One could view Marjorie Woollacott's Infinite Awareness: The Awakening of a Scientific Mind through two very different perspectives: it’s at once both scholarly and very enjoyable. The reader finds herself going back and forth between enjoying the stories and examples she provides, and the scientific evidence and analysis she offers. This introduces the scientist to new and strange information, and introduces the believer to the rigors of a scientific approach. Dr. Woollacott not only summarizes serious research very clearly but provides many compelling case-studies that seem impossible to explain in terms of our current understanding of the brain. A new understanding of mind and brain is suggested.

In addition to crafting a careful and thoughtful review of the research that supports the reality of NDEs, reincarnation, and energy healing, Dr. Woollacott also describes some of her own mystical experiences. This is perhaps one of the strongest elements in a book that has many compelling aspects. We believe the book will widely read, and should be. The research she surveys and the personal transformation she shares will provoke intense conversation and debate. It advances “the cultural conversation about parapsychology” in a serious and interesting way.

The Parapsychological Association Book Award was established in 2015 to recognize books in the field of parapsychology that make significant contributions to science and to the cultural conversation about the implications of parapsychology. Visit the PA Book Award Page to learn more about the award and previous winners.