Staff Pick
For as fascinating and compelling a subject as neuroscience is, it's likely nigh impossible for any book on the subject to be dull. Eliezer Sternberg, a resident neurologist at Yale-New Haven Hospital, covers a wide range of cognitive science-related topics in his new book, NeuroLogic: The Brain's Hidden Rationale Behind Our Irrational Behavior. Seeking an understanding of the myriad processes and functions at work within our brains, Sternberg offers an equal mix of research, anecdote, extrapolation, and interpretation. From memory, cognition, mental illness, paranormal/religious experiences, trauma, learning, executive function, attention, hypnosis, perception, hallucinations, identity, selfhood, empathy, compassion, motor control, dreams, bias, and so much more, NeuroLogic provides an engrossing look at a rapidly developing discipline that incorporates "the interaction of conscious and unconscious systems in the brain."
NeuroLogic, perhaps like the best of books, whets the appetite while simultaneously sating the intellect. Each chapter or vignette could easily be reworked into a longer piece, but by flitting upon so many (obviously interrelated) subjects, Sternberg allows a comprehensive (or as much of one as may currently be said to exist) pattern to emerge — one which amply demonstrates the complexity and character of our most enigmatic of organs. NeuroLogic is an engaging, captivating read, one likely to appeal equally to both neuroscience neophytes and those already more familiar with some of the subject's most important concepts and developments. Recommended By Jeremy G., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
A groundbreaking investigation of the
brain’s hidden logic behind our strangest behaviors, and of how
conscious and unconscious systems interact in order to create our
experience and preserve our sense of self.
From bizarre dreams
and hallucinations to schizophrenia and multiple personalities, the
human brain is responsible for a diverse spectrum of strange thoughts
and behaviors. When observed from the outside, these phenomena are often
written off as being just “crazy,” but what if they were actually
planned and logical?
NeuroLogic explores the brain’s
internal system of reasoning, from its unconscious depths to conscious
decision making, and illuminates how it explains our most outlandish as
well as our most stereotyped behaviors. From sleepwalking murderers,
contagious yawning, and the brains of sports fans to false memories,
subliminal messages, and the secret of ticklishness, Dr. Eliezer
Sternberg shows that there are patterns to the way the brain interprets
the world — patterns that fit the brain’s unique logic. Unraveling these
patterns and the various ways they can be disturbed will not only alter
our view of mental illness and supernatural experience, but will also
shed light on the hidden parts of ourselves.
(With black-and-white illustrations throughout.)
Review
“An enchanting journey . . . the author writes with brio and dash . . .
of the brain’s ability to draw the story of our life, from experience
and from thin air.” Kirkus Reviews
Review
“Dr. Sternberg’s enthusiasm for neuroscience bursts out of every page.
In clear language he tackles a series of fascinating neurological
curiosities that are windows into the wonder of the brain.” Dr. Sally
Satel, author of Brainwashed: The Seductive Appeal of Mindless Neuroscience
Review
“In NeuroLogic, Sternberg takes us on a fascinating exploration
of the impulses and quirks that make us human. An innovative, engaging
look inside the black box that is the mind.” Maria Konnikova, author of
Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes
Review
“Eliezer J. Sternberg’s NeuroLogic is an eye-opener, an
entertaining, yet thought-provoking investigation of how our brains
work — including why we do some of the strange things we do. Sternberg
pries open our minds to expose the way our brain operates, providing
insight into topics ranging from our perceptions and habits, to
hypnosis, language, and learning. Neurologic expertly guides the
reader through the unconscious logic of the human brain. I came away
from this book with an enhanced sense of who I am as a person.” Leonard
Mlodinow, author of Subliminal
Synopsis
A groundbreaking investigation of the brain s hidden logic behind our strangest behaviors, and of how conscious and unconscious systems interact in order to create our experience and preserve our sense of self.
From bizarre dreams and hallucinations to schizophrenia and multiple personalities, the human brain is responsible for a diverse spectrum of strange thoughts and behaviors. When observed from the outside, these phenomena are often written off as being just crazy, but what if they were actually planned and logical?
NeuroLogic explores the brain s internal system of reasoning, from its unconscious depths to conscious decision making, and illuminates how it explains our most outlandish as well as our most stereotyped behaviors. From sleepwalking murderers, contagious yawning, and the brains of sports fans to false memories, subliminal messages, and the secret of ticklishness, Dr. Eliezer Sternberg shows that there are patterns to the way the brain interprets the world patterns that fit the brain s unique logic. Unraveling these patterns and the various ways they can be disturbed will not only alter our view of mental illness and supernatural experience, but will also shed light on the hidden parts of ourselves.
(With black-and-white illustrations throughout.)"
About the Author
ELIEZER J. STERNBERG, M.D., is a resident neurologist at Yale–New
Haven Hospital. With a background in neuroscience and philosophy, he
studies how brain research can shed light on the mysteries of
conscious-ness and decision making. He is the author of Are You a Machine? and My Brain Made Me Do It.