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Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsInteresting and thought provoking
BySwannyon March 4, 2018
For someone like myself who knows very little about savant syndrome, austism, and the theories surrounding such topics I found this book was an excellent primer on the subject. While some of the author’s ideas are largely untested theories, to his credit he readily admits to this fact. One thing the reader should keep in mind is that over a lifetime of studying these individuals he has obviously developed an emotional attachment to them. I say this not as a positive or negative statement, rather as a fact that the reader should keep in mind while processing the ideas and stories that the author presents.
Top critical review
2 people found this helpful
3.0 out of 5 starsInteresting Reading
ByRich Duisenbergon May 24, 2013
A good book, but a bit clinical in nature. While this book give some great insights into the life and experiences of several Savants, it sometimes feels more like a series of case studies than a deeper understanding of the possible origins and nature of Savant behavior. Perhaps the most interesting part time me is the authors suggestion that we all have the potential for extraordinary mental tasks, the trick is how to access these abilities.
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BySwannyon March 4, 2018
For someone like myself who knows very little about savant syndrome, austism, and the theories surrounding such topics I found this book was an excellent primer on the subject. While some of the author’s ideas are largely untested theories, to his credit he readily admits to this fact. One thing the reader should keep in mind is that over a lifetime of studying these individuals he has obviously developed an emotional attachment to them. I say this not as a positive or negative statement, rather as a fact that the reader should keep in mind while processing the ideas and stories that the author presents.
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ByChristian Erdmanon September 29, 2013
In Islands of Genius, psychiatrist Dr. Darold Treffert shares various lessons and anecdotes from his nearly 50 years of experience with savants. His perspective is one of clinical precision, but is also one of genuine compassion. His book, coupled with a fascinating foreword by Daniel Tammet, gives the reader an unparalleled view into the complex minds of savants. Tammet, a savant who made international news after memorizing pi to 22,514 digits, draws the reader into the world of savant as he describes not only what makes savants unique, but also the distinct human qualities that make savants as passionate and dedicated as any other individuals. Treffert maintains this immersive focus on the savant as a whole person through his writing in a way that makes this book different from any other work about the topic. Other accounts of savantism whether in the news, in textbooks, in memoirs or on film, seem to frame savantism merely as a talent-show-like ability good for a quick awe. Redefining this way in which people tend to view savants is Treffert's very goal in Islands of Genius. Not only does he successfully redefine the conversation to encompass all qualities of the beautiful minds of savants, but he does so with great attention to detail and powerful compassion. Though he is very detailed in his descriptions, Treffert can be repetitive as he restates fundamental qualities of savants quite frequently. Occasionally, this breaks up the flow of the work as he attempts to mimic the stream of consciousness of the individuals he is describing.
Tammet's writing is very detailed and thought-provoking, as is expected from a man of such analytical nature. However, his compassionate personality shines through as he emphasizes the way savants are not just objects with "supercomputer-like mental processing" capabilities, but also the results of "distinctly human qualities: passion, dedication, enthusiasm, love." I found this different approach admirable and well-executed. The body of the novel is broken into sections investigating different aspects of the study of savants. In the first section, "The Mind of the Savant," Treffert focuses on various aspects of the mind of a savant that make it unique. This answers many questions the reader has in regards to general qualities demonstrated by these individuals. Having clarified background information and introduced context for the qualities of savants, "Part 2 The World of the Savant," places nuances of the savant mind in the context of everyday life and everyday struggles. The way Treffert describes the way savants fall in love with their quirks and their obsessions is eye-opening and unexpected as many had never truly thought of. In the next three sections, Treffert focuses on the study and the clinical impact of the study of savants. He focuses first on novel forms of savantism, then elaborates upon ways in which researchers and readers alike can learn from the savants for further learning and study.
Overall, the structure of the book was very effective. It was very clearly laid out and was easy to jump around. The way Treffert used the first two sections to provide anecdotal descriptions for each of his subjects individually made it easy to go back and refer to these qualities later in the novel. By presenting examples first followed by psychological mechanisms and more clinical information later, it was much easier for the reader to apply their own connections to the principles Treffert mentions.
Treffert's style is quite familiar and casual, considering his clinical background and the technical basis for much of what he describes. This casual, everyday style makes it easy to sense the compassion in his writing as he view his subjects as more than just objects for research. However, as someone who is very interested in the mechanisms behind many of the phenomena he describes (the boring mumbo jumbo), I would have liked to read a bit more technical description.
The content of Treffert's book is informative while Islands of Genius still steers far away from being a textbook. The delivery of information about the nature of savantism and the mechanisms behind autism is very thorough and contextual. Often, one of the most painful parts about textbooks is the lack of contextual information used to frame the piece and its relevance to the reader. Though Treffert is often quite repetitive with his inclusion of the basics, his side-by-side delivery of facts with context is very effective. Within the first four sections of the book, Treffert presents information regarding the nature of the savant in direct juxtaposition with the impact such qualities might have not only on the lives of the people closest to the effected individual, but also on the reader. He proposes that, by studying and admiring the mind of these individuals, any reader can mimic such techniques, albeit on a much lighter level, to unlock their own mind's potential. Not only does this proposition add weight and importance to the information he chooses to include in Islands of Genius, but it also motivates the reader to delve deeper into the studying of the mind and its nuances in savants. In addition, Treffert masterfully places Part 5 immediately after some of his most gripping inclusion of global context. This section describes the magnitude of conclusions drawn from autism studies and the study of the mind of the savant on the global stage. Not only can this research revolutionize the way the world views and interacts with its savants, but it can also change the way we think about our own mind and its boundless potential.
Overall, Islands of Genius presents a remarkably novel perspective on the study of the savant and extends this perspective to the reader, inviting him to delve deeper into study of the mind itself and its true potential. I would recommend this book to any ponderer, researcher, or curious mind interested in the way the mind works and the way we can explore our own capabilities. Informative yet familiar, Treffert's presentation style makes the book perfect for psychology professionals, students and casual curiosities alike. Though his presentation is often repetitive, you can not match Treffer's level of detail and the depth of his presentation of savants of all types as complex, multifaceted individuals with a lot to teach the world.
Tammet's writing is very detailed and thought-provoking, as is expected from a man of such analytical nature. However, his compassionate personality shines through as he emphasizes the way savants are not just objects with "supercomputer-like mental processing" capabilities, but also the results of "distinctly human qualities: passion, dedication, enthusiasm, love." I found this different approach admirable and well-executed. The body of the novel is broken into sections investigating different aspects of the study of savants. In the first section, "The Mind of the Savant," Treffert focuses on various aspects of the mind of a savant that make it unique. This answers many questions the reader has in regards to general qualities demonstrated by these individuals. Having clarified background information and introduced context for the qualities of savants, "Part 2 The World of the Savant," places nuances of the savant mind in the context of everyday life and everyday struggles. The way Treffert describes the way savants fall in love with their quirks and their obsessions is eye-opening and unexpected as many had never truly thought of. In the next three sections, Treffert focuses on the study and the clinical impact of the study of savants. He focuses first on novel forms of savantism, then elaborates upon ways in which researchers and readers alike can learn from the savants for further learning and study.
Overall, the structure of the book was very effective. It was very clearly laid out and was easy to jump around. The way Treffert used the first two sections to provide anecdotal descriptions for each of his subjects individually made it easy to go back and refer to these qualities later in the novel. By presenting examples first followed by psychological mechanisms and more clinical information later, it was much easier for the reader to apply their own connections to the principles Treffert mentions.
Treffert's style is quite familiar and casual, considering his clinical background and the technical basis for much of what he describes. This casual, everyday style makes it easy to sense the compassion in his writing as he view his subjects as more than just objects for research. However, as someone who is very interested in the mechanisms behind many of the phenomena he describes (the boring mumbo jumbo), I would have liked to read a bit more technical description.
The content of Treffert's book is informative while Islands of Genius still steers far away from being a textbook. The delivery of information about the nature of savantism and the mechanisms behind autism is very thorough and contextual. Often, one of the most painful parts about textbooks is the lack of contextual information used to frame the piece and its relevance to the reader. Though Treffert is often quite repetitive with his inclusion of the basics, his side-by-side delivery of facts with context is very effective. Within the first four sections of the book, Treffert presents information regarding the nature of the savant in direct juxtaposition with the impact such qualities might have not only on the lives of the people closest to the effected individual, but also on the reader. He proposes that, by studying and admiring the mind of these individuals, any reader can mimic such techniques, albeit on a much lighter level, to unlock their own mind's potential. Not only does this proposition add weight and importance to the information he chooses to include in Islands of Genius, but it also motivates the reader to delve deeper into the studying of the mind and its nuances in savants. In addition, Treffert masterfully places Part 5 immediately after some of his most gripping inclusion of global context. This section describes the magnitude of conclusions drawn from autism studies and the study of the mind of the savant on the global stage. Not only can this research revolutionize the way the world views and interacts with its savants, but it can also change the way we think about our own mind and its boundless potential.
Overall, Islands of Genius presents a remarkably novel perspective on the study of the savant and extends this perspective to the reader, inviting him to delve deeper into study of the mind itself and its true potential. I would recommend this book to any ponderer, researcher, or curious mind interested in the way the mind works and the way we can explore our own capabilities. Informative yet familiar, Treffert's presentation style makes the book perfect for psychology professionals, students and casual curiosities alike. Though his presentation is often repetitive, you can not match Treffer's level of detail and the depth of his presentation of savants of all types as complex, multifaceted individuals with a lot to teach the world.
ByRich Duisenbergon May 24, 2013
A good book, but a bit clinical in nature. While this book give some great insights into the life and experiences of several Savants, it sometimes feels more like a series of case studies than a deeper understanding of the possible origins and nature of Savant behavior. Perhaps the most interesting part time me is the authors suggestion that we all have the potential for extraordinary mental tasks, the trick is how to access these abilities.
ByKunderaon June 21, 2015
Fascinating book that could only be writing by one man in the world. No one has compiled cases of acquired savant syndrome like Dr. Treffert. And he writes with passion and acumen. It is, of course, largely a book of case studies of autistic savants, so know what you're getting. But if that's what you're looking for, it's an incredible book.
ByHRWon February 27, 2016
I have always been fascinated by the savant syndrome and this book has wonderful information concerning it. It also has some information on hyperlexia which also is of interest to me since my great nephew is hyperlexic.
ByJoseph L. Richardsonon March 10, 2014
Good, but not as good as his book "Extrordinary People." I would have liked more stories of savants and what they do and how they progress through life.
ByRon Sandisonon August 20, 2014
Best book on servant ever written.
Ron Sandison
Ron Sandison
ByPrecious M. Moseson March 22, 2011
Treffert offers a wonderful insight on savants. An easy read and a must buy for those interested on the subject.
ByCarolyn Sutherlandon July 19, 2014
Brilliant book - the potential for the human mind to soar, its all here.
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