LEIGH FORBES: Books of all Sorts

29th April 2019
by Leigh Forbes
Comments Off on The Voices Within: the history and science of how we talk to ourselves

The Voices Within: the history and science of how we talk to ourselves

by Charles Fernyhough. A compelling and fascinating look at the inner workings of our minds and the many conversations that go on there: from such everyday experiences as the inner voice, silent reading, and the writer’s muse, through to voice-hearing … Continue reading

29th September 2017
by Leigh Forbes
Comments Off on Your Brain Knows More than you Think: the new frontiers of neuroplasticity

Your Brain Knows More than you Think: the new frontiers of neuroplasticity

by Niels Birbaumer. Niels Birbaumer writes about his research in the field of neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to learn new things), and the application of neurofeedback (learning to ‘shape’ the brain by using thought/reward techniques), to investigate such issues as … Continue reading

8th August 2017
by Leigh Forbes
Comments Off on A Day in the Life of the Brain: The Neuroscience of Consciousness from Dawn Till Dusk

A Day in the Life of the Brain: The Neuroscience of Consciousness from Dawn Till Dusk

by Susan Greenfield. A Day in the Life of the Brain takes the reader through a typical day: from waking up – that moment when we regain consciousness (and what is consciousness, anyway?) – to going back to sleep and dreaming. During … Continue reading

8th April 2017
by Leigh Forbes
Comments Off on Making Friends with Anxiety: a warm, supportive little book to help ease worry and panic

Making Friends with Anxiety: a warm, supportive little book to help ease worry and panic

by Sarah Rayner. The first in Sarah Rayner’s “Making Friends” series, this wonderful little, clearly written, guide to anxiety is perfect for anyone struggling with fear and/or panic. Rayner breaks down A.N.X.I.E.T.Y. into its component parts (one per chapter) meaning … Continue reading

16th February 2017
by Leigh Forbes
Comments Off on Making Peace with Depression: A warm and wise companion to recovery

Making Peace with Depression: A warm and wise companion to recovery

by Sarah Rayner, Kate Harrison,and Patrick Fitzgerald. A perfect book for people who feel controlled by depression: a superbly structured and well thought-out guide to the issues involved – without the pages of dry theory or patronising dictates, or list … Continue reading

10th February 2017
by Leigh Forbes
Comments Off on Blink: the Power of Thinking Without Thinking

Blink: the Power of Thinking Without Thinking

by Malcolm Gladwell. This book looks at how we instinctively know when something is right or wrong, based on our ability to “thin slice” a situation.  Citing examples of art experts spotting a fake (that months of research had validated), a tennis … Continue reading

3rd February 2017
by Leigh Forbes
Comments Off on The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking

The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking

by Oliver Burkeman. A no-nonsense look through the veneer of “positive thinking”. It would be so easy to rant about the glitz and fakery surrounding “motivational” stuff, but Oliver Burkeman calmly, and in all seriousness, starts by explaining why – … Continue reading