Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain,   ISBN:9780060933845

Customer Rating: 

From the title of the book, I expected more information about the development of reading and writing, and of the changes, which took place in our mind - which clearly did not evolve to read.

I am not saying, that the book does not contain this, but far too much space (2/3 0f the volume) is devoted to dislexia, and what to do about it (As the auther has a child with dislexia, this is understandable, but it should say so in the title...)

All in all, it contained to much child - development - hints and not enough of the science I expected.

Customer Rating: 

1) This book needed editing. She repeats herself. Yes, I probably have a shorter attention span because of using the Internet, but quality demands editing to express things succinctly.
2) Why use Proust to write for English readers? The "Proust" we read in this book is in translation: evidence of shallow thinking by someone who purports to think deeply about language. In like manner, the "Proust and the Squid" title smacks of marketing, which is okay but also shallow.
3) A student of language was "surprised" to learn (recently I guess) that Socrates (or others as writing emerged) was concerned about written language? I learned that at least a decade ago when starting to read about how the Internet is going to change us. It's a wonderful insight, but as much in this book, it is old stuff.

Customer Rating: 

Interesting book for those who love reading. I did lose interest several times, mostly due to not remembering where I left off w/the cd. I do think the book is definately worth reading, informative and enjoyable, but I'm sure I would much more enjoy the written version.

Customer Rating: 

I tried listening to this several times. I thought this would be more interesting to me based on the products description but it was not. I have since tried to make more judicial decisions about what I pick. This happened to fall short for me. That is not to say it is not good, just nore for me.

Customer Rating: 

For anyone in education, or who word with young children, this is a fascinating book. It's very accessible, and gives insight into how our brains operate when we do something no other being does: read. As a music teacher, I found it immediately applicable to my teaching. I have given this book as a gift at least twice!