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Top positive review
8 people found this helpful
4.0 out of 5 starsA useful addition to the collection of memoirs by acquired savants
Bytreekilleron January 12, 2017
Struck by Genius is a useful addition to the growing collection of memoirs written by acquired savants-- and I think is primarily of interest to those who have a particular interest in this topic. Some reviewers complain about the inclusion of detailed mathematical discussion of Jason Padgett's drawings. However, other reviewers wish there were actually more math, and lament the many pages devoted to descriptions of Jason's personal challenges in dealing with his accident and its consequences. Others (and I count myself in this camp) are put off by the persistent self-congratulatory remarks throughout the book, and I find myself wondering how these survived the influence of a co-writer, agent, and editor. Nevertheless, what the majority of readers seem to agree upon, is that the brain is an exquisitely complex and mysterious organ, and that Jason Padgett's account of his experience leads us to contemplate the remarkable possibilities as we progress in unlocking the brain's secrets.
Top critical review
4 people found this helpful
3.0 out of 5 starsDisappointing
ByBook Loveron May 18, 2014
I love books about the workings of the human mind, and the true story of a party boy who becomes a mathematical genius after surviving a mugging seemed like it was right up my alley. Unfortunately his newly-discovered genius did not extend to writing, and even with a co-author, the writing was labored and repetitive. What would have been a fascinating article in the New Yorker was a dull slog through the self-absorbed ramblings of a Rain Man wanna-be. Do yourself a favor and skip this in favor of Born On A Blue Day: Inside the Extraordinary Mind of an Autistic Savant by Daniel Tammet, a much more interesting memoir on a similar subject.
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Bytreekilleron January 12, 2017
Struck by Genius is a useful addition to the growing collection of memoirs written by acquired savants-- and I think is primarily of interest to those who have a particular interest in this topic. Some reviewers complain about the inclusion of detailed mathematical discussion of Jason Padgett's drawings. However, other reviewers wish there were actually more math, and lament the many pages devoted to descriptions of Jason's personal challenges in dealing with his accident and its consequences. Others (and I count myself in this camp) are put off by the persistent self-congratulatory remarks throughout the book, and I find myself wondering how these survived the influence of a co-writer, agent, and editor. Nevertheless, what the majority of readers seem to agree upon, is that the brain is an exquisitely complex and mysterious organ, and that Jason Padgett's account of his experience leads us to contemplate the remarkable possibilities as we progress in unlocking the brain's secrets.
8 people found this helpful
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ByAndy Bon February 4, 2017
It's an interesting read and I am glad it was from his perspective. As a physicist it is more understandable than the average person...but I think he relays his story well for an average person to relate. There are many lessons in his story for someone to learn if they pay attention. Overall "good" came from a tragedy.
ByLauraon August 10, 2017
Memoir of an average Joe who gets hit over the head and wakes up a mathematical savant. Apparently, he is the only one in the world this has ever happened to. His story is fascinating as long as he doesn't get too "mathy" and technical because then he loses me.
Bymirlen101on September 13, 2014
Interesting story about an interesting man . Hits on relationships between various subjects that are related to fractals , geometry , math , synesthesia , genius , brain injuries and brain abnormalities .How these things are interconnected .
It's mostly about how Jason was transformed through circumstances beyond his control . Going from an extreme extrovert who sought adrenaline driven thrills to an ultra-introvert who just wanted to be isolated from the outside world . Eventually coming back from his isolation via his new found love for math , art, geometry and fractals .To be considered one of the best known cases of head injury induced savantism . This story has circled the world . Been mentioned in newspapers , television , on the internet and seminars . Probably in the top ten cases of brain injury or brain abnormality savantism .
I imagine this book would be of special interest to those interested in savantism and or synesthesia ( people who have crossed senses , such as seeing colors when hearing music , or seeing letters and numbers as colored objects ) . Also those that like stories of the underdog who goes onto to great things .Silver linings ?
It's mostly about how Jason was transformed through circumstances beyond his control . Going from an extreme extrovert who sought adrenaline driven thrills to an ultra-introvert who just wanted to be isolated from the outside world . Eventually coming back from his isolation via his new found love for math , art, geometry and fractals .To be considered one of the best known cases of head injury induced savantism . This story has circled the world . Been mentioned in newspapers , television , on the internet and seminars . Probably in the top ten cases of brain injury or brain abnormality savantism .
I imagine this book would be of special interest to those interested in savantism and or synesthesia ( people who have crossed senses , such as seeing colors when hearing music , or seeing letters and numbers as colored objects ) . Also those that like stories of the underdog who goes onto to great things .Silver linings ?
ByCathleen M. Joneson July 23, 2014
This was a very good book. I am interested in how different brains perceive things so this was right up my alley! It made me buy other books synethesia.
ByAmazon Customeron July 1, 2014
Some parts are so technical that only a college math major could understand them, but it is interesting and enjoyable and well worth reading.
4.0 out of 5 starsBut if this book is saying take a look at this individual who has made a remarkable recovery through his astounding achievements
ByAmazon Customeron January 18, 2016
Interesting book although Jason has recovered from a very serious Head injury and this book very inspiring about his new life, it should be noted that it was not the head injury that makes Jason a prodigy of his remarkable talent in mathematics. It is without doubt he had this undiscovered talent before the injury. But he never had the to opportunity to utilise it until he began his therapy during or after his recovery. Let be known if Jason discovered this talent before his injuries who knows what what he would have accomplished. Dispite the myth of Isaac Newton getting hit in the head with an apple Eurika he now understands gravity. Head injuries can cause serious impairments especially when they are as traumatic as this book is stating. If the author of this book is saying or is thinking ha go out and have a Head injury a wow you'll become a genius this is very misleading and very very dangerous. But if this book is saying take a look at this individual who has made a remarkable recovery through his astounding achievements great. But believed me those who knows about head injuries and about those who've recovered from them will know it is not a very good thing to have a Traumatic Brain Injury.
ByDevonbrayon May 6, 2014
What exactly is Mind, where do thoughts arise , what is the Stuff if the universe. Mr Padgett may have the answer
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