Human Anatomy Videos

• Audible Audio Edition
• Listening Length: 10 hours
• Program Type: Audiobook
• Version: Unabridged
• Publisher: Gildan Media, LLC
• Audible.com Release Date: January 9, 2013
• Whispersync for Voice: Ready
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00AZ9EW0U

The first thing that strikes you as you read through the book is that it feels like a collection of essays and articles stretched into a book more than a fluid book itself. Indeed, Mastermind was based on a series of articles that the author wrote for two different web sites: Big Think and Scientific American.

Another issue with the book is that it isnt quite sure if it wants to be a psychology book, explaining key cognitive concepts through the framework of Sherlock Holmes, or a pop culture book, looking at what Sherlock Holmes can tell us about cognition and psychology. As a result, it fails to really be either. The book alternates between analyzing the deductive prowess of Sherlock Holmes and explaining current research in cognitive psychology, but the switch between the two is sometimes jarring. There isnt a fluid amalgamation of the two. Furthermore, it struggles to be an elaborate analysis of Holmes deductive reasoning, with latter chapters reframing concepts from earlier ones. The book takes a very long time to explain too few concepts that require less detail than what is actually given.

The book ultimately might be mistitled. One would expect a book subtitled "How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes" to actually have instructive steps and exercises, but it does not. The only clear recommendation is to maintain a journal. Other elements are analyzed, but no actual instructions are given on how to successfully implement them in daily life. For example, after reading extensively about mindfulness, you really only come away with the idea that you have to be more mindful, and very little on how exactly to set up a successful regimen to train yourself to be more mindful.

In the past few years, there has been a huge resurgence of all things Holmes. But Conan Doyles most famous character has been with us since 1887 and has never really left the publics imagination. In fact, The Guinness World Records has consistently listed Sherlock Holmes as the "most portrayed movie character with more than 70 actors playing the part in over 200 films. In Maria Konnilovas latest book, he (and of course, Watson) are now themselves investigated and used as prime examples on thinking, deduction, observation, and much more.

Marias book is a "great twist" on a popular subject that too, is very much in the public eye. How can we change ourselves, our thinking, and our surroundings for the better. Maria suggests that we spend much of our time in a Watson mode of thinking. Basically this means we are not really paying attention, and hence our thinking and then our actions are hasty and not thought out. The Holmes way is, well, as Sherlock thinks. Methodical, thought out, and evidence based. She uses many examples from the novels to explain and illustrate well documented problems with how we think, and how we can, perhaps, change for the better.

Mastermind is broken into 4 main areas: Understanding yourself. From observation to imagination. The art of deduction. The science and art of self knowledge. Each of these parts are the detailed into smaller chapters, which go into greater detail.

Having a background in the Holmes novels makes this a fantastic read. If you have never read one, this book would be a tough and uninteresting read, as Maria uses many examples from the stories to explain her thoughts. Without this knowledge, it would be hard to make head nor tail of what is going on.