Books for Prep | |
 - Dr. Doidge gives all of us good news!!This is one of those books which you have to read in one sitting. No food, no water, and no one bothering you-- it is that interesting. Dr. Doidge, the author, teaches us that our brains are constantly changing and evolving, a concept he calls plasticity. In his book, he describes many stories of his interviews and cases where people's lives are changed very dramatically, especially when they learn that their brains are not hard wired, but instead fluid and dynamic in action. Even in our later years, use of this new-found Delta Fos B and its family of chemicals can throw a genetic switch in our brains to improve skills and abilities. In school many of us were taught some simple lock and receptor theories that just never seemed to cover a subject as complicated as addiction. We were taught that a shower of dopamine or defective D2 receptors covered subjects like Parkinson's Disease, yet no one ever dreamed that the brain itself can make it's own fundamental changes as it deals with these difficulties. Doidge reminds us many times that the human brain is fully capable of doing just that. Like the most modern of computers updated constantly, the brain bests them all in its efforts. This text is quite unique as most science books are concerned: there are no photos, no PET scans, and no brain wave analyses you can observe. Usually books, such as a molecular biology book, is crammed with data tables (DTs) for example. Also, the index is completely blank of the words GABA, epi, norepi, and glutamate, so I am guessing the author (and good doctor) is taking for granted you already know their functions. There is one unfortunate credit the author gives though. He is one of these modern neuroscientists who is committed to Sigmund Freud, telling us that it was Freud who basically understood neuroplasticity all along, but just could never explain it. I find that difficult to believe, since Freud described only 3 simple states to the human psyche, and the fact that Freud himself smoked excessively, never being able to defeat his own addiction. This book is one in which any biologist or other scientist today can read quickly and walk away with several new found theories and testimonials as food for thought! guyairey Rating:  - Personal TriumphCurrently I'm working doing my graduate studies in Psychology. Like the previous reviewer I work with children and often help those with special needs. I found this book interesting especially the personal stories and successes. Rating: - Fresh OptimismI am a Special Education Instructional Assistant. The parents of the student I have been serving for the past couple of years(she is now in first grade) gave our supervisor this book to read. My supervisor gives all such books to me as I have more time to read them than she. This book has given my student's parents and me a fresh optimism. My student was born with tumulor sclerosis. This past December she underwent two surgeries which have served to diminish her seizure activity considerably. Dr. Doidge's wonderful book informs us that this little girl does have a chance for healing beyond what any of us imagined or hoped. I also care for my older brother who has suffered brain damage and seizures. Dr. Doidge's book helps me to understand my brother better and informs me as to what I can do to help him improve the quality of his life. I have had to read other books for information that could help us help my student but Dr. Doidge's book is the only one I hate to put down, can't wait to finish, and look forward to re-reading. I know I will not absorb it all with this initial reading. Thank you, Dr. Doidge! Rating: - Great book with one side-effect.I bought this book out of pure curiosity not as any kind of inspirational self-help type tool. It's quite fascinating and very easy for a non-scientist (I'm an artist) to read. I've almost finished it now and find myself looking forward to reading it whenever I can just like I would a good novel-that alone is somewhat inspiring if you ask me. I highly recommend it and I've learned a lot about how the brain functions and have enjoyed reading it immensely. The side-effect to reading this book is a nagging desire to improve my own brain... maybe it's turned into self-help after all. Rating: - Highly RecommendedThis book will totally transform the way you understand your brain, its empowering, informative, and entertaining. Before reading this I thought I was a "victim" of my bad habits and ways of thinking, but through this book I realize through plasticity I can create the brain I want, loving, compassionate, and few of bad habits! :D In association with Amazon.com | |