Must read book: Brain rules
Brain rules is easily the best book I’ve read this year. I don’t say this lightly as I read many books, skim many more, and read lots of things I enjoy.
This book hits the non-fiction trifecta:
- It’s about a universal subject – how we think and how our minds work.
- It’s well-written, funny, entertaining and concise.
- It’s based on research with support for nearly every claim made in the book.
- Bonus: the author admits lots of things he and the field do not know (Huge credibility points – I love this)
Unlike Pink’s A Whole New Mind, a book whose premise I’m fond of but whose arguments were often weak and in some cases absurd, the book Brain rules never strays. He follows most of his own rules in how the book is structured, one main point per chapter, one set of basic advice derived from his interpretation of research.
As a teaser here’s some of what I learned:
- Sleep makes your smarter – your brain processes information you need in your sleep
- Exercise makes you smarter – our brains and bodies work best when moving
- There is no scientific basis for how schools or courses are structured
- The left vs. right brain thing is waaaay overblown (Pink needs to read this)
- True multitasking is biologically impossible
I’m recommending the book to just about everyone – other writers, teachers, parents, friends, friends with kids, kids with friends.
If you’re not sure, check out the excellent supporting site for the book: Brain Rules website.
Or go ahead and pick up the book here. (The hardcover version includes a DVD)
Sounds terrific — I’ll pick it up soon :-) Also recently read “The Brain that Changes Itself” — great information, not especially well written though.
I’m currently reading A Whole New Mind so it’s interesting to read your perspective on it. One of my first impressions was that the left-right brain thing was over-emphasized on the cover compared to inside the book, where he’s very careful to qualify it. I’m guessing marketing may be partly to blame.
I also picked up Howard Gardner’s Five Minds for the Future — I’m interested in what you think of that if you’ve read it.
Brain Rules is going on the list… I don’t normally read so many books of this type. Just a phase, I guess.
Kevin: I read AWNN awhile ago, but I’m pretty sure he abuses the title quite well throughout the book. Again, on principle I agree with many of his points, but in practice some his arguments are very bad.
I always have trouble reading Gardner – I haven’t read a single book of his that I thought was well written – he writes too heavily academic for me to trust to follow.
Hey, you read it!
I agree, it’s a very well presented book. Have you watched the DVD? Goofy stuff, that.
Thank you Scott! I’m about 2/3 through this book and it is incredible. I bought it on the Kindle, but I am planning on picking up a couple dead tree versions just to lend out to friends and family!
Glad my review helped others find this great book!
Thanks for the recommendation, I’ve just found this on Audible so it will be my next “read”.
Saw John Medina speak at Town Hall. He’s really funny. One of the recurring audience questions had to do with education and testing. Medina kept emphasizing the importance of play. For brains, recess > study hall.
Might just potentially be the first book I’ve read straight through (chapter 5) since elementary school.
sad but true. very interesting would be an understatement.