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Product Description
Review
There are two great things about this book. One is that it shows us how nothing about our brains is set in stone. The other is that it is written by Sharon Begley, one of the best science writers around. This is a terrific book. - Robert Sapolsky, author of Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers
It is very seldom that a science in its infancy is so skilfully unpacked that it reads like a detective novel. --Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of Coming to Our Senses
Brilliant. --Health Writer
It is very seldom that a science in its infancy is so skilfully unpacked that it reads like a detective novel. --Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of Coming to Our Senses
Brilliant. --Health Writer
Book Description
Is it really possible to change the structure and function of the brain, and in so doing alter how we think and feel? The answer is a resounding yes.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The book attracted me because of my layman's interest in neuroplacticity and because if its juxtaposition of cutting edge neuroscience with Buddhist thinking. Contrary to its title, however, the books is NOT a self-help book (which I did not think it was before I bought it); it is mis-titled, obviously for commercial reasons. One learns a lot about the the adaptability of the brain and its capacity to change or enlarge functions, e.g., to take over when a part of the brain is damaged or blocked. This is startling and as it is a developing science, it might be viwed as a well presented primer of neuroscience for an interested layperson. The first two-thirds of the book contain very little meaningful reference to Buddhism, but later on the comparative aspects of the scientific and Buddhistic view of the brain become more prominent, and, consequently, at least for me, more interesting. The author is a Newsweek journalist who seems at home with this complex scientific area, so presents it well. However, again I stress that both the title and the blurb may mislead a potential purchase into believing it is a blueprint for changing one's behavior. No, the book does not come with instructions for how to accomplish brain transformation.
39 of 41 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read. Anybody who is interesting in how the brain/mind works, how people perceive and interact with the world and how the norms of neuroscience has been over-turned in the last 10/20 years should read this book. Even if you are not religious or spiritual in anyway (don't be put off by the Buddhist aspects to this book) the science is utterly fascinating. People who want to make their world a better place: "... I have a choice in how I react, that who I am depends on the choices I make, and that who I am is therefore my responsibility..." - if this is ringing any bells for you, should read this book. Anybody who is interested in how words and thoughts actually manifest the world around you because the labels you use to describe your world alter your perception of it, should read this book. It describes how thoughts (good or bad) can manifest in habits, which can be changed, it illustrates that there is the potential for brain damage caused by illness (strokes) to be alleviated, or how some aspects of dyslexia can be reduced. And presents them in easy to understand chunks. The intro could put some people off, and the chapter on how adolescent minds/brains work is a bit heavy, but it is well worth persevering. And it shows how some 'established' truths of how we as humans function, is in fact completely wrong... I can't recommend it highly enough.
24 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book presents, clearly and factually, the growing evidence for our ability to train our minds to bring about lasting changes in physical and psychological health and wellbeing.
Read about fascinating research into the neuroscience of 'mindfulness', instigated by the Mind Life Institute, which encourages dialogue between meditators and the scientific community.
The concept of 'neuroplasticity' - the ability of our brains to create new neural pathways - has enormous hope for the treatment of depression and for recovery from stroke and other traumas.
More importantly, it has implications for the way that we use our brains in everyday life and for the current trend towards a 'science' of happiness.
Read about fascinating research into the neuroscience of 'mindfulness', instigated by the Mind Life Institute, which encourages dialogue between meditators and the scientific community.
The concept of 'neuroplasticity' - the ability of our brains to create new neural pathways - has enormous hope for the treatment of depression and for recovery from stroke and other traumas.
More importantly, it has implications for the way that we use our brains in everyday life and for the current trend towards a 'science' of happiness.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Beware - old book, new title
Having read and enjoyed Sharon Begley's earlier book on this topic, Train your Mind change Your Brain, I thought I would give this one a read too. Read more
Published 12 months ago by S. Gerhand
How mind can inform and transform the body
The Plastic Mind: New science reveals our extraordinary potential to transform ourselves, by Sharon Begley, Ballantine, New York, 2007; Constable, London, 2009, 368 ff. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Dr. H. A. Jones
Fascinating explanation of how the brain can change itself
I have almost finished reading this book. The author's writing style is very good, clear and readable. Read more
Published 19 months ago by K. Prygodzicz
Nonsense
There is no dogma of the hard-wired brain, but the author needs to invent one so as to make her muddled musings look salient.
Published on 29 April 2010 by H. A. Van Berg
fascinating topic but offputting style
I am about halfway through this book and struggling. Although the subject matter is fascinating and the book's message important, I find Sharon Begley's writing heavy going. Read more
Published on 15 Dec 2009 by Jarah
interesting blend of science and spirituality
Filled with interesting stories, quotes, and ideas about Buddhism and the evolution of the field of neuroscience, this book is truly a pleasure to read. Read more
Published on 1 Dec 2007 by Paul J. Fitzgerald
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