jwpeddle's review against another edition
4.0
A must read if you have even a passing interest or curiosity in psychedelics. Covers the disjointed history of psychedelic research, the current science, and the author's personal (and skeptical) journey into discovery. Self-narrated audiobook, which I always appreciate. My only complaint is how repetitive the focus on the experience of transcendence is, but mostly because I didn't really relate to the framing.
jilianh's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Michael Pollan did a fantastic job of analyzing psychedelics from a range of angles in this book.
I learned a lot of the history behind them and their usage, got exposed to a plethora of first hand experiences and accounts (including the author's), learned a lot about the scientific potentials and pitfalls, and so much more.
There is science and mysticism, transcendence and skepticism.
The potential for those struggling with the fear of death was of particular interest to me. Consciousness is so complex and our knowledge (or lack thereof) of the human brain and psyche never ceases to amaze.
I learned a lot of the history behind them and their usage, got exposed to a plethora of first hand experiences and accounts (including the author's), learned a lot about the scientific potentials and pitfalls, and so much more.
There is science and mysticism, transcendence and skepticism.
The potential for those struggling with the fear of death was of particular interest to me. Consciousness is so complex and our knowledge (or lack thereof) of the human brain and psyche never ceases to amaze.
emilieonthemove's review against another edition
4.0
My super high expectations are probably behind this 4 star rating. I read the book's precursor in the New Yorker in 2015, "The Trip Treatment." That article blew my mind, so to speak, and I couldn't wait to read the book. The last two massive chapters were my favorite: the neuroscience behind it all and the application in psychotherapy. I also really enjoyed reading Pollan's personal accounts of his trips, as well as his quotes from other's regarding their trips - and then the follow up discussing how it had changed their lives. The first half of the book was a bit of a snooze fest, in my humble opinion. Too much time spent on the roots of the movement and the researchers of the past, finally culminating with the researchers of the present. Another book I read this year "The Hidden Half of Nature" did this in a much more seamless way: instead of clumping ALL of the historical information in looooooong chapters, they split them up and intersperse the hard science and then the biological and neurological effects. Anyway, "How to Change Your Mind" is highly interesting and definitely recommended.
tinaxcuevas's review against another edition
Decided I didn’t want to read about his journey on acid & found that a lot of the later chapters had information I already knew and was familiar with.
cavetoad's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
2.0
Old white man takes drugs. Old white guy talks to other old white guys about drug trips.
ellenceee's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0