Blue Cats and Chartreuse Kittens : How Synesthetes Color Their World

Blue Cats and Chartreuse Kittensis a unique look at the quirky neurological phenomenon known as synesthesia. Sometimes described as a blending of perceptions, synesthesia occurs when one of the five senses is stimulated, yet two respond. This collision of sights, smells, sounds and tastes make for an odd, yet extremely colorful way of thinking! Patricia Duffy draws from her own struggles and breakthroughs with synesthesia to help the reader better understand the condition. Along the way she introduces us to among other things, the different variations of synesthesia, brilliant synesthetes from the past, the likelihood of inheriting synesthesia, and the ongoing research devoted to it and its frequent connections to the creative process. In addition, the book describes some of the major theories as to why synesthesia occurs and offers accessible explanations. This is a must read for artists, writers, creative thinkers, as well as science and health buffs, or anyone generally intrigued by perception. An illuminating exploration into the mind of synesthete,Blue Cats and Chartreuse Kittensoffers a rare glimpse at the thought process that mystifies so many.

Patricia Lynne Duffy 's essays and articles have appeared in The San Francisco Chronicle, New York Newsday, The Village Voice, The Boston Globe, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Ms. Magazine, MIT's journal of science and art and South Shore Express. Her work is also included in the anthologies, They Only Laughed Later: Tales of Women on the Move and Soulful Living. She is also co-founder and a consultant to the American Synesthesia Association.