Inside the Brain: Revolutionary Discoveries of How the Mind Works

by Ronald Kotulak

Explores how the brain learns, how it controls behavior, how it sustains damage and heals itself, and how scientists are searching for ways to keep it young and healthy

Genres: Science, Neuroscience, Nonfiction, Psychology, Health

222 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1997

Reviews

[Rigatoni Baloney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author of this book was quoted by curriculum theorist William Pinar, saying that literacy actually changes [increases] the blood flow to the brain. I found that so interesting I checked out Pinar's glossary to learn more about Kotulak. I read chapters on line and found it so facinating, that I checked the book out of the library. I am truly facinated by all the evidence about brain chemicals like serotonin's link to agression, noradrenaline the hormone that alerts the brain to act in emergencies, survival, pecking order, genetic mutations in the brains ability to process and regulate serotonin and links to suicide; alcohol's affect on serotonin, lowering levels in the body which triggers agressive behavior. It explains a lot about violent human behavior, suicide, depression and how it's all tied together. A quick read for those interested in psychology and explanations of human behavior.

[Lynn Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and important work.
Could revolutionize our child-rearing practices if parents and teachers would read it. The author draws on numerous research studies, presenting his findings in a very easy to read format. Great reading for anyone who wants to understand human behavior. Research continues to reinforce the notion of the brain's plasticity, e.g. serotonin levels can be changed in fourteen days with a change in behaviors (serotonin is the "happy" brain chemical). The research shows quite clearly that there is very little need for pharmaceutical intervention.

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really informative, and for the most part easy to understand. I'm not sure that I subscribe to all of the author's recommendations (recommendations may be too strong of a word, perhaps implications would be better?) but I do think that the ideas presented in the book are definitely food for thought, and I will likely use what I've learned to make more conscious choices in the future.

[Gabrielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really into these kinds of books but my grandma asked me to read so I did. Took forever.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book for understanding how the brain work and the different mechanism and chemicals that affect it.