Book review: „Nightmare obscura“ by Michelle Carr (Henry Holt, New York, 2025)

Abstract

Michelle Carr, a well-established researcher and head of the Dream Engineering Lab in Montreal, presents a book including all the current hot topics of lucid dream and nightmare research. She starts with basics like “What are dreams” or “Why dream at all?”, that is, the question whether dreaming serves a function in addition to the well-known functions of sleep. The distinction between brain (sleep physiology) and mind (dreaming) is of importance, and the studies reviewed in the book tried to shed light on how those two realms are interconnected. One focus of the book is the research promoting the understanding and treatment of nightmares. The possibilities of dream engineering are outlined in the book, starting with studies showing how external stimuli can affect dreams to targeted lucid dream reactivation and two-way communication. I personally liked the chapter how dreams can enrich waking life, e.g., creativity, problem solving, coping with challenging life events. Throughout the book, Michelle Carr includes her own dream experiences starting from having had sleep paralysis experiences or conquering one of her nightmares after becoming lucid. This personal note and her first-hand accounts of studies she and her co-workers carried out helps to understand the topics addressed in the book more fully. In addition, very down-to-earth instructions, for example, how to apply imagery rehearsal therapy also provides the reader with information that is helpful for his profession and/or personal life. My conclusion is: If you are ready for a deep dive into modern dream research, the book is exactly right for you.