46 pages • 1 hour read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
427
Book • Nonfiction
2000s
2007
Adult
18+ years
The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge delves into the concept of neuroplasticity, showcasing how groundbreaking research has shifted the understanding of the brain from a static organ to one capable of constant change. Through various case studies, the book illustrates individuals overcoming brain damage, learning disabilities, and other neurological challenges, emphasizing that the brain can adapt and heal throughout life. The book discusses outdated medical terminology, alcoholism, sexual abuse, physical assault, and animal testing.
Informative
Inspirational
Hopeful
Norman Doidge's The Brain That Changes Itself explores neuroplasticity with engaging case studies and accessible language, making complex topics understandable for general readers. Praised for its inspirational stories, the book sometimes lacks scientific rigor in favor of anecdotal evidence. Still, it's a compelling read for those interested in the brain's adaptability.
A reader who would enjoy The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge is curious about neuroscience, brain plasticity, and personal transformation. Fans of Oliver Sacks' The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat or David Eagleman's Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain will find this book equally engaging and enlightening.
Sigmund Freud
An influential Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis, whose concepts, such as the Oedipus complex, explore early childhood's impact on development. His ideas on the subconscious are frequently referenced in Doidge's writing.
René Descartes
A French philosopher and mathematician known for his emphasis on rationality and the concept of mind-body dualism. His ideas historically influenced scientific thought, which Doidge critiques for hindering neuroplasticity research.
427
Book • Nonfiction
2000s
2007
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.