The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science (James H. Silberman Books)

I was very impressed with the many different examples of plasticity. I've been looking for this for along time.

This has to be one of the most fascinated works I've come across in a while.
The main premise of the book is the extraordinary plasticity of the human brain. The author makes a compelling argument, supported by endless and very valuable examples, studies and facts to support this theory.

Some of the most exciting topics explore how the brain develops and learns, effects of certain disorders (i.e. obsessive-compulsive disorder), addictions and strokes on its function and current treatments that reverse these effects.

The author gives several recommendations for programs that can help young and aging brains stay alert and agile by following the latest research and applied scientific discoveries. The final parts of the book discuss how vision and culture's profound implications on the brain's neuroplasticity.

I highly recommended this book for all readers who may be remotely curious about the human physiology.

I am still reading this book but am well into the 2nd half. Very good reading, amazing discoveries. I am trying out some of what I have read to see if I can get my leg working again. Time will tell, also patience and endurance.

Predating Sharon Begley's groundbreaking book Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain: How a New Science Reveals Our Extraordinary Potential to Transform Ourselves by a few months, Doidge approaches the new brain science from the perspective of topical studies and personal stories. A practicing psychiatrist, he looks at how we can apply the new science to self-image, bad habits and obsessions, acquiring tastes, and even sexual attraction. What's unique and helpful is his discussion of the dark side of brain change. The book also serves as a warning that though we can become more flexible, there is a negative side that can result in stubborn habits and disorders.

Doidge does not deal with the new breakthroughs that are happening as a result of physical therapy and work with victims of the Iraqi war. Just the same, this is a very powerful and illuminating work. It is also a very readable book, not smelling of the ivory tower.

Having had a serious brain injury 17 months ago, and, very fortunately completely recovered, I am more fascinated than ever with the human brain. This book is so informative. It is amazing what the brain does, and so relatively little is still known about it. This guy has come up with a fantastic review of the brain. All power to him. It is so encouraging for someone, like me, who has had a brain trauma.

"LOU"