Awe: The Delights and Dangers of Our Eleventh Emotion Hardcover – January 1, 2007

Only got halfway through this book before I had to start something else. Felt the writer was saying the same thing over and over but in different ways. Didn't find it "eye opening" or unexpected twists and turns. Was hoping to bring my mind to a new level, possibly some enlightenment. Nope, nothing.Did like how there's some research about "awe" and everything that goes on with that.

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

The title had me .I wanted to gain insight on how to use this in writing lesson plans for my teaching. It is a great help.

This book is very inspiring.

VERY ENLIGHTENING

I just finished reading the book. I won't ruin the surprises other than to say the book ends on a very down note. The author is a psychologist who has conducted a number of surveys of people who have experienced awe. He mostly describes his findings in very general terms. He admits his findings won't satisfy scientists but calls for more research on the subject. I would have liked to have read more direct accounts from the 500 people he has surveyed. Instead we get a lot of vague descriptions of how he defines awe and what characterizes it.The author's definition seems to include a rather pessimistic view of awe. He includes a component of sadness and "bad triumphs over good" philosophy perhaps influenced by his battle with cancer and his son's disability. A better editor might have tightened up the book and made it more coherent. There isn't much in the way of awe inspired by nature. His study seems to have had some preconceived conclusions already in mind.I give it 4 stars because it made me think about a few things and left a powerful impact with details of the author's life. However, be warned that it won't leave you with a happy ending.