The Accidental Mind: How Brain Evolution Has Given Us Love, Memory, Dreams, and God

Book Description

You've probably seen it before: a human brain dramatically lit from the side, the camera circling it like a helicopter shot of Stonehenge, and a modulated baritone voice exalting the brain's elegant design in reverent tones.

To which this book says: Pure nonsense. In a work at once deeply learned and wonderfully accessible, the neuroscientist David Linden counters the widespread assumption that the brain is a paragon of design--and in its place gives us a compelling explanation of how the brain's serendipitous evolution has resulted in nothing short of our humanity. A guide to the strange and often illogical world of neural function, The Accidental Mind shows how the brain is not an optimized, general-purpose problem-solving machine, but rather a weird agglomeration of ad-hoc solutions that have been piled on through millions of years of evolutionary history. Moreover, Linden tells us how the constraints of evolved brain design have ultimately led to almost every transcendent human foible: our long childhoods, our extensive memory capacity, our search for love and long-term relationships, our need to create compelling narrative, and, ultimately, the universal cultural impulse to create both religious and scientific explanations. With forays into evolutionary biology, this analysis of mental function answers some of our most common questions about how we've come to be who we are.

Customer Reviews:

Nicely done, accessible account of the human brain.......2007-08-08

David Linden's "The Accidental Mind" is a neat little book. He has two main purposes: (a) to write a readable introduction on brain science, accessible to nonspecialists; (b) to make the case that (page 6) `. . .the brain is an inelegant and inefficient agglomeration of stuff, which nonetheless works surprisingly well." As to the first point, this volume is a far cry from the magnificent work, Michael Gazzaniga's The Cognitive Neurosciences III: Third Edition. However, if one is not well steeped in knowledge and understanding of the neurosciences, Gazzaniga's edited work is close to impenetrable. This book is well and crisply written, explaining simply how neurons work the structure of the brain, how the brain develops, and so on.

As to the second point? He asserts that, quoting Francois Jacob (Page 6), "'Evolution is a tinkerer, not an engineer." That is, evolution operates on organisms as they are and then the process of change takes advantage of the material already existent to adapt to new conditions and challenges. Thus, the human brain is mounted on older, more primitive structures, in an ill fitting complex. As he says (page 21): "The brain is built like an ice cream cone (and you are the top scoop): Through evolutionary time, as higher functions were added, a new scoop was placed on top, but the lower scoops were left largely unchanged."

Thereafter, he speaks of the structure of the brain, how the fully mature human brain develops (with both nature and nurture having roles to play), how the brain is associated with all manner of emotions, learning, religion, and so on.

The Ninth chapter has a title that speaks directly to Linden's first theme--"The Unintelligent Design of the Brain." Here, he slyly critiques advocates of the "Intelligent Design" perspective by noting that the brain is hardly an exemplar of some great design. As noted already, he sees the brain as inefficient and "jury-rigged."

This is a book that provides plenty of insight into how neuroscientists study the structure and function of the brain--and presents some of the exciting possibilities for future research.

In sum, this is a work that ought to be attended to by those interested in the brain sciences, but who cannot readily read the technical literature.

Entertaining?.......2007-07-30

This is a great book for readers who are interested in an overview of the anatomical and physiological functions of the brain. If you have had any previous A+P, this book may give you flashbacks (and does a good job of explaining how those feelings were "created.") You may even recognise many of the examples and case studies right from classic lectures.
If you are approaching "The Accidental Mind" as pure entertainment, enjoy. If you are looking for juicier or more in depth case studies, keep browsing.

A Very Refreshing Book On Brain Science.......2007-07-18

The addition of this review is to fill in one gap in particular. Dr. Linden is the first scientific author I have read in quite a while that wasn't flip with schools of thought. He has distilled research with varied hypothesis and has enough respect for his field and the reader to frankly state when "We just don't know." My only regret is that Dr. Linden didn't make this book the "larger tomb" he mentions when wrapping up the research that didn't make it into the book. Highly recommended to anyone who is mystified by belief and dreams.

A Perspective-Changing Read about the Brain.......2007-07-04

Why do we sleep? What is love? What is happening when we dream? These questions seem so basic to our human experience, and yet the average person in at a complete loss to explain even the most common of our daily experiences. This is where the Accidental Mind comes in. Linden's book offers a refreshingly different perspective on the brain. After reading this book, you will have a much better understanding of how your brain shapes your experience, it's limitations, and what is going on "behind the curtain." Intelligence, gender identity, sexuality, are all covered with an eye to how these factors play out in the architecture of the brain.

This book also provides a great deal of information on the biological basis for issues that are being debated in our culture, which many people will find enlightening and necessary for making informed comments.

If you are considering picking up this book, read Chapter 7 on sleep, available for free from Linden's website:

[...]

While the book may sometimes goes into great detail on the biology, most readers will find plenty of compelling information in these pages. People who enjoy this book and are interested in some of the practical insights that new research is providing about humans, how we work, and practical advice for improving our lives should check out The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt.

Happy reading!

For your thinking and reading friends...........2007-05-31

I found The Accidental Mind a well written, humorous and thought-provoking introduction to neuroscience and to some profound ideas about evolution and other topics. It's the kind of book that makes you interrupt your partner's reading every five minutes with "Hey, listen to this...." If Dr. Linden lectures as entertainingly and interestingly as he writes, his classes at Johns Hopkins University must be in great demand.

Average customer rating:

Intensity-his mind was flooded with profound ideas
Reflections
Read and Reread
The correct understanding of Jung's compensation theory
An incredible chronicle of an amazing inner journey!

Memories, Dreams, Reflections
C.G. Jung
Manufacturer: Vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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Behavioral Psychology | Behavioral Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Man and His Symbols
The Portable Jung (Viking Portable Library)
Modern Man in Search of a Soul (Harvest Book)
The Undiscovered Self
The Archetypes and The Collective Unconscious (Collected Works of C.G. Jung Vol.9 Part 1)

ASIN: 0679723951
Release Date: 1989-04-23

Book Description

An autobiography put together from conversations, writings and lectures with Jung's cooperation, at the end of his life.

Customer Reviews:

Intensity-his mind was flooded with profound ideas.......2007-09-14

This book is sublime, a GEM. In his subjective view of the world -"with half closed eyes and somewhat closed ears, to see and hear the form and voice of being" he arrived at an inspiring insight about life: supreme meaning of being can consist only in the fact that is,not that it is not or is no longer; nature, the mystery of love, the psyche, life, human beings, a state of lively contemplation of images is divinity unfolded (the greatest of miracles)-being conscious of this can come to you not through emptiness, imagelessneess or wanting to be freed from nature or yourself.
Here's a passage of the book that reflects the quintessence of his wisdom:
No language is adequate for this paradox. Whatever one can say, no words reflect the whole; for only the whole is meaningful...love "bears all things" and "endures all things". These words say all there is to be said; nothing can be added to them. For we are in the deepest sense the victims and the instruments of cosmogonic "love"- a unified and undivided whole. Being a part man cannot grasp the whole. He is at its mercy. He may assent to it, or rebel against it; but he is always caught by it and enclosed within it. He is dependent upon it and is sustained by it. Love is his light and his darkness, whose end he cannot see. "Love ceases not"-whether he speaks with the "tongue of angels", or with scientific exactitude traces the life cell down to its uttermost source. Man can try to name love, showering upon it all the names at his command, and still he will involve himself in endless self-deceptions. If he possesses a grain of wisdom, he will lay down his arms and name the unknown by the more unknown- ignotum per ignotius-that is, by God. That is a confession of his subjection, his imperfection, and his dependence; but at the same time a testimony to his freedom to choose between truth and error.
If we understand and feel that here in this life we already have a link with the infinite, desires and attitudes change.

Reflections.......2007-07-08

Jung's work is often difficult to read. This is an excellent introduction to his thinking, and a fine outline of his life. Man and his Symbols is also a good intro to Jungian thought.

However, over long, somewhat pompous comments are really not appropriate. Jungians would call this inflation.

Read and Reread.......2007-05-18

This is a book that I read with intense interest, I walked around the house , this book in hand.

C.G. Jung is caught here , his childhood, his quirks. He remains a very fascinating man. This is the only book about C.G. Jung I've read.

I particularly liked the chapter 'Late Thoughts", though the book in whole is very curiosity inspiring.

Loved it.

The correct understanding of Jung's compensation theory.......2007-05-17

According to Jung, the unconscious tries to "compensate" the "lopsidedness" in the conscious attitude, and dreams are part of this process. He says: "The relation between conscious and unconscious is compensatory. This is the best proven rule of dream interpretation" (Collected Works, Vol. 16). The examination of Jung's dream interpretations reveals that what he calls "lopsidedness" is a harmful mistake, or a harmful mental/behavioral failure, and "compensation" means the correction of the mistake, or the termination of the mental/behavioral failure.

As I explained elsewhere, the compensation of the lopsidedness in the conscious attitude by the unconscious is only a particular manifestation of the general truth that all functions of the mind, or all of its "topographical parts" in Freud's words, complement each other and constitute an integrated system, in contradiction with Freud's theory of conflict. In fact, Jung's theory was produced as a reaction to Freud's conflict theory. Consequently, we can equally say that consciousness sometimes compensates the lopsidedness in the unconscious attitude. Besides, it is most natural to expect such cooperation to work even when it is not possible to talk about any lopsidedness in the conscious or unconscious attitude. I described this cooperation in much detail elsewhere in my chapter on cerebral lateralization.

Again as I explained elsewhere, Jung's conception of the function of dreams is basically correct and constitutes a very fruitful idea. But he did not apply this idea adequately to dream interpretation, apparently because he did not express it clearly and used instead obscure ideas like lopsidedness and compensation. His major mistake was to assume that every dream presented the compensated state of the lopsidedness, or the corrected state of the mistake.

Jung could be able to produce a correct theory of dreams if he tried to answer the following questions: (a) What is the content of lopsidedness in general but clear terms? (b) How does the conscious attitude become lopsided and why it cannot correct its lopsidedness itself? (c) What makes the unconscious fit to compensate the lopsidedness of the conscious attitude? (d) In what measure the unconscious succeeds or fails in doing the compensation work, and why? (e) Most importantly, how does the unconscious do the job of compensation, or the correction of the harmful mistake? It is evident that in the absence of especially the answer to the last question, it is not possible to discover all the thoughts expressed by a dream.

As I explained elsewhere, a complete dream contains three types of thought: (a) the presentation of the lopsidedeness, or the mistake, which is treated by the dream; (b) the explanation of the cause of the mistake, or failure, which is often in the form of the external attribution of the failure; and (c) the correction of the mistake, or the termination of the failure. A complete dream begins either with thought (a) or (b) and ends with thought (c). Thoughts (b) and/or (c) may be missing in a dream or may be implicit in another part of the dream, but thought (a) is always present in explicit or implicit form because it is the reason why the dream is produced. In reality, this understanding of dreams is implied by Jung's compensation idea, because the fact that the unconscious can compensate the lopsidedness in the conscious attitude means that the unconscious is rational enough to do that, and the above three types of thought are the ones produced consciously and rationally when dealing with failures in the waking state.

Jung was not able to see these facts, because he could not free himself sufficiently from Freud's influence. Just as Freud interpreted everything in a dream as meaning wish fulfillment, Jung interpreted every dream as presenting the compensated state of the lopsided that it treated. In reality, a dream may present the lopsidedness instead of its compensated state, as exemplified below.

Jung's dream about his patient (p. 133): In his dream, Jung looks up at his female patient who is "sitting on a kind of balustrade," "on the highest tower" of a castle "at the top of a steep hill;" he bends his head back too far to see her properly and wakes up with a crick in the back of his neck.

Jung's interpretation based on the compensation hypothesis was this: "If in the dream I had to look up at the patient in this fashion, in reality I had probably been looking down on her." So, he assumed that the dream was telling him not to look down on her. This interpretation was based on the assumption that the dream scene represented what Jung had to do in real life, which means the solution of his problem, or the compensation of the lopsidedness in his conscious attitude. This interpretation contradicts the fact that Jung hurt himself in the dream by looking up at his patient and also by the fact that he considered his patient in real life "a highly intelligent woman." These contradictions can be eliminated by assuming that the dream scene represented the mistake that Jung was making in real life, or his problem, not its solution as he assumed. So, the correct message of the dream appears to be this: "You are making a mistake and hurting your interests by overestimating your patient." The implied advise was to stop overestimating her, which is the exact opposite of what Jung thought the dream was advising him. This interpretation is supported not only by the pain that Jung felt in the back of his neck at the end of the dream and his waking state evaluation of his patient as a highly intelligent woman but also by the fact that he was unable to realize progress in the therapy of his patient, evidently because he considered her a highly intelligent woman. This dream shows that the compensation hypothesis can cause a wrong interpretation even when the subject matter of a dream is approximately recognized, which is not always the case, and that therefore this hypothesis may also say nothing about the meaning of a dream. In such cases, Jung introduced obscure ideas in the interpretations, such as mandala, archetype, and collective unconscious, without explaining why these appear in the dream and what they precisely mean in relation to the dreamer's life. In fact, many of Jung's ideas are found "mystical." In opposition to this, Freud's interpretations are always clear and detailed but always wrong basically. But despite this fact, Freud's dream theory is more popular than Jung's, because it is found plausible due to the fact that it is produced by likening dreams to daydreams which mean wish fulfillment as everyone knows.

Jung's understanding of dreams needs to be corrected, or completed, also concerning the language of dreams. He criticized Freud's idea of dream symbolism saying that what Freud meant when he said "symbol" was "sign," and that a symbol was something more complex than a sign. Today the widely accepted view is that dream language is concrete-analogic, or concrete-metaphoric. In reality, most of Freud's dream symbols involved analogies, but many other writers abused the concept of dream symbolism and produced largely invalid dictionaries of dream symbols. Not only dream language but also dream cognition is concrete-analogic and therefore cannot use abstractions and logic. This is a consequence of the accepted view that dream thoughts are produced by the right brain which operates using concrete analogies instead of abstractions, speech, and logic. The verbal metaphors that are used in the waking state are also used in dreams in concrete pictorial form, because the source of both the waking state analogies, or metaphors, and dream analogies appear to be the right brain. Because of this, dictionaries of dream symbols can contain correct entries, but even the most common analogies can carry special meanings when used in dreams in relation to the dreamer's life experiences. Many otherwise correct dream interpretations by Jung and his followers are somewhat flawed because of they twisted the meanings of dream analogies in various ways. An example is below.

A man dreamed that as he came out of a meeting he put on somebody else's hat. Jung could say nothing about the relation of this dream to the dreamer's life experiences and claimed only that the hat represented the Mandela, which, according to him, is a concept present in every human mind. The analogic interpretation of this dream can be that the dreamer had easily accepted, or was in the habit of easily accepting, other people's ideas and views. This would be the presentation of a lopsidedness in his conscious attitude.

Jung was aware of the insufficiency of his theory and said: "There are still boundless opportunities for pioneer work in this field" (Collected Works, Vol. 16). Nevertheless, he and his followers produced many correct and nearly correct dream interpretations. Jung's readers can use his compensation theory better then he did by keeping in view the facts mentioned above and reading my books.

Jung's compensation theory can be seen as the solution of the problem of dream interpretation, and thereby of the problem of dream function, if the process by which compensation is realized and the analogic cognition and language of dreams are taken into consideration, both as explained above.

Cognitive-Behavioral Cybernetics of Symptoms, Dreams, Lateralization: Theory, Interpretation, Therapy

Theory Construction and Testing in Physics and Psychology

An incredible chronicle of an amazing inner journey!.......2007-02-24

I think Carl Jung was very ahead of his time and he was in sense an explorer like Columbus, except that his territory was the vast space of his own interior. My understanding of Jung is that he took his own explorations to the brink of psychosis in the service of understanding himself and the psyche. Whether you are a Jung fan or not, it has certainly been my experience that he has a lot of insight and wisdom to share with respect to the nature of the psyche.

This book is basically an autobiography and it is very dense reading. Jung was highly educated in a variety of fields and without some basic understanding of philosophy, major literary figures and mythology, it may be a difficult reading. However, if taken slowly, it is truly manageable and you will discover many gems.

I agree with some of the other excellent reviews that suggest that this volume presents Jung the legend more than being an objective account of his life. However, it offers a lot of insight into his thinking, major influences, etc. It is a fascinating story in itself.

I think this book is most useful and interesting to people who already know a lot about Jung. It is not the best introduction to Jung. If you want a good introduction, I would suggest Murray Stein's "Jung's Map of the Soul." Another concise introduction in Jung's own words is Aion. I would read one or both of these first before tackling this volume.

Average customer rating:

Psychoanalysis and Neuroscience

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Psychoanalysis | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Psychotherapy, TA & NLP | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 8847003342

Book Description

The most recent scientific studies have brought a significant contribution to the understanding of basic mental functions such as memory, dreams, identification, repression, which constitute the basis of the psychoanalytical theory. As a matter of fact, numerous neuroscientific observations in recent years have laid the ground for hypotheses on the neurological organization of mental functions that are fundamental to psychoanalytical theory; the discovery of the implicit memory has extended Freud’s concept of the unconscious (1915) and highlighted the unrepressed unconscious connected particularly to experiences of the primary relation, stored in the implicit memory.

The book focuses on the possibility of interactions between psychoanalysis and neuroscience - i.e., emotions and the right hemisphere, serotonin and depression - and will be a unique tool not only for for professionals and students working in these fields, but also for operators of allied disciplines, such as psychology and psychotherapy.

Homeowner's Record Keeper: The Perfect Place to Keep Track of Home Repairs, Maintenance, Plans, and Dreams

Average customer rating:

great for "interior decorating"
Great Tool - Nice Design
Helps keep everything straight
You probably don't need this book.

Homeowner's Record Keeper: The Perfect Place to Keep Track of Home Repairs, Maintenance, Plans, and Dreams
Christina Henry de Tessan
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

Cleaning, Caretaking & Relocating | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

Welcome Home: A Home Improvement and Decorating Organizer
The Home Owner's Journal, Fifth Edition
The Virgin Homeowner : The Essential Guide to Owning, Maintaining, and Surviving Your Home
The Home Owner's Diary
The Ultimate Home & Property Maintenance Manual

ASIN: 0811838285

Book Description

This workbook is an indispensable aid to the preservation and improvement of the investment that is your home. keep track of home records and maintenance schedules, prioritize repairs and improvements, and sketch out concepts and proposals for future projects. Appropriate for first-time buyers as well as seasoned homeowners, the Homeowner's Record Keeper will help you enjoy your home for years to come.

Customer Reviews:

great for "interior decorating".......2007-07-23

This is a nice product but it wasn't what I was hoping for in the end. I wanted/need something more like a 3-ring binder to hold samples, manuals, contracts, etc. This spiral bound book will hold small amounts of tiny paint chip samples and the like but there is not enough room in the pockets for much else. If you're looking for somewhere to record the ins and outs of your interior decorating escapades, this book is for you.

Great Tool - Nice Design.......2007-01-19

I bought this book as we are building our first house this year and I wanted somewhere to record all the information regarding contractors, colours, fixtures, fittings, etc as we went along with the building process. I have to say that this book is perfect for that!

There's plenty of spaces to go through room by room recording all the information so you can really keep track of what's going in to your home. I also like the fact that after the build is over, I have places to record maintenance work done, information about the utility companies in the area, etc so I can use it as an ongoing tool and not just an organiser while the house is being built. There is also a great section for future planning towards the back.

I think what I like most about this book though is the design. It's great to look at inside, using modern designs and colours, with a useful pocket inside for bits and pieces (can't remember if there is more than one but there might be). I looked at a lot of 'homeowner' type journals (I spent a really LONG time looking) and found that this one looked the best as well as being the most practical tool for my purposes.

All in all, I think this is a great buy either for those who are building or those already in established homes.

Helps keep everything straight.......2005-08-17

This book is awesome for any busy homeowner. There are suggestions for keeping organized as you do all types of renovations--everything from from painting to dry wall to new appliances. I love having one single place to keep all our paint chips, swatches, etc. It's so much easier than a blank notebook because they have lines for everything you need to record.

You probably don't need this book........2004-07-17

I read about this book in a magazine and was eager to get it. Being a first time home buyer/owner, I really thought it would be a useful tool. When it arrived I was very disappointed. 1/3 of the book is devoted to dreams and plans for your house (I already have a notebook for that) and the rest is for writing down information about appliances, paint, repairs, etc. I returned the book and will be starting a notebook. A 3-ring binder will suffice for me. However, for an unorganized person this book might be great.

Dream Theater Metropolis: Scenes from a Memory (Authentic Guitar-Tab)

Average customer rating:

It is exactly what it says
awesome
A musician's guide to songwriting
Best buy!
Must Have for any DT Fan

Dream Theater Metropolis: Scenes from a Memory (Authentic Guitar-Tab)

Manufacturer: Alfred Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Songbooks | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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Dream Theater: Images & Words: Personality Book (Authentic Guitar-Tab)
Dream Theater Octavarium
Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
Dream Theater Train of Thought
Dream Theater: Awake (Authentic Guitar-Tab)

ASIN: 0769296521

Product Description

Songlist includes: Scene One: Regression, Scene Two: I. Overture 1928; II. Strange D j Vu, Scene Three: I. Through My Words; II. Fatal Tragedy, Scene Four: Beyond This Life, Scene Five: Through Her Eyes, Scene Six: Home, Scene Seven: I. The Dance of Eternity; II. One Last Time, Scene Eight: The Spirit Carries On, Scene Nine: Finally Free.

Customer Reviews:

It is exactly what it says.......2006-02-22

This book is simply what it says it is. It's note for note. I often sit down and read the book while listening to this work of art. The information found in this book is awesome...take from it the licks and chord harmonies and help shape your own playing. If you want to know how to play these songs, buy this book. Its simple.

awesome.......2005-10-06

this book is correct note by note. The fact that Petrucci edited it makes it even more amazing.

A musician's guide to songwriting.......2002-01-04

Where I really learn from Dream Theater is when I read this score while the CD is playing. Because, after all, this book really is a very thorough score for the album, allowing you to watch at least two of the parts in action (guitar and voice), plus the occasional piano part written out. Since I play both piano and guitar, and sing, it's like having a partial orchestration provided for my education. And I do learn from this music. You will, too, and that can only help your own technical ability. Of course, you really need to know how to read music (and quickly, in some sections) to read the book while the CD is playing. As Petrucci says in another book, regular practice is the greatest boost to proficiency - so if you get this book, read thru it with the studio recording, and practice regularly, you will learn how to play this music. Maybe not as well, maybe not as spontaneously, but there are so many techniques here you'll gain a solid foundation for rock playing and writing. Not a bad return on your $25 investment, as long as you're willing to put in the time, too.

Not every page is going to surprise you, because there's a lot of repetition in DT's music and usually with enough subtle variation that few shortcuts can be taken and still remain faithful to the original songs. You'll see that here. You'll also see plenty of "Riffs" and "Rhythm Figures", too. Again, the trick is to see how they constructed their songs and appreciate both the repetition and the changes.

You will learn from this book, which is an excellent transcription of the guitar and voice parts, and I think you'll enjoy it every step of the way. 5 stars simply because this is such a great resource for any guitarist's education -- and it's such great music, too.

Best buy!.......2000-12-28

This book is excelent. A must for all guitar players.

Must Have for any DT Fan.......2000-11-15

This is a must for any fan of Dream Theater and John Petrucci. You can actually realize the way the guitar parts are arranged to the rest of the music. What I found amazing was all the songs lyrics are written by Mile Portnoy, John Petrucci and a song from John Myung. So you actually get a taste for how they wrtie the music and lyrics to balance each other. Great book!

Average customer rating:

Strong, consistent writing but uninspiring characters or plot. A decent book, but not exceptional. Ambivalently recommended
tremendous horror fantasy
Where does fantasy begin and reality end?
How real is art?
Haunting and Beautiful

Memory and Dream (Newford)
Charles de Lint
Manufacturer: Orb Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Someplace to Be Flying (Newford)
Trader (Newford)
Widdershins (Newford)
Forests of the Heart (Newford)
Moonlight & Vines (Newford)

ASIN: 0765316781
Release Date: 2007-02-20

Book Description

Isabelle Copleys visionary art frees ancient spirits. As the young student of the cruel, brilliant artist Vincent Rushkin, she discovered she could paint images so vividly real they brought her wildest fantasies to life. But when the forces she unleashed brought tragedy to those she loved, she turned her back on her talentand on her dreams. Now, twenty years later, Isabelle must come to terms with the shattering memories she has long denied, and unlock the slumbering power of her brush. And, in a dark reckoning with her old master, she must find the courage to live out her dreams and bring the magic back to life.

Customer Reviews:

Strong, consistent writing but uninspiring characters or plot. A decent book, but not exceptional. Ambivalently recommended.......2007-08-29

Isabelle is an artist with a unique ability: some of her paintings open a doorway between our world and the otherworld, allowing spirits from the otherworld to enter our. These beings, which she calls her numena, are their own people, with thoughts and feelings of their own. They are also in danger: her mentor, the renowned painter Rushkin who taught her to bring over these beings, poses a threat to both Isabelle and her numena. Events in the present--the publication of her friend Kathy's posthumous book--force Isabelle to return to her memories of the past in order to determine the cause of Kathy's death and protect both herself and her numena from Rushkin's influence. A magical story within our own real world, Thought and Memory is skillfully although not exceptionally plotted and written. The plot, pacing, and writing style are all very solid, and the fantastical element is original and creative. This is a good book: not exceptional, not outstanding, but well-written, readable, and solidly carried through to the end.

De Lint's writing style is consistent and strong, so while neither the plot nor the characters are exceptional, this is still a solid and readable book. The basis of the story--magic appearing in the "real world" and Isabelle's numena--is an interesting idea, but seems somewhat unrealistic. If set in a fantasy world, or if appearing in a magical realist text, the fantastical elements would seem more at home; here, in the real non-magical world, they are not naturally accepted by the characters. However, the characters, including those that are introduced to the numena very abruptly, all seem to accept the existence of magic as it suits the plot. This gives both plot and characters a contrived, self-serving sense, limiting the veracity of the book.

Adding to this the fact that the characters are not exceptionally realistic, detailed, or groundbreaking, and that the plot doesn't provide too much food for thought, and the underlying aspects of this book are interesting but not particularly fulfilling. Dilemmas aren't troubling, character growth isn't empowering.

De Lint's writing style is constant and strong, even when the book leaves the realms of memory and delves into the surprisingly active period of the now. While not quotable or exceptional, the writing is readable, well paced, and consistent throughout, and this strength supports the rest of the book. The ending could easily deteriorate into an empty action sequence, but (to my surprise) never does. The author successfully pulls the plot concept through to the end, making the book a satisfying read. As a whole, this is a very competent text, readable and entertaining, but not outstanding or memorable. I don't recommend it one way or the other: this is a fine book, but not compelling, and doesn't warrant recommending--or warning away from. Read it if you want, but you're not missing much if you skip it.

tremendous horror fantasy.......2007-03-11

In Newford, former art apprentice to cruel genius Vincent Rushkin, Isabelle Copley learned she had an uncanny skill to paint images that seemed so real, they became animated. Isabelle brought to life those who reside in the spirit realm with her art. However, she became frightened of her skill and fled her talent and her town.

Five years ago, writer Kathy Mully tragically died. From the beyond, she warns her friend Isabelle that her creations from two decades ago are causing harm and that she must confront what she wrought. Unable to deny Kathy as she knows too deeply what happened to her friend, Isabelle begins the catharsis of truth. Native American John Sweetgrass, also a friend of the late Kathy, helps the artist who must confront her evil former master by accepting her love for John, the star of many of her drawings.

Shifting viewpoints and eras, Charles De Lint provides an excellent Newford thriller that will persuade the most skeptical that the small northern town not only exists, but also contains powers from beyond the mortal plane. The cast drives the exhilarating plot as Isabelle must confront what she has denied of her past. Readers will enjoy this fine thriller as Mr. De Lint writes a tremendous horror fantasy.

Harriet Klausner

Where does fantasy begin and reality end?.......2004-10-04

Memory and Dream made it into my reading list as a study of sorts. The fiction I've written and that I want to write perhaps best fits into the categories of magical realism and urban/contemporary fantasy. De Lint is considered by many to be one of the masters of the latter sub-genre, and Memory and Dream a representative work.

Memory and Dream is very different from the fantasy that I'm used to reading--it starts slowly, and devotes a lot of time developing the main character (an art student named Izzy) and her relationships with her brilliant but abusive mentor, her best friend and roommate, and the spirits that she brings into this world through her painting. De Lint doesn't have to spend as much time on world creation as traditional fantasists, but the world he creates and the rules of magic in it are believable and detailed.

I love reading introspective writing, and you could say that Memory and Dream is as much about Izzy and her paintings as it is about de Lint and his books and about any artist/author and the children that they so painstakingly create and then send forth into the world. The numena that Izzy brings into this world through her art are tied to their paintings--destroy the painting and you kill the numena. At first she refuses to sell them (or even display them much), feeling that they are much safer in her hands. Later (after talking to some of the beings she is responsible for bringing across), she is able to sell some of the paintings, and regrets it when she finds that some are killed (devoured, in a sense).

Both parents and artists can relate to Izzy's struggles, as we inject a portion of our souls into our children (of the brush, of the mind, of the loins) and then set them free to experience for themselves this harsh and beautiful world. And anything set free in this way ultimately asserts its own influence and is in turn transformed by the world, for better or for worse.

How real is art?.......2004-04-09

Charles de Lint is a popular writer in the genre known as urban fantasy -stories that place traditional magical elements into a contemporary setting. In Memory & Dream, de Lint takes a fascinating look at the creative process and explores the possibility of artists who can literally create reality. The novel jumps between the present (the early 90s) and the past twenty years leading up to it. Isabelle is an artist who falls under the spell of an enigmatic mentor named Rushkin, a famous reclusive artist. Rushkin teaches Isabelle about painting, and she learns far more from him than from the art classes she takes at college. Yet Rushkin has a very dark side as well, which turns out to be much deeper than she realizes.

Through Rushkin, Isabelle learns that she has the ability to "bring across" creatures that she paints. These entities become actual flesh and blood beings with lives of their own. She falls in love with one of her own creations, an American Indian named John. This ability poses many complications for Isabelle and the people around her. She cannot quite believe that these creatures are real in the human sense. Rushkin, meanwhile, reveals ulterior motives for teaching Isabelle and is soon creating "numena" (the name given these creatures) of his own, which turn out to be evil counterparts to the ones Isabelle creates.
I think the real theme of Memory & Dream is the relationship between art and reality. Isabelle's best friend Katherine is a troubled writer, and she plays an important role in inspiring some of Isabelle's painting. So, the question arises, if a writer puts a character in a story, and an artists paints it, who is the creator? Or, is the answer, "neither," because these creations actually have an existence of their own in a kind of Platonic universe, waiting to be brought into our world by artists?

While these are fascinating questions, I don't want to give the impression that Memory & Dream is a purely intellectual or philosophical novel. It is primarily a very suspenseful story with engaging characters who live in a magical universe. I have read several of de Lint's books (this one twice), and he is one of my favorite contemporary fantasy authors.

Haunting and Beautiful.......2003-11-30

Wow.

I've read DeLint before and liked it, but this book hit me deeply on many levels. I cant tell you how many times tears came to my eyes with the characters' heartbreaks or smiles at their triumphs, no matter how small. It's fantasy, but the characters have so many layers and complex relationships, it couldn't be more real. I found nearly every protagonist in the book mirroring my own experiences at some point.

Book Description

Travel with Art Rodriguez as he takes you through his teenage years. You will see that even though life appears confusing and harsh at times, it does get better. You will enjoy his stories of growing up in San Jose, California. He will take you for a stroll and as he does, you will experience with him fun times and hard times. You will enjoy this sequel to East Side Dreams!

Customer Reviews:

Forgotten Memories.......2004-07-16

Voice of Youth Advocates Magazine October 2002 VOYA
Growing up in San Jose, California, Arturo Rodriguez and his brothers and sister endured an abusive father, their parents' unhappy marriage, and their father's absence after he returned to Mexico. Rodriguez coped as best he could, but his drinking and drug use, in the wrong place at the wrong times led to his incarceration in California's prison system for young offenders. Against all odds, he put his past behind him, married and had a family, and worked hard to overcome injustices and start a successful business. After his retirement Rodriguez began writing about his life and his family. This book is sequel to East Side Dreams (Dream House, 2001, published in Spanish as Sueños del Lado Este. In this second autobiographical book, he writes about childhood pranks and misdeeds, his mother's near fatal illness, his parent's divorce, the birth of his first child, and how his parents even eventually became friends.
The writing here is unpolished but sincere in true, and the reminiscences and descriptions are vivid and true to life. Neither how he grew to understand his father and other relatives whom he loved despite their flaws. His message for young readers is clear. It is possible to survived and overcome injustices and hardships. Rodriguez maintains a Web site at www EastSideDreams. com and invites readers to visit, view his picture alum, and perhaps send him an e-message. He will answer.-Sherry York Voice of Youth Advocates Magazine

Midwest Book Review Magazine.......2004-07-16

Forgotten Memories
Art Rodriguez
Dream House Press
Capably written for teenage readers grades 7 through 11 by Art Rodriguez, Forgotten Memories is the story of his having been a young man growing up amid difficult conflicts in San Jose, California. From life-threatening risks such as drowning and knife fights, to the cutting harshness of vituperative words, Forgotten Memories reflects the drama of learning how to survive, grow, and accept personal responsibility. Forgotten Memories is recommended as a powerful coming of age story. Also highly recommended is the Art Rodriguez previous memoir, East Side Dreams.

Champions, Cheaters, and Childhood Dreams: Memories of the All-American Soap Box Derby

Average customer rating:

Stories From The Soapbox
The best book on SBD
Champions, Cheaters, and Childhood Dreams: Memories of the A
CHAMPIONS CHEATERS AND CHILDHOOD DREAMS
Americana

Champions, Cheaters, and Childhood Dreams: Memories of the All-American Soap Box Derby
Melanie Payne
Manufacturer: University of Akron Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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1934-35 All American Soap Box Derby Movie Films DVD

ASIN: 1931968055

Book Description

With scrap lumber and a dream, young Bob Turner became the first All-American Soap Box Derby world champion in 1934. Over the next seventy years, pushed by curiosity, ingenuity, and determination, thousands more follow in his footsteps to try--for at least one day--to become the most famous kid in America.
Champions, Cheaters, and Childhood Dreams provides a history of the race from its beginning on a hillside in Dayton, to the corporate-sponsored star-studded event it became in the 1950s and 1960s. It chronicles an era of near-obscurity after the event was rocked by the withdrawal of its major corporate sponsor and by a legendary cheating scandal.
Through first-person accounts, the book reveals influences of the Great Depression, World War II, the Civil Rights and feminist movements, Vietnam, and Watergate, which helped shape the race, transforming it from a simple amateur event into an American icon.

Customer Reviews:

Stories From The Soapbox.......2005-02-05

The soapbox derby.

Originating during the thirties, what had been a simple kids game would grow to gigantic proportions and come to symbolize America at its finest. Akron, Ohio would become the Mecca of the soapbox derby. Every summer hundreds of boys would gather to race against each other. Qualifing for the Akron race was a feat in itself, each participant already having won several other matches to qualify for the honor.

Winning the soapbox derby meant riches, fame, fortune, college scholarships, the moon! The sponsors were guaranteed popularity to the infinite power, it seemed everyone came out on top! Times would pass, though, and the soapbox derby would face problems. There were inevitable instances of racisim and sexism when African-American children and girls got involved. In the seventies the derby was nearly destroyed when a key sponser pulled out in 1972 and a cheating scandal occurred in 1973. Fortunately it came back, though, and, while not as popular as it once was, still has a definite following. The history of this sport, those involved, and the numerous persona, both good and bad, that made up the sport are covered in "Champions, Cheaters, and Childhood Dreams".

Melanie Payne has gone to great detail to describe the origins of soapbox derby racing and those responsible for it. We learn how it progressed from a simple kid's hobby to a father-son (and eventually father-daughter) bonding experience, how it grew and grew and grew. There are the noble stories of intergration of black youths, of girl drivers coming into their own. Of course, there are also the not-so-noble stories of questionable decisions that left some contestants crying foul, of cover-ups on the part of officials, and of the notorious 1973 soapbox derby racing scandal in which an attempt to use an electromagnet would mushroom into a mess that tarred the entire industry as dishonest. Punches are not pulled, praise is given when praise is due, criticism is levelled when called for.

Not everyone gave this book thumbs-up, officials at the Akron soapbox derby races were so incensed by it that they refused to sell it at their meet and tried to have parts censored.

Personally, I am glad it was printed as is. It reminds us that an institution is only as noble as those that run it, and rules are made to be followed, not ignored or broken.

This is an excellent essay on a popular piece of Americana.

The best book on SBD.......2003-10-18

I was in Akron and Gil Klecan came into the room with a copy. I read a few pages and had to get the book.I have read it over several times.It is the best book I have ever read on the Derby.She did a lot of research to come up with a very true account.I have been in and out of the Derby since 1946. I know most of the people she mentions. Some of the stories I had heard off hand. I never have spoken with Ballard, Gronen, and Lunn.I knew of their experiences. She Filled in the missing spaces. I have spoken with quite a few of my old friends from the Derby and they all say the same thing."The book is better then they though". For someone who knew very little about the Derby she learned it fast.Had she written a fiction book on the Derby, I would not have taken it free. I raced in 1946,7,& 8. My children raced in the 70's My oldest son placed 3rd and holds the fastest time on the Akron Hill.
The chapter on The Durham Champions is superb. Sam Moore was an old friend, and a good one. Sam never told me the things he told Melanie. He was a real credit to Durham.
Gronen said,"My hat is off to the sincere and honest boys and girls who raced in the Soap Box Derby.I extend an apology to them." I take my hat off to HIM for HIS honesty.
The title Champions, Cheaters, and Childhood Dreams is the only title this book can have.
"Cheaters?" Yes, on both sides of the fence.
"Childhood Dreams?" Yes, I had them. My son made them come true. As an old SBD friend said,"Winning the local and going to Akron was like dying and going straight to heaven."

Champions, Cheaters, and Childhood Dreams: Memories of the A.......2003-08-27

Just curious...I wrote a review a week ago and it has yet to appear....?

CHAMPIONS CHEATERS AND CHILDHOOD DREAMS.......2003-08-25

"A WARM AND REFRESHING LOOK AT THE WORLD'S GREATEST YOUTH EVENT... I SAVORED EVERY PAGE.. READING SOME PAGES TWICE TO MAKE IT LAST LONGER"

IT COVERS SOME STORIES FROM THE DERBY THAT I DIDN'T REALIZE HAPPENED.. SUCH AS THE LINE OF BLACK CHAMPS FROM DURHAM NORTH CAROLINA.. AND I HAVE BEEN A DERBY FAN FOR MORE THAN FIFTY YEARS.

Stan Howard

Americana.......2003-08-20

What a trip! "Champions and Cheaters" brought me memories of my childhood, those days when jumping into any garage-made contraption and rolling it downhill was a thrill. But there was more to Champions than the glide down memory lane. While America was changing, nudging girls and children of color into the mainstream, so was the Derby.
And it wasn't until I read this book that I realized that anyone could cheat in a soapbox derby. Imagine my surprise when I heard that it happened again this year.
I found especially poignant the author's interviews with race participants. It is powerful stuff. After so many years, the gut-wrenching disappointments and the jubilation over wins, obviously, are still potently felt by participants.

How to Mind Map: Make the Most of Your Mind and Learn to Create, Organize and Plan

Average customer rating:

Fluffy Bunny Rabbits are Smarter
Hype and nonsense
Perfect Gift for An Open Mind
Not Necessary

How to Mind Map: Make the Most of Your Mind and Learn to Create, Organize and Plan
Tony Buzan
Manufacturer: Thorsons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Dreams | Mental Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0007153732

Book Description

This practical, mini-guide teaches you quick-fire methods that will have you creating Mind Maps in minutes, to maximize your brainpower and improve your creativity.

Customer Reviews:

Fluffy Bunny Rabbits are Smarter.......2005-04-27

This book is about the most ridiculous sales hype I have read. I understand that some graphic devices can be useful at specific times and in specific tasks, but this book more or less preaches and preaches that it should be used to bring the galaxy together hand in hand in harmony.

The "theory" used to explain its efficacy is both wrong and gives a wrong impression of this limited technique. The left right brain myths are used as a convenient concept that fits perfectly to market the mind map (there is an obvious left and right). It all falls to pieces when you realize the brain does not actually work like a mind map at all!

But carrying the book about with you like a bible, in the delusion that "THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE" is probably less useful than carrying a sink plunger everywhere you go. If you have a strong faith in sink plungers, the effect will be even stronger. I mean, the book is written like evangelism, and only evangelists will enjoy it. Thinkers will not.

This book is about getting more people to buy into the Buzan book series. Lots of promises that are not going to appear in reality, even when the last Buzan title is bought. Use the plunger and unblock that mental blockage.

If you want to improve abilities, avoid hype, and go for a good study methods book that has a good wide range of strategies and well researched psychology, rather than spider diagramming yourself into left/right guru worship.

Keep an open mind, and don't let the Buzan hype limit your options.

Regards
Reynal

Hype and nonsense.......2005-04-27

This book is wrong about the brain, and is wrong to hype mind mapping into every task in the universe. The left/right brain info is just myth, the 1% brain use stuff is just myth. The newer stuff on multiple intelligences is just rhetoric (he keeps adding intelligences as he goes along, blowing with the wind).

People have been using graphic organizers for centuries. Tony Buzan only originated the hype. Here is similar hype that led to some litigation (by a different author).

http://www.quackwatch.org/02ConsumerProtection/FTCActions/trudeau.html

Best to stick with learning/communication methods that actually are appropriate for the task.

JVogel

Perfect Gift for An Open Mind.......2003-05-31

Mind mapping is a powerful tool. It has helped me in many ways, remembering material for exams, planning for future, preparing for presentation, or more. I do agree with the previous reviewer that most of the material on this book can be found on internet. I have downloaded much info for mind map myself. But which book is so original that you cannot find any piece (concrete of conceptional) of it from internet? Besides, excellently edited/organized color pages, like children's books, are always pleasant, isn't it?

To promote the tool of mind map, a tiny book like this is an excellent gift idea. How many of you have friends who do not use internet? How many of you have friends who use internet, but cannot find the information he/she needs? How many of you have friends who simply do not believe what they see on the screen? How many of you read electric-shock-proof material in bathroom? How many of you want to give a gift that can ultimately change the recipient's life? This is it!!!

You can carry it to work, baseball games, or picnic. This book can easily slip into your pocket and provide good reference to the methodology of mind map when needed. This book can also serve as an anchor on your book shelf to remind you constantly the value of mind map. I cannot see the reason why you should not have it as a gift...even if you know this method by heart like I do...

Give this book to family members, co-workers, students, relatives, and any one you care about. The mind map methodology may be the one thing they need today to suceed!

Not Necessary.......2003-02-02

The information in this book can be obtained online, and the preaching you can live without. Mind mapping is pretty intuitive. Once you see one you will say "I get it" and start using them. There is simply not enough information to go on and on about them in multiple books. I thought maybe I was missing something. Now I feel like I was snookered into paying for someone's info-mercial. The basic idea is good, and the binding is cute.

Average customer rating:

Cath Kidston Dream Home Journal
Cath Kidston , and Stella Kim
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

Decorative Arts | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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Book Description

This home decor organizer and inspirational tool features eight fill-in sections easily adapted to each room of the house, and durable pockets to store swatches and clippings. Each section contains space to dream up the perfect room, create project and shopping lists, floor plans, and keep track of measurements.

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