All In The Mind: the new book from the popular ABC radio program and podcast

by Lynne Malcolm

Inspiring and transformational stories from the forefront of brain science -- from the popular ABC Radio National program and podcast


Understanding the human mind remains one of the most alluring challenges we face. Now pioneering investigations and technologies are enabling science to gain new insights into the complexity of the brain, its ability to change and adapt, and the connections between its biology and the mind, individual experience and behaviour.

Drawing on this research as well as interviews with neuroscientists, psychiatrists, psychologists and the people they help, science journalist Lynne Malcolm takes us on a fascinating journey to discover how this new knowledge is not only changing the way we understand the brain but is also changing lives.

Alongside stories about consciousness and perception, sleep, dreaming and hallucinations; of memory, identity, creativity and the mind-body connection; and of mental illness and recovery, are powerful personal tales of healing and transformation that offer hope to millions.

Illuminating and inspiring, All In the Mind will change the way you think about the brain, the mind and our inherent potential.

Praise for All in the Mind

'We all mind about our brains. All in the Mind gives you an idea of what you should really mind about.' Norman Swan

'I opened All in the Mind expecting another book about mental ill health and a highly technical one at that. Instead, I found a highly readable collection of people's stories and insights, from the experts who live with or support loved ones with mental health challenges to the experts in science, health and academia. Lynne explores and demystifies the workings of our most complex organ - the brain - by sharing people's experiences with the skill of a compassionate storyteller.' Georgie Harman, Chief Executive Officer, Beyond Blue

'A beautiful exposition of the intricacies of the human brain. Lynne weaves an evocative tapestry of human success and suffering, backed by the most cutting-edge scientific research. Told in her inimitable style, invites us to reflect on what it means to be human and to consider the immense potential that lies within.' Muireann Irish, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology and Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney

'In advancing public understanding of the very rich and entrancing world of our own minds, it is critical to combine peoples' own experiences with the available scientific evidence, and to do that in a form that is readily accessible to most people. This book achieves these twin goals. It stands out from many other popular contributions through the richness of the personal narratives and the depth of the research findings reported. It is a most valuable resource for both those with a keen interest in brains and minds, and those who may wish to take it into more formal education settings. There are insights here that we all need to connect with.' Ian Hickie AM MD FRANZCP FASSA FAHM FRSN, Co-director, Health and Policy, and Professor of Psychiatry, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Science, Audiobook

368 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2023

Reviews

[Fran Cormack · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very important topic. And really interesting. I just found that just as each topic was getting a little bit of depth, it ended and a new chapter introduced the next topic.

Felt like we were skimming the veneer of mental health.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent overview of current research and approaches to understanding the mind, with references to further exploration.

[Gab · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this book, narrated by the author. I was familiar with Lynne Malcolm through listening to the long running ABC podcast 'All in the Mind', which she hosted for many years. In this book, Malcolm summarises many years of her own learning on brain science and neuropsychology topics. She interviews experts in many fields plus speaks to many 'ordinary' people about their lived experience with depression, synesthesia, blindness, neuroplasticity, consciousness, locked in syndrome and much more. This book is very easy to read and not overly technical. My only criticism is that it is shallow - it covers such a wide range of topics that nothing is explored in much depth.

[Beth Staples · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining and interesting overview of the science of the mind, covering topics from schizophrenia to dementia and memory to music. One thing this book had going for it was the sheer volume and variety of different topics covered, but this was also it's downfall, as each topic was touched on so briefly that it wasn't quite as satisfying as it could have been. It was also not the most up-to-date book in terms of preferred langue among certain groups, but I appreciate the effort that was made to have both expert and first hand voices present for each discussed topic.

[angeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I understand why this book has such low ratings. It always felt like just as you were delving into a really interesting topic, the author moved on to another. And there was always so much more I wanted to know. But I kind of liked learning so much about different psychological concepts and research I hadn't heard of before. Definitely sparked an interest in me, and I'd be keen to look more into some of the concepts talked about.

[Nicki Kendall · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read- this book would be a good book for anyone with an interest in our brain science and neuropsychology.Lynne summarises her many years of studying in these fields and interviews a range of experts and ordinary people about their own lived experiences with depression,consciousness, locked in syndrome and much more.⭐⭐⭐#tea_sipping_bookworm #goodreads #thestorygraph #getlitsy #bookqueen #bookstagram#selfhelp#abcbooks

[Addie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoughts:
• An eclectic assortment of cool stuff about the brain.
• Massive throwback to when I used to listen to the ABC podcast on the way to school and to uni. I used to think it was the most fascinating thing ever, but maybe I've lost a bit of that initial curiosity now that I work in a brain-stuff-adjacent job.
• Decently interesting but with more breadth than depth.

[Macmsue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought provoking especially reading the personal accounts of people with unusual mental experiences. Knowing that parts of the brain can be rebuilt and that changing ways of thinking can also change brain function was also good to learn. reading the book took time and concentration.

[Rebekah Doostdar-Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful factual book about real life stories. Inspiring.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Very interesting read & semi study material

[Andre Mosca · Rating 5 out of 5]

very enjoyable and engaging read.