Friday, November 16, 2012

Book Recommendations

1.     Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation.  Daniel J. Siegel, M.D.

****Well written book by one of the leaders in neuroscience. This book can  get technical, but is written for the lay reader. 


2.     Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love and Wisdom. Rick Hanson, Ph.D. and Richard Mendius, M.D.

****This book is a non-denominational text by a neuropsychologist who has study meditation and mindfulness.  This is a very easy read with exercises and the neuroscience behind the exercises.

3.     The Human Brain Book. Rita Carter

****Excellent case studies as well as facts and figures with exceptional pictures of the brain.  This is a must have reference as well as great resource.

4.     Inside the Brain: Revolutionary Discoveries of How the Mind Works.  Ronald Kotulak

****This book is another easy read with practical suggestions.

5.     The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph From the Frontiers of Brain Science. Norman Doidge, M.D

****Dr. Doidge writes each chapter from a case study perspective and it reads like a novel. 

6.     My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey. Jill Bolte Taylor. Ph.D.

*****Dr. Bolte had a stroke in her left hemisphere.  She writes in the first person during her experience of the stroke and her recovery from a neuroscience perspective.

7.     How God Changes Your Brain: Breakthrough Findings from a Leading Neuroscientist. Andrew Newberg, M.D. and Mark Robert Waldman.

****The neuroscience of the brain as it relates to faith is examined.  The authors describe how the brain operates during prayer, mediation and other exercise related to communing with God and impact it has on living.

8.     Change Your Brain Change Your Life: The Breakthrough Program conquering Anxiety, Depression, Obessiveness, Anger and Impulsiveness. Daniel G Amen, M.D.

****Dr. Amen uses brain scans as biomarkers to diagnosis and discuss treatment.  He uses actual scans as he describes fear, intimacy, addiction etc. 


9.     Descartes’ Error: Emotion, Reason, and the Human Brain. Antonio R. Damasio, M.D., Ph.D.

****Dr. Damasio is a neuroscience researcher and is very detailed in his descriptions and discoveries.  He builds research evidence for his theories that are well documented.  There is an interesting chapter about Phineas Gage.  The reading can be technical.

10. The Hostage Brain. Bruce McEwen and Harold M. Schumeck, Jr.

****This book is published in 1994.  It has excellent graphics. It is a good resource, but may read like a text book.

11. Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Daniel Goleman. Ph.D.

****This is one of the first neuroscience texts with practical applications and written for the lay person.  It is an “oldie but goodie.”

12. Mapping the Mind. Rita Carter.

****Rita is a science writer that discusses well known mental malaises.  Her book is brain based with excellent graphics. 

13. The Neuropsychology of Grace: Awakening the Brain.  Charlotte A Tomaino, Ph.D.

****Dr. Tamaino is a neuropsychologist in practice and a former Maryknoll Nun.  Her clinical and research base along with the graphics makes this for very good reading.

14. Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm and Confidence. Rick Hanson, Ph.D.

*****Rick's writing style is for the novice as well as the astute neuroscience reader. The book illustrates his thesis in a very understandable manner with charts that compare and contrast his concepts. The last chapter provides lay and therapist alike with practical exercises that exemplify his treatise.