4.0 out of 5 based on 17 reviews. – Customer review on 05/11/2008

A fascinating book, that confirms over and over the old adage "Use it or lose it." The examples of people overcoming all sorts of brain problems are inspiring. A first read through suggests that intensive attention and focus over three to four weeks will have substantial long term effects. The other major lesson is the need to forge new neuronal pathways to overcome the deep mental grooves of habit we develop. Edward de Bono's analogy of hot water pouring onto a tilted tray of jelly provides a more vivid mental picture of how these mental grooves are formed. The confirmation of the problems caused by the short visual grabs of modern media is telling. This is another accessible report of the movement of a scientific frontier over the last thirty years. The description of the reactions of the others in the field matches the seminal work of Thomas Kuhn's "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions." The tracing of the distant origins of the views of the Mind were deft.

5.0 out of 5 based on 17 reviews. – Customer review on 04/11/2008

I bought this book and was reading it while waiting for an appointment - everyone who spotted it wanted to read it after me!!!!! The first 6 chapters covered everything from dyslexia to how addiction affect the human brain. Mr Doidge delivers easy to understand information on multiple subjects all relating to how the brain "re-wires" itself following injury. I have 3 people waiting to borrow this book so far - a real sign that it is a good book.

5.0 out of 5 based on 17 reviews. – Customer review on 27/10/2008

Easy and entertaining read about the fascinating topic of neuroplasticity. Makes the science available to even the most unscientific of us. This will become an increasingly important factor in medicine in the forseeable future, with implications for many specialities.

5.0 out of 5 based on 17 reviews. – Customer review on 12/10/2008

An enlightening book - not just those who have suffered a stroke, brain jury - but for everyone. The brain is an amazing part of the human body & the ability for us to improve and shape it is endless. A book particularly uplifting for those who have suffered a stroke or brain injury - it proves why you should never give up trying to "get better". My only wish was that Doidge practised in Australia!

5.0 out of 5 based on 17 reviews. – Customer review on 10/09/2008

Here is a challanging book presenting the new research on a very complex subject of Neuroplasticity. The material is very well presented so that the average person can read and understand how this new research can change their lives. At a time when the medical profession is looking for answers for brain damage, spinal injuries, declining mental health, and many other issues facing the elderly, this book answers many questions. I hope in the 21st century there will be more aggressive research on this subject, and more knowledge will be added to this puzzling issue of neuroplasticity.

5.0 out of 5 based on 17 reviews. – Customer review on 18/12/2009

Just the most amazing book. As one trained in the 'medical model' where post stroke patients are given intensive rehab for 3 weeks and if there is no inprovement they are moved out - this was a real eye opener. It showed that with concerted effort, people can continue to improve for many years. I felt vey sad that so many had been sent to nursing homes after failing to respond to treatment in the first three weeks and had been labelled beyond help.

5.0 out of 5 based on 17 reviews. – Customer review on 07/08/2009

It's is essential as teachers that we keep up to date with education methods and research. Likewise, the decisions we make as class room teachers should be driven by researched based proven strategies, not what our 'gut' tells us or 'I've been doing it like this for years' planning. This text is wonderful for those studying education and for those who are ready to institute reform in their own schools. Hattie gives you the clout to do it! It is easy to read and draws on the strength of over 800 meta-analyses, you won't find that anywhere else. Great for professional development sessions, faculty and whole school planning and quality teaching initiatives. You'll be citing data to staff and giving them the real deal on what they should and could be doing in their class rooms to improve student outcomes.

5.0 out of 5 based on 17 reviews. – Customer review on 23/03/2010

I haven't finished reading this book yet, but what I have read so far makes absolutely amazing reading. The book is easy to understand and provides an incredible insight into our brains adaptability when faced with the many problems/illnesses that can happen to us all. From strokes to any sensory shortcoming, the case studies mentioned and the various Doctors and their research have proven what they class as the 'plasticity' of our brains!

5.0 out of 5 based on 17 reviews. – Customer review on 22/02/2010

As a budding neuroscientist, this book is an amazing description of the ability of the brain to change and adapt to its environment. In a simple lay language, Doidge describes a number of cases where people have been able to over come injury, insult or even learning difficulties by training or 'rewiring' their brains. Its an important book that points out how we can overcome neurological difficulties and highlights the power and complexity of the brain.

5.0 out of 5 based on 17 reviews. – Customer review on 05/06/2009

A fascinating read, what an interesting topic. Bought one for me and another for a gift!