The Book of Highs

Starred review from April 1, 2018
In the foreword, Andrew Weil (Mind over Meds, 2017) theorizes that the human desire for transcendent experiences may be hard-wired, a point Rosenfeld develops throughout this extensive and greatly expanded update of the original 1973 edition of a book designed to ensure that these extraordinary states of being would be available to all without using illegal psychedelics. Rosenfeld presents a comprehensive, even dizzying number of drug-free methods for altering consciousness; each is accorded a detailed description and thoughtful commentary. Personal motivation is key, whether altered states of consciousness (ASCs) are used for medical treatments, palliative care, DIY-training in sensory awareness, or other personal goals. Aware of the internet's overwhelming jumble of infinite resources touting ASCs, Rosenfeld brings order to the subject in a well-designed, captivating, encyclopedic volume with three main sections? Self, Help from Others, Devices and Machines ?that are meticulously divided into categories with dozens of subsets. Religions, Mysticism and Movement, for example, includes transcendental meditation, martial arts, flower arrangements, tantric sex, faith healing, revival meetings, haiku, and flash mobs. Rosenfeld also covers ways to increase concentration, biofeedback, skydiving, kayaking, music, and much more and lists further resources to enrich the understanding this lively, widely appealing, and extraordinary compendium affords. Reading Rosenfeld's guide is itself a high.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)