Couldn't stop listening

Very interesting book for someone with no background on the brain. Kept me interested throughout and never got lost.

38 people found this helpful

Dangerously ableist

Wow. The arrogance of the author is jaw dropping. In one breath he condemns dehumanization and in the next casually asserts that only those of the predominant neurotype have any human validity. His pathetic rhetoric trots out all the outdated views of disabled people as poor broken wretches who are in need of fixing while he casts himself and his dangerously biased perspectives on science as the heroes saving us from the terrible monster of natural human diversity. He clearly never considered that not all of his readers will have typically developing brains and could be perfectly happy in not conforming to the societal norms he glorifies. He would benefit from reading the work of disability studies academics before considering publishing anything further but I fear this would require a degree of humility which is beyond the capacity of his brain.

33 people found this helpful

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Had my mind blown 2 or 3 times, each and every car journey. Your brain is absolutely incredible and the author has managed to convey many of it's intricacies without losing you on the overly nerdy stuff. Fascinating!

32 people found this helpful

Excellent, but not quite as good as Incognito

Eagleman's earlier book, Incognito, was one of the first books cognitive science, so I found in absolutely enthralling. Perhaps because I've read other excellent books on the topic since then, I didn't find this as much of a game-changer in my understanding of how the mind works. I felt that some of the material was a repetition of his earlier book. That said, I still found this to be an excellent listen. There's enough new material to make it well worthwhile. Eagleman's writing style is very easy to follow; I think he strikes the right balance between academic and popular science writing. I'd give this book 5 out of 5, and my only real criticism is that I'd have given Incognito 6 out of 5 if I could have.

24 people found this helpful

Very good, but it can be quite a deep book.

I enjoyed this book. It is educational and helps you understand about how we think. It also gives you insight into how our brains work. It's not really a chill out book as you would probably expect. It did at times have me rewinding certain parts to understand what the author was trying to explain. None the less I was happy with my purchase and how the content was delivered. Therefore if you have a slight interest in how we think, and how our brain interprets the world. Then you may well enjoy this book.

21 people found this helpful

Content

Very well written and researched a great book for parents, teachers and professionals. Really awesome

7 people found this helpful

Absolutely fascinating

What made the experience of listening to The Brain the most enjoyable?

I loved every single word of this. Fascinating beyond all expectation. Entirely accessible yet never feels dumbed down with a charismatic reading by the author, who clearly is deeply in love with his subject. I found the last chapter unexpectedly provocative, perplexing and exciting. What a book. I keep buying it as a gift for others. I also bought the printed version which has great pictures. Both great experiences. 10 stars.

What other book might you compare The Brain to, and why?

It works well if you read books by popular neuroscientists like Oliver Sacks.

Which character – as performed by David Eagleman – was your favourite?

Well, the author is the reaer and so is all the characters. And he is totally beguiling.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It thrilled me with wonderment from the very beginning.

Any additional comments?

This book is just an absolute thrill and pleasure. All human life is here. You will know yourself better.

7 people found this helpful

Thorough discussion but long-winded

A highly insightful book discussing the forefront scientific findings in the research of one of the most important keys to our future. David Eagleman has done a fabulous job at explaining very complex concepts using language perfectly understandable for laymen. A great introduction to this field. He js using his engaging, energetic personal style throughout the book. If only here was an abstract-like short version of the whole.

7 people found this helpful

Truly thought provoking and insightful!

David does a great job of inspiring us to take care of our brain and redefine ourselves. Highly recommend!

6 people found this helpful

Great read!

i am one who prefers biographies. This book however was eye opening into the workings of the human mind and illustrated with very practical examples. I was kept engaged throughout. A recommended read for everyone.

4 people found this helpful