Scientific evidence of body-mind and its affect on our health.  Plus, how we chemically generate emotion.  Details of how the body communicates with the brain via neuro-peptides.  If that all sounds a little heavy, this is wound in with an autobiographical account of how Candace made the discoveries that won her the Nobel prize, despite the scientific community. 

Patient X is convinced his poodle is a fraud and his mother is an imposter. Exploration of the brains of patient X along with various other patients with obscure unusual syndromes makes this book an irresistible read for every level – from the interested to the professional neurologist. The author explores a huge variety of interests from phantom limbs to emotions corresponding with physical attributes, and even the underpinnings of human language. Even learn why it is we should give much thought to the processes of thought.

GREAT book on how the brain uses, generates and reacts to emotion.  This wonderful work by Joseph Ledoux, a professor in neuroscience, focuses on the effects of emotions and how the brain regulates them. For the most part, the book is a discussion of how fear and traumatizing incidents are handled by the brain. The book is extremely informative providing numerous pictures and illustrations as well as explanations of research done on the topic.   

Most often consciousness is explained using biochemistry, anatomy and physiology. The author of Enchanted Looms, Rodney Cotterill goes about explaining consciousness a bit differently. He uses non traditional concepts such as emotions, behaviors, creativity and nervous system and its reaction to the environment. No matter if you are an old pro or relatively new to the ideas of the brain and study of consciousness, there will be something new and interesting for you in this book. Even the most experienced in the studies of the brain find this book comprehensive, well supported and thought provoking. So what is the best part of this book? Perhaps the concept and convincing idea that a computer is in the process of being invented that will duplicate consciousness.

Although this is an undergraduate level text for neuroscience students, the average person interested in this subject will find it easy to read and follow, complete in the material and not so advanced that someone without studying the subject can’t pick it up. Covering entry level neuroscience, neurobiology and physiological psychology, this text has less clinical emphasis and stresses a base in the information. Expanding on the previous editions’ strengths, the authors have provided a package of ancillary materials available to students, teachers and casual readers as well.