Scan barcode
renreads2much's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.25
This book was so interesting, beautiful, and informative. I’m probably going to read this book once every few years because I find the information valuable.
cloudedbyte's review against another edition
5.0
A very easy to read book about importance of emotional mind. It was an eyeopener for me.
demosthenes's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
I really enjoyed the first half, where basic elements of emotional psychology were broken up and defined. The second half, with a shift to synthesis and analysis, really lost me. I found it felt wishy-washy, and focused more on art than matter. I did learn a lot though, and it was fun testing my knowledge on the subject. Just take a shor every time they say the word "limbic" and you'll be out before you finish your chapter 😵
maisoncetacea's review against another edition
3.0
There is a lot to like about this book, and overall I think it's worth reading as long as you realize that, as is true of most mainstream books about science, there will be some oversimplification and oversight of the concepts discussed.
While the chapters delving into the actual neuroscientific and psychological research were riveting reading, I would caution readers looking for both background and solutions. The book is written to address newly emergent research on love and the brain, and it doesn't seem in the interest of the authors to talk about definitive solutions to the problems that can happen when the brain fails to develop adequate means of loving and relating to others. In fact, while the chapter on therapy is heartening and eye-opening (and makes me appreciate my own therapists in ways I never imagined), it doesn't really overcome the shadow cast by the grim prospects forecast by the authors. Moreover, I felt really uncomfortable with the assessment of Western culture given by the authors. It vastly oversimplified the course of history, virtually ignored how sexism and other forms of discrimination has in all likelihood hampered *many* people's ability to love well, and proposed solutions that sound pretty conservative and patently unrealistic.
I also take issue with the tired assumptions made about the Internet's impact on mental health, though my own objections are not grounded in scientific evidence. Just the sense that those who suffer social and emotional maladies likely benefit from the connections they make online, especially if they suffer bullying and discrimination in the offline world. I would really have liked to hear more from the authors about 'the rest of us' in this respect, and I think in that realm this book is cold in a lot of ways scientific books are. A lot of people may feel doomed by this nurture-is-destiny argument, but it's still a good read, and beats a lot of what's out there.
While the chapters delving into the actual neuroscientific and psychological research were riveting reading, I would caution readers looking for both background and solutions. The book is written to address newly emergent research on love and the brain, and it doesn't seem in the interest of the authors to talk about definitive solutions to the problems that can happen when the brain fails to develop adequate means of loving and relating to others. In fact, while the chapter on therapy is heartening and eye-opening (and makes me appreciate my own therapists in ways I never imagined), it doesn't really overcome the shadow cast by the grim prospects forecast by the authors. Moreover, I felt really uncomfortable with the assessment of Western culture given by the authors. It vastly oversimplified the course of history, virtually ignored how sexism and other forms of discrimination has in all likelihood hampered *many* people's ability to love well, and proposed solutions that sound pretty conservative and patently unrealistic.
I also take issue with the tired assumptions made about the Internet's impact on mental health, though my own objections are not grounded in scientific evidence. Just the sense that those who suffer social and emotional maladies likely benefit from the connections they make online, especially if they suffer bullying and discrimination in the offline world. I would really have liked to hear more from the authors about 'the rest of us' in this respect, and I think in that realm this book is cold in a lot of ways scientific books are. A lot of people may feel doomed by this nurture-is-destiny argument, but it's still a good read, and beats a lot of what's out there.
penderworth's review against another edition
2.0
At times fascinating and utterly enlightening. But those times are short and occur infrequently. I had a hard time finishing this book because of how much it seems to require reading all the source material they cite. I knew it’d be academic and somewhat scientific in its language, but it was also full of Greek mythology to the point where I completely lost track and I think the authors did a bit as well.
bloomis427's review against another edition
4.0
Philosophically, I cannot give this book enough credit; it should be required reading.
The prose varied between moments of arresting beauty and wisdom and of being overwrought and flowery. There were also parts, specifically about the brain, that I found a little dense and had to reread a couple times to understand. Overall though, excellent writing.
The one concern I have with this book is that the main model they presented of how the brain works has been recently debunked (at the time of the book's writing, it was the most widely-accepted model). From what I can tell, their specific arguments still hold up with modern neuroscience and fit in with the updated model of the brain, but I admit to wanting an updated edition that takes the new model into account.
The prose varied between moments of arresting beauty and wisdom and of being overwrought and flowery. There were also parts, specifically about the brain, that I found a little dense and had to reread a couple times to understand. Overall though, excellent writing.
The one concern I have with this book is that the main model they presented of how the brain works has been recently debunked (at the time of the book's writing, it was the most widely-accepted model). From what I can tell, their specific arguments still hold up with modern neuroscience and fit in with the updated model of the brain, but I admit to wanting an updated edition that takes the new model into account.
vanitar's review against another edition
4.0
Great book and great points to consider. A bit too flowery at some points- could be more succinct but overall a great book
morgs777's review against another edition
3.0
Not my favorite book on attachment theory, but still good. A friend recommended this to me a while back post (yet another) breakup, lol. In my 5 year journal, one of the prompts is “what is the craziest thing you’ve done for love?” And this year’s answer was “continue to do it, despite how many times it has hurt me.” This book is validating in that sense - because your brain does do better with love and partnership - literally, it’s science. We’ve become too self-focused and individualized (and I’m not even going to touch the enchilada that is the pandemic on this effect). (Or dating apps.) (Or the internet, generally speaking.)
What I miss the most about being in a relationship isn’t even the romantic feelings, butterflies, and sparks. It’s the literal oxytocin and serotonin you get from having a consistent presence in your life (which is sort of touched on in this book). I’d also like dual income, someone to do the dishes if I cooked, someone to help with chores the UNSEXY STUFF I MISS and my brain does too!
Single Morgan out
What I miss the most about being in a relationship isn’t even the romantic feelings, butterflies, and sparks. It’s the literal oxytocin and serotonin you get from having a consistent presence in your life (which is sort of touched on in this book). I’d also like dual income, someone to do the dishes if I cooked, someone to help with chores the UNSEXY STUFF I MISS and my brain does too!
Single Morgan out