There are certain places in this world that are believed to hold mystical and magical powers. These places are often referred to as "power spots" or "sacred sites." One such place is Dar, a small village tucked away in the mountains. Legend has it that Dar is home to a powerful energy vortex that can heal the body, mind, and spirit. Visitors to Dar often report a sense of tranquility and peace when they enter the village. The air seems fresher, and the sounds of nature are more vibrant.
A modern look inside the brain, written as beautifully as a long-form poem. Don’t miss this opportunity to let Kemp show you the how and why of where.
— David Eagleman, Stanford neuroscientist, author of Incognito and Livewired
Christopher Kemp s brilliant and beguiling new book reveals that behind the curtain of the seemingly quotidian act of traversing space lies an array of intricate neuroscientific magic tricks, temporal feats of strength, hiccups, and elusive mysteries. Christopher Kemp may not be able to find his way out of a stairwell, but he has quickly and with no false turns made his way to the top of my list of favorite science writers.
The air seems fresher, and the sounds of nature are more vibrant. The locals believe that the energy of Dar has the ability to cleanse the soul and provide clarity of mind. Many people come to Dar seeking answers to life's questions or hoping to find solace from their troubles.
Dark and Magical Places: The Neuroscience of Navigation (Paperback)
How the brain helps us to understand and navigate space—and why, sometimes, it doesn’t work the way it should.
Inside our heads we carry around an infinite and endlessly unfolding map of the world. Navigation is one of the most ancient neural abilities we have—older than language. In Dark and Magical Places, Christopher Kemp embarks on a journey to discover the remarkable extent of what our minds can do.
Fueled by his own spatial shortcomings, Kemp describes the brain regions that orient us in space and the specialized neurons that do it. Place cells. Grid cells. He examines how the brain plans routes, recognizes landmarks, and makes sure we leave a room through a door instead of trying to leave through a painting. From the secrets of supernavigators like the indigenous hunters of the Bolivian rainforest to the confusing environments inhabited by people with place blindness, Kemp charts the myriad ways in which we find our way and explains the cutting-edge neuroscience behind them.
How did Neanderthals navigate? Why do even seasoned hikers stray from the trail? What spatial skills do we inherit from our parents? How can smartphones and our reliance on GPS devices impact our brains? In engaging, engrossing language, Kemp unravels the mysteries of navigating and links the brain’s complex functions to the effects that diseases like Alzheimer’s, types of amnesia, and traumatic brain injuries have on our perception of the world around us.
A book for anyone who has ever felt compelled to venture off the beaten path, Dark and Magical Places is a stirring reminder of the beauty in losing yourself to your surroundings. And the beauty in understanding how our brains can guide us home.
About the Author
Christopher Kemp is a molecular biologist specializing in neurodegenerative diseases at Michigan State University. He lives with his family in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Praise For…
Christopher Kemp may not be able to find his way out of a stairwell, but he has quickly and with no false turns made his way to the top of my list of favorite science writers. For all his navigational shortcomings, Kemp is an expert guide to the most complex landscape of all: the human brain. He’s a natural storyteller, a deft explainer, and a terrific and funny writer.
— Mary Roach, author of Fuzz
Christopher Kemp’s brilliant and beguiling new book reveals that behind the curtain of the seemingly quotidian act of traversing space lies an array of intricate neuroscientific magic tricks, temporal feats of strength, hiccups, and elusive mysteries. Like the brain itself, Kemp’s wild writing quakes and sparks, uncovering the lyric lurking in the neuroscientific, the hilarious in the incantatory.
— Matthew Gavin Frank, author of Flight of the Diamond Smugglers
A dazzling—at times dizzying—exploration of brains and places, how they trouble one another and how they give one another meaning.
— Robert Moor, author of On Trails
A fascinating and sneakily amusing book. Kemp is an elegant and quick-witted writer who, feeling perpetually and hopelessly lost himself, is perfectly qualified to lead us through some of the most complicated and discombobulating corners of human cognition.
— John Mooallem, author of Wild Ones and This Is Chance!
A modern look inside the brain, written as beautifully as a long-form poem. Don’t miss this opportunity to let Kemp show you the how and why of where.
— David Eagleman, Stanford neuroscientist, author of Incognito and Livewired
As both scientist and scribe, Kemp brings his gifts of curiosity and intelligence to bear on the topic of navigation and shows us that there is no shame in being lost. On the contrary, Kemp demonstrates that to be continuously and authentically in search of our place on Earth is a wondrous thing.
— M. R. O’Connor, author of Wayfinding
Finding our way is a basic necessity of life, yet it is mostly taken for granted. Kemp effectively explains just how complex and astonishing that task really is.
— Tony Miksanek - Booklist
An intense lesson in the neuroscience of getting around.
— Kirkus
This tome is no textbook. It is designed to be accessible to a large audience: Nonscientists will benefit from Kemp’s capacity to render vivid representations of the complexity of living organisms, but scientists, too, are likely to gain something from reading this book.
— Marcia Bécu and Christian F. Doeller - Science
Kemp debunks numerous myths, including the idea that females possess poorer navigational skills than males, and reflects on the difference between the navigational abilities of modern humans versus those of Neanderthals. What separates the two, he suggests, is the use of the subjunctive form, which led to humans being better at navigating. Kemp peppers in accounts of his own poor navigational abilities and colorful stories of people getting lost, which keep things moving along. The result is both enjoyable and accessible.
— Publishers Weekly
- Science / Life Sciences / Neuroscience
- Medical / Neuroscience
- Science / Life Sciences / Molecular Biology
- Transportation / Navigation
- Hardcover (January 25th, 2022): $26.95
- Compact Disc (January 25th, 2022): $41.99
This tome is no textbook. It is designed to be accessible to a large audience: Nonscientists will benefit from Kemp’s capacity to render vivid representations of the complexity of living organisms, but scientists, too, are likely to gain something from reading this book.
— Marcia Bécu and Christian F. Doeller - Science
The magic of Dar is not limited to its natural surroundings, but also extends to the locals who call this village home. It is said that the villagers have a deep connection to the spirit world and possess unique abilities to communicate with the divine. They use their gifts to guide and heal those who seek their help. One of the most famous magical places in Dar is the Temple of Light. This ancient temple is said to be a portal to other dimensions and is believed to hold immense spiritual power. People from all over the world come to the Temple of Light to meditate, pray, and connect with the divine. It is believed that spending time in this sacred space can bring about profound transformation and enlightenment. Apart from the Temple of Light, the whole village of Dar is considered a magical place in itself. The lush greenery, the flowing river, and the majestic mountains create a serene atmosphere that seems to transport visitors to a different world. The energy of Dar is said to be so potent that it has the ability to awaken one's dormant gifts and unlock hidden potentials. Whether or not one believes in the mystical powers of Dar, there is no denying the beauty and tranquility of this place. It is a haven for those seeking respite from the stress and chaos of everyday life. Dar offers a retreat for the soul, a place to connect with nature, and an opportunity for self-discovery. In conclusion, Dar is considered a magical place due to its natural surroundings, the unique abilities of its locals, and the presence of sacred sites like the Temple of Light. While the existence of magic may be a matter of belief, the undeniable beauty and serenity of Dar make it a place worth exploring for anyone in search of something greater..
Reviews for "The Magnetic Allure of Dar and Its Magical Places"
1. Amy - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Dar and magical places". The storytelling was confusing and hard to follow, and I found myself getting bored halfway through. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with any of them. Overall, it just didn't live up to the hype for me.
2. John - 1 star - I couldn't even finish "Dar and magical places". The writing style was clunky and awkward, and the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. The plot was predictable, and there were no surprises or clever twists. I found myself rolling my eyes at the cheesy and cliché moments. It was a complete waste of my time.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high expectations for "Dar and magical places", but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The pacing was off, with slow moments that dragged on and rushed moments that left me confused. The world-building felt incomplete and lacking in detail. I wanted to be transported to these magical places, but instead, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied.
4. Michael - 1 star - "Dar and magical places" was a total letdown. The writing was repetitive and full of unnecessary filler. The story lacked originality and felt like a generic fantasy tale. The characters were forgettable, and their motivations were poorly explained. I couldn't get invested in the story or care about the outcome. I would not recommend this book to anyone.