nat_montego's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
joshbushey's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
diane's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting look at the history of using psychedelics as a research tool, as a creativity booster, and a way of investigating divine influences. Which sounds crazy and mystical to me (since I've never tried them), but makes me hopeful that maybe future research can uncover if these chemicals can be used safely and sanely. Because people are sure not going to stop using them anyhow.
clairebelmont's review against another edition
3.0
A good introductory book especially for those scientifically minded who like to see the data. Book may not age well due to many website and recent event references. Content feels a bit scattered; no connecting thread. Some nuggets of wisdom here and there. Some beautiful stories of people’s journeys.
ronocoolo's review against another edition
2.0
2.5/5
It's got some great information and tips, especially in the first two chapters and chapter 19, but a lot of it kinda goes on and on about other people's experiences with psychedelics and I find that pretty boring. I found myself skipping some sections near the end because I could tell when it was going into another drug story and I just didn't have much interest. The good information is pretty useful though and went a lot more in depth than most of the stuff I've read online.
It's got some great information and tips, especially in the first two chapters and chapter 19, but a lot of it kinda goes on and on about other people's experiences with psychedelics and I find that pretty boring. I found myself skipping some sections near the end because I could tell when it was going into another drug story and I just didn't have much interest. The good information is pretty useful though and went a lot more in depth than most of the stuff I've read online.
satyridae's review
2.0
It was an interesting book, but I was hoping for much more new information. The vast majority of this book is about the studies done in the early 1960s (about which I think most people interested in entheogens have already read). There was a tiny sliver of newer information, but not enough to build a book around. The newer stuff included, oddly enough, some trip reports the likes of which can be found all over the internet. The cover led me to believe I was getting something other than what I got.
The most interesting part was the chapter speculating about the value of micro-doses of psychedelics- doses too small to cause tripping, but which seem to have profound effects over time.
It's not a bad book, don't get me wrong. It's informative and well-written, and it's a subject that doesn't get enough good press. But Timothy Leary's dead, let's get some fresh quotes.
The most interesting part was the chapter speculating about the value of micro-doses of psychedelics- doses too small to cause tripping, but which seem to have profound effects over time.
It's not a bad book, don't get me wrong. It's informative and well-written, and it's a subject that doesn't get enough good press. But Timothy Leary's dead, let's get some fresh quotes.
edsantiago's review
5.0
The pendulum is swinging back. It's still not safe to have this conversation—it never will be while the fear-and-ignorance party(*) is in power—but if not now, when? Let's keep the momentum going. Let's build a better future.
This is an important book on many levels. It's not cohesive: it meanders among the importance of a guide for high-dose sessions (and excellent advice therefor), accounts of academic research in the 60s, justified ranting against the research ban, promising summaries of the modern (through early 2011) research revival, and a handful of personal anecdotes. Not all sections will be relevant to all readers... but I'd say that nearly everyone has something to learn from one part or another.
Possibly the most important aspect: if you're planning a spiritual (high-dose) session or know someone who is, you might want to read the first few chapters. You might want his checklists in Chapter 19. This man knows what he's talking about, and his advice can make a big difference in everyone's experience. If you can't risk ordering it online, I'll lend you my copy.
(*) and hatred. Fear, Ignorance, and Hatred. I almost forgot the last one.
This is an important book on many levels. It's not cohesive: it meanders among the importance of a guide for high-dose sessions (and excellent advice therefor), accounts of academic research in the 60s, justified ranting against the research ban, promising summaries of the modern (through early 2011) research revival, and a handful of personal anecdotes. Not all sections will be relevant to all readers... but I'd say that nearly everyone has something to learn from one part or another.
Possibly the most important aspect: if you're planning a spiritual (high-dose) session or know someone who is, you might want to read the first few chapters. You might want his checklists in Chapter 19. This man knows what he's talking about, and his advice can make a big difference in everyone's experience. If you can't risk ordering it online, I'll lend you my copy.
(*) and hatred. Fear, Ignorance, and Hatred. I almost forgot the last one.
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