"Covers the often-ignored history of MDMA with breathtaking depth . . . Nuwer’s sober assessment of MDMA’s promise and limitations, written in incisive but generous prose, steers away from the quackery and sentimentality that pervade the field of psychedelic research. Relentless and erudite in her journalistic commitments, unafraid of self-disclosure and unwilling to feign complete detachment, Nuwer searches for healing, and makes painfully obvious the terrifying uselessness and destructive consequences of the past half-century’s drug policies." —The Washington Post
"Excellently researched … The compelling narrative, woven from emotional testimonials and clinical studies, makes a convincing argument for MDMA's potential as a therapeutic supplement, especially for those working through trauma." —Scientific American
"Nuwer argues that the effort to recontextualize MDMA as a treatment for trauma is both ‘the latest installment in a long history of hype that’s surrounded this unique molecule’ and a return to the drug’s roots . . . One of Nuwer’s important contributions is dissecting two seriously flawed studies of MDMA that have been corrected in the scientific literature but have nonetheless shaped public opinion." —The New Yorker
"Exhaustively chronicles MDMA's journey from a therapeutic tool to an underground party pill and back to therapy … Nuwer does an excellent job of breaking down the scientific studies of ecstasy and how exactly it works on the brain." —Reason
"I FEEL LOVE details the complex and fascinating saga of how MDMA, a once obscure chemical, went on to become a beloved party drug, a controversial therapy tool, and a powerful symbol of the human desire for connection … As regulatory approval nears – the need for an improved understanding and public awareness of the drug’s potential effects on the brain has never been more urgent." - Science
“A sobering and eye-opening look at the psychedelic drug MDMA and how people's quest for healing persists through the generations … An illuminating, myth-free exploration of mental health from a unique perspective.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Heavily researched ... [I Feel Love] examines [MDMA's] history, which goes back to 1912, and its applications ranging from therapeutic to recreational. Viewing MDMA through multiple lenses (culture, politics, science, and society), Nuwer debunks common myths and cites numerous MDMA studies, particularly recent research indicating that MDMA can relieve the effects of trauma, depression, eating disorders, and more.” —Library Journal (starred review)
"A thorough overview of MDMA and its place in contemporary psychedelic drug use and research … Nuwer provides vivid snapshots of those for whom the drug was miraculous—helping some, for instance, to rediscover previously suppressed memories or more fully experience emotions—and those for whom it was deadly … [I Feel Love] will enrich the cultural, legal, and medical conversation around drugs." - Publishers Weekly
"Especially timely ... a lively history … this book will change the way you think about the ‘psychedelic renaissance’ and your brain." - Amazon Book Review, Nonfiction Best of the Month
"A sharp retelling of MDMA’s history . . . offers a foundation of knowledge that’s perhaps needed to push MDMA to the forefront of mental health through a nonalarmist, honest perspective." —Undark magazine
“Vast in scope, I Feel Love provides a wonderful account of the promises of MDMA to heal our psychic wounds and gain truly enlightened perspectives on ourselves and our relationships, while Rachel Nuwer's reporting also gives thorough consideration to the potential pitfalls of psychedelic agents. A riveting journey into the science behind the brave new world of consciousness-expanding medications.” —Bessel van der Kolk, MD, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE
“A meticulously researched and lucidly written examination of the potential of MDMA to be used as a tool in therapy to help process trauma and loss, and, ultimately, find joy. I entered the book a skeptic and emerged a believer. It's an important addition in the current movement to explore the use of previously demonized drugs to help people improve their lives.” —David Sheff, New York Times-bestselling author of BEAUTIFUL BOY
“Engagingly presents rigorous research, enriched by fascinating anecdotes and character sketches, to document the vagaries and victories, the scientific and human challenges, in the history of the human-made molecule MDMA as it has made its way from accidental discovery to party drug to a promising adjunct in the treatment of many of our most daunting mental health challenges.” —Gabor Mate, MD, New York Times bestselling author of THE MYTH OF NORMAL and IN THE REALM OF HUNGRY GHOSTS
“This deeply researched book is deliciously detailed and an absolute pleasure to read. Myths are debunked, 'other sides' of the story are finally fully told, and the case is convincingly made for MDMA as a uniquely therapeutic medicine. Brava to Nuwer!” —Julie Holland, MD, author of GOOD CHEMISTRY
“Much like the molecule it describes, I Feel Love is illuminating, transporting, and even, perhaps, a tonic for our times.” —Florence Williams, author of THE NATURE FIX and HEARTBREAK
“A vital addition to the body of knowledge on a powerful and misunderstood chemical.” —Hamilton Morris, creator of Hamilton's Pharmacopeia
“Too improbable for fiction, I Feel Love is the engrossing story of the dreamers, schemers, and in-betweeners who have made MDMA their life's passion. Rachel Nuwer reports deeply and writes with care and empathy. Her captivating book is well worth the trip, not only because of the characters you'll meet along the way - the dramatis personae include a renegade chemist, a remorseful ex-fascist, a huggy octopus, and a billionaire heiress seeking inner peace - but because the journey will expand your conception of what humans can be.” —Dan Fagin, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of TOM'S RIVER
★ 06/01/2023
Science journalist Nuwer's (Poached) heavily researched book focuses on the psychedelic drug MDMA, also known as molly or ecstasy. The book examines the drug's history, which goes back to 1912, and its applications ranging from therapeutic to recreational. Viewing MDMA through multiple lenses (culture, politics, science, and society), Nuwer debunks common myths and cites numerous MDMA studies, particularly recent research indicating that MDMA can relieve the effects of trauma, depression, eating disorders, and more. The author conducted interviews with MDMA users, medical professionals, and scientists to back up her research and for anecdotal information. Although there are a few digressions into such topics as early Christianity and reasons people seek mind-altering substances, the book's information is current and accurate. Chapters, averaging 20 pages each, include endnotes, but there is no bibliography. While plenty has been written about MDMA over the years, this book summarizes and updates earlier works. Written in narrative style, Nuwer's treatise is most effective as standard nonfiction for the unscientific reader. VERDICT Will likely appeal to high school students and adults interested in pharmacology, treatment options for mental illness, and psychedelic drugs.—Laurie Selwyn
★ 2023-03-24
A sobering and eye-opening look at the psychedelic drug MDMA and how people’s quest for healing persists through the generations.
Science writer Nuwer, author of Poached: Inside the Dark World of Wildlife Trafficking, begins by noting how MDMA, aka ecstasy, started out as one of the most restricted Schedule I drugs. Now, it is on the way to being FDA approved for use in a therapeutic setting for individuals who struggle with a plethora of mental health problems. The author offers numerous memorable firsthand accounts of using MDMA in various settings such as raves, in therapy, recreationally, and in many other scenarios, exemplifying the various benefits and drawbacks of the drug in the quest for connection. Nuwer effectively brings us into a community of people who have dedicated their lives to the drug, fashioning a colorfully curated story of its therapeutic uses and how it fits into the larger narrative of health care reform. One of the overarching themes of the book is the need for effective regulation of MDMA and other drugs, which would ensure a safe outlet to those who choose to use them as part of a treatment program. Throughout the book, Nuwer presents studies that show the potential advantages of using MDMA in a therapeutic setting to help individuals, such as veterans, autistic adults with social anxiety, and those struggling from alcoholism, heal from their trauma and go into the world with fresh perspectives on how to manage their mental well-being. Although research on how MDMA interacts within the human brain is still early in development, it is paving the way for significant changes in how people heal from a host of mental issues. Even though MDMA has a tumultuous road ahead, the community that stands behind the drug continues to demonstrate its positive impact in many people’s lives. Pair this with Michael Pollan’s This Is Your Mind on Plants.
An illuminating, myth-free exploration of mental health from a unique perspective.
