The Brain That Transforms Itself: Inspiring Stories of Personal Growth from the Cutting Edge of Brain Science

Rich: I liked the author's style. He is a fun and educational writer.

United States on Feb 15, 2024

Jackie j: After experiencing a mild stroke myself last year I read this book. Thought it was familiar. Likes it so much apparently because I found an older copy in a box after I read this one so I gifted it to someone else.

Canada on Feb 02, 2024

Sue Dutch: I bought this for a friend. I am told its a good read on this particular topic
Fast dispatch reasonable price

United Kingdom on Aug 08, 2023

Mercedesz Bartha-Sipos: Jag verkligen tyckte om boken. Intressant forskning om hjärnan, även om den har några år på nacken. Läsvärt.

Sweden on Mar 10, 2023

Margarida: To Amazon,
The book came a little dented at the spine, so I suggest you start wrapping it with bubble wrap so this doesn't happen anymore (I've seen more people with this problem).

To the readers,
I'm not English so I was a little scared that the book might be written in very technical language. However, the writing is very fluid and simple, it is very easy to understand and visualize what the author is telling us and explaining. I've only read the first chapter yet, but so far the book is super interesting (not boring at all) and almost makes me hooked. I totally recommend it - especially if you have an interest in neuroscience and neuropsychology!!

Spain on Nov 17, 2022

César Guerrero: I understand how this book is loved by many, not for me. I felt like reading a tesimonial site for a new treatment's web site.

Mexico on Nov 03, 2021

Lou Agosta: I have been catching up on my reading.

Norman Doidge’s book, The Brain that Changes Itself (Penguin, 427pp. ($18)), was published in 2007, now some twelve years ago. This publication occurred towards the beginning of the era of neuro-hype that now has us choking on everything from neuroaesthetics to neurohistory, from neuromarketing to neurozoology. So pardon my initial skepticism.

However, this book is the real deal. To those suffering from a variety of neurological disorders or issues, extending from major strokes to learning disabilities or emotional disorders, Doidge’s narratives offer hope that hard work pays off. If more authors and editors would have read (and understood!) it, today’s neuro-hype would be a lot less hyped.

Let me explain. There is neural science aplenty in Doidge’s exposition and defense of the flexibility – key term: plasticity – of the brain. There are also plentiful high tech devices (prostheses) that make for near science fiction innovation, except that they are engineering interventions, not fictions.

 However, what distinguishes Norman Doidge’s contribution is that, in every case without...

United States on Oct 31, 2019

Amazon Customer: As the title implies, "The Brain That Changes Itself" is an extensive and thoroughly enjoyable look at the history of neural plasticity, albeit from the point of view of a staunch supporter. I found the book to be very well organized, and Doidge's arguments to be very cohesive. The book chapters are filled mostly with stories and case studies regarding a common theme in the study of neural plasticity.

Doidge begins by relating the story of Paul Bach-y-Rita's research and efforts to debunk the widely held localizationist theories of the 20th century. He presents some more dramatic case studies such as Cheryl who used her tongue to learn to stand after a debilitating brain injury or Barbara, a seemingly retarded woman, who ended up with advanced degrees and a successful research career (these stories are every bit as interesting as they sound). Doidge relates again and again how massive and usually debilitating brain injuries were overcome by physical and mental therapies.

Following his analysis of catastrophic brain injuries and defects, Doidge gives examples of more everyday plasticity. He relates how common disorders such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia can be...

United States on Dec 06, 2009