The Brain that Changes Itself
Norman Doidge
●
2007
⚠️Content Warnings
Graphic Medical Descriptions
An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable, and proving that it is, in fact, possible to change your brain. Psychoanalyst, Norman Doidge, M.D., traveled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity, its healing powers, and the people whose lives they’ve transformed–people whose mental limitations, brain damage or brain trauma were seen as unalterable. We see a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, blind people who learn to see, learning disorders cured, IQs raised, aging brains rejuvenated, stroke patients learning to speak, children with cerebral palsy learning to move with more grace, depression and anxiety disorders successfully treated, and lifelong character traits changed. Using these marvelous stories to probe mysteries of the body, emotion, love, sex, culture, and education, Dr. Doidge has written an immensely moving, inspiring book that will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.
Tonight’s fit
Best for readers who enjoy: Complex · Neuroscience · Steady
Complex
Canada
POV: Multi-POV
Published by Scribe Publications
Characters
•
Doctors
•
Patients
Sub-genre
•
Neuroscience
•
Psychology
•
Science
Experience
•
Complex
•
Dense
•
Scientific
Pace
Gentle
Adrenaline
Balanced
Tone
Light
Dark
Balanced
Book length
Short
Epic
Balanced
More nuance
Violence
Soft
Graphic
Soft
Romance
Background
Front and centre
Background
Worldbuilding
Light touch
Deep & dense
Light touch
Readability
Breezy
Dense
Dense
Humour
Serious
Very funny
Serious
Target audience
Younger
Adult
Balanced
Norman Doidge
Nonfiction
Norman Doidge, a Canadian psychiatrist and author, popularized the concept of neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life—in his bestselling books like The Brain That Changes Itself. His work showcases, through engaging case studies, how this brain power allows people to overcome severe brain damage, learning disabilities, and other conditions, demonstrating that the brain isn't fixed but can heal and adapt with focused effort, changing our understanding of recovery, learning, and even human nature.
Books By This Author
✍️ Want to leave a review?
Reviews help other readers decide if this book is right for them. Log in or create an account to share your thoughts.
Reader Reviews
★
★
★
★
★
2.90
10
ratings
10
reviews
5 stars
1 (10%)
4 stars
3 (30%)
3 stars
2 (20%)
2 stars
2 (20%)
1 stars
2 (20%)
Really enjoyed: The Brain that Changes Itself
The Brain that Changes Itself has a strong core idea — the execution mostly works. There are a few scenes that genuinely hit emotionally. A couple of sections could have been trimmed without losing anything. If you’re on the fence, try a sample — you’ll know quickly.
0
0
Loved it: The Brain that Changes Itself
Mixed feelings on The Brain that Changes Itself, but I can see why people love it. There are a few scenes that genuinely hit emotionally. The middle drags and repeats the same tension a bit too long. Not perfect, but it did enough to keep me turning pages.
0
0
Really enjoyed: The Brain that Changes Itself
The Brain that Changes Itself is the kind of book that hooks you early if you like its vibe. Characters feel distinct, and the dialogue reads naturally. The middle drags and repeats the same tension a bit too long. Not perfect, but it did enough to keep me turning pages.
0
0
Mixed feelings: The Brain that Changes Itself
The Brain that Changes Itself has a strong core idea — the execution mostly works. The pacing stays moving and the chapters end on good beats. The middle drags and repeats the same tension a bit too long. I’d still read more from this author even with the flaws.
0
0
Didn’t work for me: The Brain that Changes Itself
The Brain that Changes Itself has a strong core idea — the execution mostly works. A couple of sections could have been trimmed without losing anything. If you’re on the fence, try a sample — you’ll know quickly.
0
0
Really enjoyed: The Brain that Changes Itself
Mixed feelings on The Brain that Changes Itself, but I can see why people love it. Characters feel distinct, and the dialogue reads naturally. Overall, I’d recommend it to the right reader.
0
0