REVIEWS | Carved in Sand

Jane Brody

New York Times

Jane Brody
New York Times

“An enlightening and rather reassuring new book on fading memory in midlife…”

 

Publishers Weekly

Publisher Weekly

“Memory loss and other cognitive problems are increasingly the bugaboo of aging baby boomers, as well as many of their elders. In her first book, veteran journalist Ramin turns herself into a guinea pig as she seeks ways to restore her own failing memory and growing inability to concentrate. Looking at a wide variety of genetic, biochemical and environmental factors that slow the connections among the brain’s 100 billion neurons, especially in the hippocampus, Ramin undertakes 10 interventions, methods of achieving her cognitive enhancement. She logs the ups and downs of medications such as Adderall and Provigil; she looks at dietary supplements and biofeedback. She ends with discussions with experts, such as Nobelist Eric Kandel, about what keeps some people mentally young into old age; the key seems to be having the “mental reserves” gained from challenging one’s mind with new kinds of learning—such as learning a new language or studying art—that use different parts of the brain; the right diet and exercise also help. Overall, the variety of perspectives and the wealth of scientific information Ramin provides, as well as her warm personal style, will reward readers and may help them stay mentally sharp.”

 

Kirkus Review

Kirkus Review

"Useful strategies to keep the middle-aged mind limber. Everyone draws a blank now and then, but it was happening to Ramin with disturbing frequency. The author doesn’t pretend to be scientific in her sampling of cognition-boosting approaches, but she reads the relevant literature, consults with leading practitioners, and engages in the therapies as participant and observer. She burrows deep in sleep studies, explores the latent effects of mildly traumatic brain injuries, learns what the brain likes to eat, takes the pharmacological route, grazes on meditation and thoroughly investigates hormones, genetics and dementia. Ultimately, Ramin asserts that steady mental stimulation (memorize poetry, learn ballroom dancing), physical activity and social interaction are all key to keeping the brain young. A wholly encouraging plan for mental fitness."

 

Mary Roach

author of Stiff and Spook

Mary Roach
author of Stiff and Spook

“Cathryn what's-her-name has written an understandable, enjoyable, highly informative book about memory and mental acuity—and all the things that plague and hamper them as we age. This is a tremendously comforting book: You are not alone, and you are not losing your mind. Best of all, there are solutions: simple, sound ways to clear the maddening fog of the middle-aged mind. Though just now, I can't recall any.”

 

David Shenk

author of The Forgetting

David Shenk
author of The Forgetting

“This is a book for our time—a book about decline, how to face it, respect it, and fight back. On our behalf, Ramin courageously navigates the baffling limbo between “normal” and “disease.” Most of us should plan on living there for a while.”

 

Dr Edward M. Hallowell

author of CrazyBusy! Overstretched, Overbooked, and About to Snap! Strategies for Coping in a World Gone ADD

Dr Edward M. Hallowell
author of CrazyBusy! Overstretched, Overbooked, and About to Snap! Strategies for Coping in a World Gone ADD

“Cathryn Jakobson Ramin reports on her exciting ride through the science surrounding middle-aged forgetfulness and distractibility. An important read for anybody who questions how his reliable "steel trap" mind turned into a sieve, or suspects that her sudden inability to multitask means she is suffering from adult ADHD. Compelling, funny as heck, and accessible, Carved In Sand will reassure and enlighten everyone who has forgotten a dentist's appointment, left their kids at soccer, or blanked on a name. I recognized myself, my friends and the adults I see in my practice. Cathryn's tale of middle-aged forgetfulness—and her focus on finding solutions—makes this a classic for the middle-aged bookshelf.”

 

Andrew Solomon

author of The Noonday Demon

Andrew Solomon
author of The Noonday Demon

“Carved in Sand gives us a look at a problem that bothers almost everyone past the first flush of youth, and reassures us that we are not alone in the misery and humiliation of memory loss. This is a frank examination of a near-universal disability.”