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The Brain That Changes Itself
- Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science
- Narrated by: Jim Bond
- Length: 11 hrs and 25 mins
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Publisher's Summary
An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable. Psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Norman Doidge, MD, traveled the country to meet both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity and the people whose lives they've transformed - people whose mental limitations or brain damage 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.
What the critics say
"The power of positive thinking finally gains scientific credibility. Mind-bending, miracle-making, reality-busting stuff...with implications for all human beings, not to mention human culture, human learning and human history." (The New York Times)
"Brilliant.... Doidge has identified a tidal shift in basic science....The implications are monumental." (The London Times)
"Fascinating. Doidge's book is a remarkable and hopeful portrait of the endless adaptability of the human brain." (Oliver Sacks, MD)
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What listeners say about The Brain That Changes Itself
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Cal
- 2021-05-30
One of the best books on the brain
Tons of great examples of what the brain is capable of. A monstrous list of references. I've read a bunch of neuroscience related books lately and this is certainly one of the best.
1 person found this helpful
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- Mai
- 2021-03-19
neuroplasticity and the stories of people
I have been loving learning about neuroplasticity! The implications are incredible! The stories of the individuals throughout the book is inspiring
1 person found this helpful
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- Serge Blais
- 2021-01-12
Excellent audition!
This book is a good balance between the liveliness of the stories and the actual information being provided. A lot of the information can be used to act upon, or at least, continue researching from it. Accessible for most people.
1 person found this helpful
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- jack martin
- 2020-10-24
The Human Brain
This book answers so many questions about the why and how we use our brain for constructive and destructive activities. I propose without the knowledge of brain plasticity people sell themselves a bill of goods based on past experience. The exciting idea that you can alter your basic conception of experience is thrilling. We can put away the idea that no matter how hard I try I cannot change, yes you can just use your brain!
1 person found this helpful
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- Amie Gravell
- 2022-10-21
old news by now but good
Some of the exposure therapy bits in here bothered me. And the way autism is discussed/described but a good book.
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- Jenni Wall
- 2022-05-18
Wowsers
A real challenge to human thinking and belief.
Great narrator.
Was tough at times to continue, based on technical content, but wonderful to complete.
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- Kindle Customer T&S
- 2022-02-09
Food for though
Fascinating and highly motivating in my opinion. The quest for learning and pushing our minds to think deeper can only benefit us and contribute to a fuller life. Excellent read.
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- Tylerite
- 2020-12-06
Enlightening and Encouraging
This is a wonderful and informative book about Nero-Plasticity. The history of the conflict of accepting this idea on the Fields of Psychology and Neurology. I will admit that some of the Topics extrapolated are way above my understanding but overall a great Listen. I definitely plan on giving this a another listen once some time has passed. I highly recommend.
9 people found this helpful
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- jaw
- 2021-01-15
Excellent!
This books has provided so many insights and ideas regarding the human brain and mind! Definitely worth the time!
6 people found this helpful
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- Laura Elsasser
- 2021-04-04
***MIND BLOWN***
Since starting this book, I've recommend it to at least 10 people. A well-written non-fiction that anyone can appreciate. This book conveys MANY examples of how the brain's plasticity relates to everyday life. You'll understand your brain and thoughts better after you read this. DEFINITELY worth the read.
5 people found this helpful
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- Lauren Carey
- 2020-11-24
Excellent book
I loved this book. Norman Doidge wrote about the plastic brain and many of the scientists and patients who worked to no only understand the brain and its plasticity, but also to help those who may most benefit and gain (or re-gain) sensory input from their brain rewiring itself.
Jim Bond’s performance was also great. His inflections and usage is posted due f
4 people found this helpful
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- M Veg
- 2021-10-03
Learn about the amazing brain!
This is a fascinating book about the power of the brain and natural ways of healing that we hear so little about. I highly recommend!
2 people found this helpful
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- Gillian
- 2021-01-08
Stroke survivor- highly recommend!!
This book helps all people understand how to reside the brain, not just ones w brain traumas
2 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 2021-12-18
Neuroplasticity - a must read
I loved both the narrator and the author. It is a must read for everyone in the field of rehabilitation, it is a start to be open minded and see the possibilities we did not think they exist.
1 person found this helpful
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- Jack Angus
- 2023-01-17
Life changing
These words will shape your view of inner-personable and interpersonal possibility as it pertains to consciousness.
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- Steven
- 2023-01-06
Fascinating
The brain is a fascinating thing. This book describes the true power of the brain in an understandable way.
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- Amazon Kunde
- 2022-12-12
Revelador
Es un excelente libro. Especial para personas curiosas sobre las capacidades de la mente y el cerebro