Here’s a concise summary of Jo Marchant’s In Search of Now: it is a science-nonfiction exploration of the present moment, arguing that “now” is not a simple clock tick but a constructed experience shaped by neuroscience, psychology, cosmology, and physics. The book blends research with philosophical reflection to ask how we experience time, self, and reality.canongate+1
There is no universal, objective “now” in physics; the sense of a present moment is something the brain assembles.jomarchant+1
Perception of time is dynamic and can vary widely across people and states of mind, including meditation, seizures, schizophrenia, and “flow” states.wsj+1
The book treats the present moment as both a scientific puzzle and a deeply human experience, linking consciousness, identity, and meaning.kirkusreviews+1
Reviewers praise it as fascinating, wide-ranging, and very accessible for general readers.wwnorton+1
It is strong at weaving together multiple disciplines without losing the big picture.bookmarks+1
The book seems especially effective at changing how readers think about time and self, rather than just explaining a theory.canongate+1
Some reviewers note that Marchant is not a specialist philosopher or scientist, so the treatment may lack the depth of a technical academic work.bookmarks
The book’s broad, ambitious scope can make it feel more exploratory than decisive, especially on contested questions about reality and consciousness.kirkusreviews+1
Readers looking for a strict scientific monograph may find its philosophical and reflective style less rigorous than they want.kirkusreviews+1
This book is highly relevant if you’re interested in consciousness, time perception, neuroscience, or the intersection of science and philosophy. It also fits well with readers who enjoy big-question nonfiction that connects personal experience to modern scientific debate.jomarchant+1
If you want, I can also turn this into a blog-style book review paragraph or a shorter 3-sentence summary.