Proust and the Squid cover art

Proust and the Squid

The Story and Science of the Reading Brain

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Proust and the Squid

By: Maryanne Wolf
Narrated by: Kirsten Potter
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About this listen

 Interweaving her vast knowledge of neurology, sociology, psychology, and philosophy with fascinating down-to-earth examples and lively personal anecdotes, developmental psychologist, neuroscientist, and dyslexia expert Wolf probes the question, "How do we learn to read and write?" This ambitious and provocative new book offers an impassioned look at reading, its effect on our lives, and explains why it matters so greatly in a digital era.©2007 Maryanne Wolf (P)2008 HighBridge Company History History & Philosophy Linguistics Neuroscience & Neuropsychology Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Science Social Sciences Words, Language & Grammar Brain Science

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Critic reviews

"Wolf's alarm about the spread of semi- literacy among the young is obviously justified, and her book provokes thought about it as only reading can." ( Sunday Times London)
"Blindingly fascinating...detailed and scholarly....There's a lot of difficult material in here. But it's worth the effort....For people interested in language, this is a must. You'll find yourself focusing on words in new ways. Read it slowly--it will take time to sink in." ( The Sunday Telegraph)
All stars
Most relevant
This book is one of the best I’ve read on the science of reading. It’s evidence-based and practical at times, philosophical and polemical at others. I was hooked throughout. A truly inspiring read.

Absolutely fascinating— what a journey!

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This has turned out to be on of my favourite books, I've bought the paperback now too so I can reread whenever I want. What a beautiful musing on language and how reading shaped us, coming from a linguistics background I have some knowledge on the areas covered and still I was blown away by the things I didn't know or yet fully understand. Such a lovely conversational style of writing, such a warm tone, I can't rate this high enough.

One of my favourites

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I found this book fascinating. It's very scientific, and you do have to concentrate hard, but the author really explores how we learn to read, what happens in our brains when we do; how reading developed; and then goes on to explore why these things go wrong and what causes dyslexia etc. I would have given it 5 stars - but it is a book that is, unsurprisingly, written to be read rather than listened to. This occasionally leads to the frustration of being asked to read a passage and see what happens - when, of course, all you can do is sit and listen (and Ms Wolf is clear to point out that listening fires different centres in your brain to those fired up by reading). If you are interested in what goes on in the little grey cells when you pick up a book - and it is quite literally mind blowing - then this is an accessible and fascinating listen.

Read this?

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Being a sucker for a quirky title I was instantly drawn to this book only to find there is more hard science in it than would normally be to my taste. Admittedly much of the scientific terminology does pass me by but the author makes very clear the potential implications of the science which is the bit I'm interested in.

I find the authors concern for literacy a little worthy as her own analysis of would seem to suggest we are heading for a new form of literacy rather than some form of "sub-literate" state. It's not a barrier though and the the book is both informative, moving and inspiring.

Other texts which touch on dyslexia I find a little patronising whereas this one is not.

A wonderful listen that I'd recommend to every educator, parent and person interested in language and reading (for the educators I'd make it compulsory).

Inspiring Science!

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