Mind-Reach: Scientists Look at Psychic Abilities

Russell Targ and Harold E. Puthoff

First published in 1977, this is an extraordinary book about a multiyear program run by two eminent physicists at the Stanford Research Institute which focused on remote viewing and yielded compelling evidence that psychic abilities are the norm for almost all human beings.

This book is fun to read. The authors have made this into a human narrative, not a dry scientific text. The result is that it is almost as difficult to put down as a riveting novel.

The data is compelling. The experiments were carefully designed and carried out to virtually eliminate the chance of cheating or collusion. Even the most obstinate skeptic would have a very difficult time denying the existing of psychic abilities after reading this book.

Beyond the pure data, the authors have included many anecdotes and stories about the subjects and themselves that humanize this process, and that is part of the reason the book is so much fun to read. Moreover, they have taken the important step of trying to explain or develop a new paradigm to account for the conclusions of the studies.

The chapter "About Time," dealing with precognition, is one I found to be especially fascinating. Their experiences with Uri Geller are not to be missed.

This one of those books I can't recommend highly enough. I think absolutely everyone would find this enjoyable, enlightening, and most entertaining.

Review by Len Oppenheim.