15 Best Neuroscience Books of All Time

FAQ

• What are the best neuroscience books available?

  The best neuroscience books are plentiful and offer a rich source of knowledge. They range from Oliver Sacks’ non-fiction books, which beautifully weave human stories with neuroscience, to David Brooks’ exploration of the mind-brain connection. Then there's NeuWrite West, an excellent resource that recommends important neuroscience readings, including textbooks and more general reads.

• What is NeuWrite West?

  NeuWrite West is a collaborative group of both scientists and writers committed to making neuroscience accessible to the general public. They provide lists of the best neuroscience books, helping people interested in the brain and mind to discover new reads and continue learning about this fascinating field.

• Can you recommend any good neuroscience books for high school students?

  Yes. A good book as an intro-why to neuroscience for high school students might be "The Tell-Tale Brain" by V.S. Ramachandran. This book explores brain function in an accessible way, perfect for those new to neuroscience. It's also worth noting that many high school set books, such as "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat" by Oliver Sacks, offer engaging and understandable insights into the world of neuroscience.

• How can I buy neuroscience books without breaking the bank?

  The book buy process doesn't have to empty your wallet! Many retailers, including Amazon, offer used versions of popular neuroscience books at a fraction of the original price. You can view details of the book's condition, and often, the Amazon price incl tax is far more manageable than buying new. Do note that some sellers may list the price as tax excl, so be sure to check before purchasing.

• What are some brain books authored by David Brooks?

  David Brooks has written several books on neuroscience, culture, and the human mind. One of them, "The Social Animal," draws on neuroscience to explain human nature and societal dynamics. Other books David Brooks has contributed to, like "The Neuroscience of Human Relationships," are also an excellent read.

• What neuroscience book would you recommend for someone who wants to learn more about the history of the brain?

  "The History of Neuroscience in Autobiography" is an excellent source for readers interested in both the history of neuroscience and the history of the human brain. This book, edited by Larry R. Squire, features autobiographical chapters from prominent neuroscientists who were active in the field years ago. It provides a unique view into the development of neuroscience over the past century.

• Can you recommend any popular neuroscience books that delve into consciousness and the mind?

  Absolutely. "The Astonishing Hypothesis: The Scientific Search for the Soul" by Francis Crick delves into the intricacies of consciousness, as does David Eagleman's best-selling "Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain." These books explore the mind-brain relationship and the neuroscience of consciousness in an engaging and thought-provoking way.

• Are there any new neuroscience books that should be added to my reading list this year?

  For sure. "The Code Breaker" by Walter Isaacson, released just a year ago, is a must-read. It tells the story of Jennifer Doudna, the biochemist who won a Nobel Prize for her work in developing CRISPR, a revolutionary gene-editing tool. While not solely about neuroscience, it explores the potential implications of such technology on the human brain and how we perceive ourselves.

• Can you recommend any neuroscience books that involve elements of culture and society?

  Certainly! "The Tell-Tale Brain" by V.S. Ramachandran examines how brain function impacts culture and society. Similarly, David Brooks' "The Social Animal" uses neuroscience to explain societal dynamics. These books show how neuroscience isn't just about the brain—it's about people, culture, and the world we live in.