The Little Book of Big Stuff about the Brain: The true story of your amazing brain

by Andrew Curran

This delightfully illustrated book is designed to give anyone a working knowledge of the human brain from its first evolution over 2 billion years ago to the present day. This is the user's manual for your brain that was left out of the box. What it is, how it works, what it looks like, where it came from it's all here in this light-hearted and easy-to-read book. Pick it up and you will never think about your own thinking in quite the same way again. Every action that we undertake, every thought that we entertain, every memory that we hold, every hang-up that we possess, every quirk, and knack- it's all the result of chemistry and electricity working across a network of squishy organic matter that has helped shape life. Don't be fooled by the title as this is really a comprehensive explanation of how and why the brain works, but put together in such a way that anyone from 16 to 60 can understand.

Genres: Psychology

192 pages, Hardcover

First published April 3, 2008

Reviews

[Maha · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was really difficult to follow and understand.
Also, while I progressed with reading, it got pretty...scientific.

[Simon Robilliard · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible insights

I have read this book cover to cover and sections of it for several years. It is always fascinating to return to individual sections to revise the nuances that I have forgotten. Andrew writes in such an accessible way to impart his deep insights. Every time I read it I want to share it with all teachers!

[Kay Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written and easy to read book for the layman about the neuroscience driving our emotions.

[Liz Longworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

An understandable explanation of the workings of the brain with humour built in. A great little book.

[Fiona Robson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Designed as a cover to cover read which leaves the reader with a working knowledge of the human brain from its first evolution 2 billion years ago to the present day. A light-hearted look at the brain aimed at a lay audience. It especially focuses on the neurobiology of emotional intelligence and in many ways is the neurobiological explanation of why emotional intelligence is so important to health, wealth and happiness.”

This book was recommended by Sir John Jones on one of our Inset days. Fortunately, we had it in our school CPD room. This was an extremely easy book, and would be great to work with kids who have autism as it explains everything in fantastic detail. For teachers, it doesn’t really teach anything “new”, but reinforces the notion that getting to know the child, loving them, and making them feel secure helps to create a fertile learning environment. Except it helps to explain this in neurological terms, too! I would recommend this book to anyone who works with people, anywhere, not just in schools.

[Samar Al-kandari · Rating 5 out of 5]

well, I cant say this has been an easy read. Its like going on a roller coaster and whizzing past Huge words and stuff related to the brain. It is indeed interesting. My brain is in a haze after finishing this book. I do recomend it to those who would like to know about our fascinating brain .

[Debbie Gilpin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great little guide to how the brain works - I'm studying this in the next section of my Masters, so this has really whet my appetite!