The Scientist in the Crib : What Early Learning Tells Us About the Mind by Alison Gopnik, Andrew N. Meltzoff, Patricia K. Kuhl Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Scientist in the Crib : What Early Learning Tells Us About the Mind
Book Review: A subtle, deep, yet entertaining book
Summary: 5 Stars
I read this book for a book group and began without much interest. I was caught. This is a beautifully crafted piece of writing. Some of the reviewers seem to be treating it as though it were a manual or reference book for young parents. Rather it is an examination of the status of research into the development of the mind -- research at the trickiest and most preconception-filled level, at the level of the youngest brains -- written for anyone interested in how we learn to perceive and make sense of the world around us. The presentation is enlivened by the authors' own observations. Is there a more accessible analysis and ultimate rejection of the whole nature vs. nurture controversy? A wise and wonderful book I have recommended to friends, and I've been thanked for recommending it. Incidentally, I've recommended it to friends who do not have young children, the hardest to interest in books about young children! The science is formidable when you pause to think about it, yet this remains a humane and accessible book.Book Review: Interesting but repetitive
Summary: 3 Stars
I found this book to be interesting to read during my son's first year of life. I kept reading things and saying, "Hey, he does that same thing!" The authors' cutsie attempts at humor grew tiresome after the first quarter of the book and by the end I felt it was just saying the same thing over and over.Book Review: Hard to find the content.
Summary: 2 Stars
It seems as though the authors are more interested in name dropping and patting themselves on the back than making the book readable. I found all the outside references distracting and probably unnecessary. Once I was able to get beyond the pandering fluff I found the data interesting and in many cases helpful but it just seemed as though the writers were paying homage to too many outsiders and not enough attention to those of us who bought the book.Book Review: More than child development
Summary: 5 Stars
The scientist in the crib helps us understand in a new way, not only young babies, but ourselves, who are still trying to understand how the world operates. It helps me enjoy my grandchildren's daily explorations with greater appreciation of their "seriousness." Very well written and humorous as well.Book Review: Disappointing
Summary: 2 Stars
Hugely disappointing book that provides little that is fresh, insightful or frankly interesting. I bought this with such high expectations, but there is nothing here an observant parent wouldn't already know.