Mental Health Bookclub discussion

In September our nonfiction group read is The Tale of the Dueling Neurosurgeons: The History of the Human Brain as Revealed by True Stories of Trauma, Madness, and Recovery by Sam Kean. You chose this via poll (results here).

Description:
Early studies of the functions of the human brain used a simple method: wait for misfortune to strike-strokes, seizures, infectious diseases, lobotomies, horrendous accidents-and see how the victim coped. In many cases survival was miraculous, and observers could only marvel at the transformations that took place afterward, altering victims' personalities. An injury to one section can leave a person unable to recognize loved ones; some brain trauma can even make you a pathological gambler, pedophile, or liar. But a few scientists realized that these injuries were an opportunity for studying brain function at its extremes. With lucid explanations and incisive wit, Sam Kean explains the brain's secret passageways while recounting forgotten stories of common people whose struggles, resiliency, and deep humanity made modern neuroscience possible.

Please use this thread to post questions and comments at any time .

This isn't at my local library but I'm considering purchasing.

Andrea wrote: "This is a good one - can't wait to hear peoples' impressions!"

Aloha Andrea,

My apologizes. What did you think about it, please?


Mahalo,
RM
🇺🇸🐼💀💫

♥ Kierra ♥ wrote: "This isn't at my local library but I'm considering purchasing."

Triple Aloha Again,

Did you decide to buy it?

All All,

This is open regardless of the year. I have had a lot of problems come up in these past two months. Life can be worst. Has anyone else started this book, read this book, or plan to read it? Negative and positive comments are fine. Just please be respectful. Mahalo

💀🐼🇺🇸💫

This was an interesting read. The history of neuroscience and how long it has been studied/practiced in one form or another was great. The true stories that helped advance neuroscience are really neat. The science of the brain was a little dry for me at times. It was eye opening to read about how different areas of the brain control different functions and how damage changes them. It is amazing how the brain can adapt and rewrite itself to overcome damage. Overall I enjoyed the book.

Casey wrote: "This was an interesting read. The history of neuroscience and how long it has been studied/practiced in one form or another was great. The true stories that helped advance neuroscience are really n..."

Science of the brain tends to be dry in many books, but honestly, I have no idea how to talk about something so complex without boring the reader.

RM(Alwaysdaddygirl) wrote: "♥ Kierra ♥ wrote: "This isn't at my local library but I'm considering purchasing."

Triple Aloha Again,

Did you decide to buy it?"

Yep, I purchased it. I haven't started it yet though. I'm still reading Never Enough.

Casey wrote: "This was an interesting read. The history of neuroscience and how long it has been studied/practiced in one form or another was great. The true stories that helped advance neuroscience are really n..."

If I may ask, how long did it take you to read through this one? I am finding myself a bit bored with the science in Never Enough (last month's pick I think). Just curious because I am looking forward to reading this one.

Casey wrote: "This was an interesting read. The history of neuroscience and how long it has been studied/practiced in one form or another was great. The true stories that helped advance neuroscience are really n..."

Interesting! If I may ask, which true story did you like the best. I have not read the book. Spoilers do not bother me.

Mahalo

♥ Kierra ♥ wrote: "RM(Alwaysdaddygirl) wrote: "♥ Kierra ♥ wrote: "This isn't at my local library but I'm considering purchasing."

Triple Aloha Again,

Did you decide to buy it?"

Yep, I purchased it. I haven't start..."

Okay. Mahao