynie's style of interspersing case histories and personal experiences with the well researched data provides the perfect balance, making the book extremely informative and completely readable.

Brain Sense is fascinating, and unlike many other science books, compulsively readable. Brynie uses case studies and anecdotes to turn what might otherwise seem lofty and complex into something accessible and deeply relevant. "Accessible" and "relevant" are often code words for "dumbed down" or "condescending" but that isn't the case here. The author's love of science and teaching I expect combine to bring her into a rare equilibrium with readers. So far, my favorite section has been on the placebo effect and how it ties into expectation. I am looking forward though to the chapter on the development of taste buds. I have several friends who are new mothers and I am sure they will be interested too. Like the reviewer below, this book is definitely going to be on my holiday gift list this year!

Faith Brynie has written a science book that is important, filled with facts, and entertaining. Brain Sense is like taking a neuro anatomy/chemistry class with a story teller and poet. Faith Brynie has a gift for telling an interesting story about phenomena such as phantom sensations, smell and emotion, and the importance of sense of time for physical and emotional well-being. I highly recommend this book and plan on buying a copy for all my friends for the holidays. This book is well researched, as one would expect from a PhD scientist. More importantly, it is just plain fun and entertaining to read. You will enjoy this book!