Head First: The Biology of Hope and the Healing Power of the Human Spirit

by Norman Cousins

"An eloquent plea for two needed more humane doctor-patient relations, and greater patient involvement in the struggle with disease."—Melvin Konner.

A ground breaking collectoin of stories of physicians, researchers and patients who augment medical treatments with hope and positive emotionsfrom The New York Times bestselling author of The Anatomy of an Illness

Genres: Health, Science, Psychology, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Medical, Inspirational

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is interesting, but it gets repetitive as it goes on. It chronicles the author's time at UCLA medical school in the 70s and 80s building a program in psychoneuroimmunology, as part of his interest in documenting the health effects of positive emotions. Cousins is not a scientist or a medical professional, and it shows in some of his explanations. Many of the real-life stories he tells about patients are interesting and heartening, but a lot of the rest of the book feels like he is just name-dropping important scientists he worked with and describing their research (not particularly well). Also, I think that the main take-away point of the book--that positive attitudes like determination and happiness can have positive effects on health and the progress of disease when used in conjunction with medical treatments--could have been made in a much shorter work. He keeps returning to this again and again, from what I think are supposed to be new angles,but the points weren't distinct enough, so it felt to me like he was just saying the same thing over and over again. Granted, that point is important, so I think it's probably worth trying to drive home at least a few times, and some of the research he discusses is interesting. Again, Cousins doesn't describe the science as well as he might, so I feel like people who don't know a lot about medicine might be a bit confused. Also, the book is fairly old in "medical progress" time, so a lot of the "breakthroughs" are out of date.

Overall, this was a mildly interesting read, but I think Cousins' main point about the importance of attitude in fighting illness has been made more effectively by other writers.

[Carol Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book about 8 years ago. I had previously read Cousins' "Anatomy of an Illness." I am re-reading "Head First" because I find myself needing hope for a current medical condition.
I recommend this book to anyone suffering with chronic or other illness. I think both these books by Cousins should be required reading for medical students.
Cousins relays with empathy, respect, and scientific data the importance of hope and how the body is a source of its own pharmaceutical needs/helps.

[Vern · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent book by Norman Cousins who proved a killing disease could be overcome through laughter and vitamin C.

in this book he details his 10 years with a medical team to see if there was a biological basis for his experience.

many anecdotes of those whose change of thinking brought about physical changes - sending out the "T-cells".

[Laura Blattner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book with lots of information about the psychology behind hope and healing. It's not one that gripped me since it didn't have a storyline to follow, but I enjoyed pondering the things I read about in this book.

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 1990 birthday present from my sister and brother-in-law, because I liked the author's earlier book Anatomy of an Illness

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this book for my medical sociology class. It ended up being one of my favorite classes of my undergraduate studies, and one of my favorite books of all time. Anybody that is sick or has a love one that is sick should read this book!

[Nancy Mure · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that heals from laughter and an innate understanding of the human condition. Head First deals with the human body at a cellular level and it all starts with a hardy laugh. All true healing begins with the head first. An amazing and a thought provoking read!

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[Sue Klasing · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this during my chemo treatments, it was highly recommended by Diane Stevens a close friend and it really helped me understand how important my attitude was in achieving my healing.

[Martianngray]

David A Daly who is a stuttering specialist suggests that this book should be read by all SLP to have a better understanding of the psychology behind stuttering.

[Jamie Holloway · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended in the Living Well with Chronic Conditions class I took a couple of years ago. I'm glad I read it.

[Sarah Saldin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an excellent read for any doctor, whether new or seasoned. As someone who has battled many health issues, his charge to doctors and how they should always be honest with patients, yet be filled with hope, is spot on. The responsibility that he puts on patients to fight with faith, optimism, joy, laughter, and purpose is inspiring. The power of belief and the mind , and your body’s own ability to heal will instill hope to those who are suffering. And if you only have time for a few pages read the ending: A Physicians Credo. Excellent! There were some chapters I’d rate as a 5 and others a 2. I was looking for more meat and practical application to help myself and my clients. There were a few chapters that weren’t very helpful and were a bit tedious. But overall a good read.

[David Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the problems is the solution - what better book to read than this gem by Norman Cousins.

Chapters titled:

- The Patient-Physician Relationship
- The Infinite Wonder of the Human Brain
- Problems Beyond the Doctor's Reach
- The Laughter Connection
- Belief Becomes Biology

A flavour of the value of reading this gem of a book imho.

[Stacie Savage · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very important message that healthcare professionals face from starting within their academic experiences and expanding into their careers, but unfortunately the book is too drawn out.