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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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Byzamoleyon August 6, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. As soon as I read the first two chapters I knew I would be sad by the time I'd finish reading it. What I mean is I developed a mini addiction to the story and the information (that was either somewhat familiar to me, like fractals, synesthesia and savant syndrome or completely new to me - rigid surfaces, no perfect circles exist in nature or capturing sound in drawings!!!! We already have Cymatics and the sounds of the universe are being explored today.) I absorbed it like a sponge. (I foresee more research-binging inspired by this story.)
I generally read very fast, so I tried to "ration" my reading to prolong the experience over a few days. And I could not wait to get home after work to continue reading. It is truly stimulating in so many ways (emotionally, intellectually, even visually, though I am not a synnie.) I could personally relate to some experiences described by the "halfway" savant (periodic self-imposed isolation to binge on information and ponder upon what truly is beautiful, simple and captivating; above average empathy - a blessing and a curse...) I could visualize (as best as my mind's eye allowed) Jason Padgett's visions: the first sunrise after several years, his hand, leaves, the rain drops in the puddle. I even cried a bit... a few times. As I tried to envision what I was reading, many times I thought that this is definitely going to be "A Beautiful Mind 2" or something along those lines... I love quoting beautifully written passages and this book certainly is drenched in quotes worth remembering and referencing.
I remain hopeful that soon enough the "savant-inducing headgear" hits the market, rendering all preceding technology virtually obsolete. I guess, I'll hold off on G.glass and iWatch.
Although I do not know them perosnally, nevertheless, Congratulations to Jason, Elena and their family with the new baby due very-very soon :)).
I generally read very fast, so I tried to "ration" my reading to prolong the experience over a few days. And I could not wait to get home after work to continue reading. It is truly stimulating in so many ways (emotionally, intellectually, even visually, though I am not a synnie.) I could personally relate to some experiences described by the "halfway" savant (periodic self-imposed isolation to binge on information and ponder upon what truly is beautiful, simple and captivating; above average empathy - a blessing and a curse...) I could visualize (as best as my mind's eye allowed) Jason Padgett's visions: the first sunrise after several years, his hand, leaves, the rain drops in the puddle. I even cried a bit... a few times. As I tried to envision what I was reading, many times I thought that this is definitely going to be "A Beautiful Mind 2" or something along those lines... I love quoting beautifully written passages and this book certainly is drenched in quotes worth remembering and referencing.
I remain hopeful that soon enough the "savant-inducing headgear" hits the market, rendering all preceding technology virtually obsolete. I guess, I'll hold off on G.glass and iWatch.
Although I do not know them perosnally, nevertheless, Congratulations to Jason, Elena and their family with the new baby due very-very soon :)).
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.
Bysatchi ron May 30, 2017
The author was a speaker at the Pro-Mega Consciousness Conference in Madison 5/17 and I was astonished by this story, by his drawings and weeping by the end at how much we truly don't know about human capacities. The book goes much more deeply into the journey and research out there with persons exhibiting Acquired Savant Syndrome and Synesthesia, triggered by Traumatic Brain Injury. Very readable as a good story and useful as a map to help others struggling to find meaning from pain and trauma.
ByDenice D. Gigouxon July 11, 2016
Title shared with me by a new acquaintance. Found the book to be so interestingly. My worldview says that God gave us many layers of the onion to peel when it comes to discovering His creation. Jason has peeled off several layers in an area few of us understand. I love these glimpses we are privileged to experience or view from afar.
ByBibliomaniacon June 28, 2014
Exquisitely written, both the "before" and "after" portions of Jason Padgett's story boggle the mind and give rise to the wondrous potential that exists in all of us. A must read for anyone who is at all curious about human potential, the capacity to accept change, and for those who appreciate the wonder in a blade of grass or patterns created in the water rushing out of a bathroom faucet.
ByJudyon May 15, 2014
I could not put the book down. Jason underwent traumatic experiences with little help for a long time. What a strong, determined guy. Putting his early life in context helped the reader to understand what a dramatic change has taken place. Maureen's writing is excellent and perfectly chronicles Jason's ordeal. When I saw his interview on Fox, I had to read his story. So glad I did. Becoming a "mathematical genius" is an understatement. The other problems and gifts are truly amazing.
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.
ByRilefoson August 29, 2017
Jason Padgett has an amazing story, which isn't over yet. I think we will yet hear additional new and amazing insights from the unusual way his brain functions.
ByJacqueline Reidon June 23, 2016
This is a very interesting story but you will need to figure that out for yourself. :)
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