29th April 2019
by Leigh Forbes
Comments Off on 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
16th March 2019
by Leigh Forbes
Comments Off on The Power of Negative Emotion
by Todd Kashdan. The Power of Negative Emotion starts by looking at which emotions we think of as negative (primarily anger, sadness, and anxiety), and how different societies view them in different ways. It explains why these emotions can be … Continue reading
10th January 2019
by Leigh Forbes
Comments Off on Born Liars
by Ian Leslie. As an autistic, I have long been fascinated about why people lie. Of course, I have lied (yes, I love your hat), but as a skill, it’s only come to me later in life, and I find … Continue reading
21st December 2017
by Leigh Forbes
Comments Off on Sane New World: Taming the Mind
by Ruby Wax. Ruby Wax makes an excellent ambassador for mental health. She writes with clarity, humour, and detailed knowledge. The greater part of the book details the workings of the brain and the mind (as distinct entities), and gives … Continue reading
29th September 2017
by Leigh Forbes
Comments Off on 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
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
10th February 2017
by Leigh Forbes
Comments Off on 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
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
6th November 2016
by Leigh Forbes
Comments Off on Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right
by Atul Gawande. Citing examples of its use in the hospital where he works (and elsewhere), Atul Gawande illustrates how the checklist can be an extremely valuable tool in the decision-making process, particularly in complex and changing situations (such as … Continue reading
19th April 2016
by Leigh Forbes
Comments Off on Busy: How to Thrive in a World of Too Much
by Tony Crabbe. Often the cover quotes on books don’t mean much, but the “Life-changing” on the front of this one has it in a nutshell. Tony Crabbe’s Busy is a Life-Changing Book. Ping Ping Ping… the world is calling, … Continue reading
