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

27th March 2019
by Leigh Forbes
Comments Off on Stuffocation: living more with less

Stuffocation: living more with less

by James Wallman. Stuffocation begins with a look at the current “clutter crisis” as experienced by the western middle-classes. Research shows that this newly-wealthy section of society breeds a new kind of disease (albeit a first-world one): too much stuff. … 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 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

8th March 2017
by Leigh Forbes
Comments Off on Give Up Ironing: a Writer’s Guide to Time Management

Give Up Ironing: a Writer’s Guide to Time Management

by Kathleen McGurl. This book is for anyone who struggles to manage their time effectively, and finds themselves saying “I’d like to [whatever] but I don’t have enough time”. I gave up ironing a decade ago, but still found plenty … 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

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