Easily Amused: AWE: The Delights and Dangers of Our Eleventh Emotion [Hardcover]

Product Details

Hardcover: 289 pages
Publisher: Health Communications, Inc. (October 15, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0757305857
ISBN-13: 978-0757305856
Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)

By : Ph.D. Paul Pearsall (Author)
Price : $19.95

AWE: The Delights and Dangers of Our Eleventh Emotion [Hardcover]

Buyer Evaluations

I just completed reading the book. I won't ruin the surprises other than to say the book ends on a really down note. The author is a psychologist who has conducted a number of surveys of people who have skilled awe. He mostly describes his findings in really common terms. He admits his findings will not satisfy scientists but calls for additional analysis on the topic. I would have liked to have read much more direct accounts from the 500 people he has surveyed. Rather we get a lot of vague descriptions of how he defines awe and what characterizes it.
The author's definition seems to involve a rather pessimistic view of awe. He contains a component of sadness and "bad triumphs more than fantastic" philosophy possibly influenced by his battle with cancer and his son's disability. A far better editor could possibly have tightened up the book and created it far more coherent. There is not much in the way of awe inspired by nature. His study appears to have had some preconceived conclusions already in mind.
I give it four stars since it created me assume about a few issues and left a powerful impact with particulars of the author's life. Yet, be warned that it will not leave you with a content ending.

Paul Pearsall, Ph.D. has written about a fascinating subject that until now a number of of us have taken for granted. The "AWE"-inspiring knowledge enlightens and inspiresRiding Solo: My Journey Via Love and Madness the reader.