The Owner's Manual for the Brain

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Although medical science can describe and define many of the brain's functions, the relationship between brain and behavior is not yet fully understood. Howard, director of the Center for Applied Cognitive Studies, a Charlotte, N.C.-based consulting firm, organizes workshops so people can better comprehend this relationships and make appropriate changes in their lives. His book includes chapters on the psychobiology of emotions and getting along with the opposite sex (including research on why men and women supposedly differ in math and verbal skills). He cites studies from a variety of sources to back himself up. Some of his goals are very basic--for example, how to get a better night's sleep or improve memory by relying on specific diet recommendations. Others, such as delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease, are more experimental. But, unfortunately, the book reads as a hodge-podge of research findings, followed by applications by Howard. (July)

Library Journal

Howard, director of the Center for Applied Cognitive Studies (Charlotte, North Carolina), has digested an assortment of brain research and created what he hopes will be a practical "reference work for consumers." Targeting an audience of lifelong learners, educators, and managers, he has selected research on intelligence, stress, learning, creativity, memory, and the emotions. Brief synopses of the research are followed by suggested applications ranging from the familiar (drink warm milk to promote sleep) to the novel and impractical (schedule math tests for females during the first half of the menstrual cycle). While this book lacks formal references for the research cited, it does offer a variety of ideas and perspectives and some excellent reading lists for the general reader.-Laurie Bartolini, Lincoln Lib., Springfield, Ill.