Born on a blue day

By Daniel Tammet. Hodder & Stoughton, 2006 (Non fiction).
Cover photograph: David Levene.

Born on a Blue Day is the autobiography of Daniel Tammet, who featured in a memorable Catalyst documentary on ABC, Brainman. Daniel has Savant Syndrome, a rare form of Asperger’s, which in his case means he is capable of extraordinary mental feats. He can calculate large numbers with great rapidity, and is capable of reciting the number pi to more than 20,000 places. Unlike many savants or so-called ‘Rain Men’, however, Daniel is capable of describing what his mind is doing when it achieves the answers. He seems to see numbers as shapes, colours and textures, which combine in intricate permutations when he performs mathematical calculations.

In some ways Daniel Tammet displays characteristics of autism, but he has proven he is capable of living an independent life, and he has unique self-awareness, which makes for a touching and powerful read. He describes some of the frustrations of his life, as well as the mind-blowing feats he is capable of. He has a gift for languages, and for the tv documentary learned Icelandic in a week, conversing fluently with native speakers. He suggests that we are all capable of using our brains more, and has set up a website to promote his insights into how to improve our mental powers. His awe-inspiring book is really food for thought.

- John.