Eight stars
When I discovered Amanda Mantell's new book, I rushed to secure a copy in order to see some of her latest thoughts. Having loved her previous two books, I was sure this would be another great read and I was not disappointed. Mantell seeks to explore the mind's tendency to overthink, as well as the societal means by which it is overtaxed and sent on the path towards hyper-stimulation. With great commentary and witty asides, Mantell does a stellar job at exploring some highly technical and analytical topics while keeping it digestible for the layperson who needs a good laugh along the way!
While Amanda Montell captivated readers with her two previous publications, they pale in comparison to the exploration of the mind's wiring and how biases help to rewire things for individuals in such a way that they are unaware of being duped. Montell does so by synthesising a number of these preconceived notions and ideas through filters of sociological influences and societal norms, while also peppering the tome with her own experiences, so as to keep the reader feeling grounded and as though they are not alone in the revelations. Montell has a witty way of telling her reader about things that trick the mind, shedding light on the numerous examples, while enveloping it in fact and study-based information.
The premise of the book, 'magical thinking' comes from the idea that internal thoughts and sentiments can help to create changes in the outside world. Manifesting something simply by casting light on it inside one's mind to ensure it happens might seem silly to those who are peering in, but Montell explores how we all do it to some degree or another. Social media helps push the idea that we can change things simply by wanting to do so, or that our thoughts are an ever-evolving set of newly intuited thoughts is a falsehood that is not corrected at any point. Montell seeks to advise the reader of how these influences shape our lives and how we are duping ourselves into thinking we can simply 'choose' our pathway by manifesting that it happens.
Perhaps one of the most salient aspects of the book is Montell's argument that the modern Information Age has flooded the brain with stimuli and factoids that it can no longer cope with ease, forcing the brain to snatch a few tidbits and scurry away for protection. Overstimulation and constant changes to the norm make it hard to truly find the path down which we ought to stroll, which can lead to the need to be praised or fit into a specific box. Montell does not dismiss the reader who feels this or even those she uses as examples, but rather explain it as a means to an end.
Montell's writing is easy to comprehend and well-balanced in the chapters presented. Her ideas are both clear and easy to digest, while also pushing the envelope to challenge the attentive reader. Using many sources to substantiate her ideas, Montell develops themes in her chapters and argues them effectively, so as to ensure the reader can follow the thread and apply things from earlier in the book to the latter chapters. This cogent approach left me feeling not only educated, but feeling as though I could actually take something way from the book and apply it in future. While this might not be the subject matter for everyone, I cannot say enough about Montell's work or how much I admire her for being so well-grounded in her arguments or daily living. I am eager to see where she will take readers next and know that I will be queued up, ready to participate once more.
Kudos, Madam Mantell, for a highly engaging book that I will surely share with others.
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