OWNER'S MANUAL FOR THE BRAIN: The Ultimate Guide to Peak Mental Performance at All Ages by Pierce J. Howard. William Morrow/HarperCollins, 2006, 2014 4th ed (1047 pages) OUTLINE OF BOOK'S FACTS & IDEAS 3-19-16 CITATIONS ABOUT CONSCIOUSNESS See many references in index under: CONSCIOUSNESS -- WHAT IS IT? (pages 914-918); See also CONSCIOUS STATES (pages 65, 913-933); and CONSCIOUSNESS - Description (882-886), Free Will 888-890, Level of Activation = (page 884), Mode of Consciousness (pages 883-884, 312), Primary "core" consciousness (pages 882, 886, 887), Secondary Consciousness (page 312, Source of Consciousness (page 883), States of Consciousness (pages 884-885, 885), plus 17 more subheadings under consciousness. BOOK OUTLINE PART 1 --- FORMING A FOUNDATION: The context for using your Owner's Manual (26-87) PART 2 --- FROM THE CRADLE TO THE GRAVE, WITH A TURBULENT STOP AT ADOLESCENCE (88- PART 3 --- WELLNESS --- Getting the most out of every day (266- PART 4 --- LEARNING --- The brain as student (514- PART 5 --- CREATIVITY AND PROBLEM SOLVING --- Making mountains out of hills (650- PART 6 --- PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER --- How We Differ, and What Makes Us Tick (738- PART 7 --- CLOSING WITH A PRAYER --- A Peek at States of Consciousness (910- APPENDICES = A — B — C — D — E — F — G — H — I — J — K — L — DEFINITIONS (968-) BIBLIOGRAPHY — Books, journals, and other resources (980-) INDEX (1010- ) READER PARTICIPATION CARD (1049-) ABOUT The Center for Applied Cognitive Studies [CentACS] (1050-) AUTHOR NOTE, SUMMARY, AND BOOK DESCRIPTION AUTHOR NOTE = Pierce J. Howard, Ph.D., is director of research and development for the Center for Applied Cognitive Studies in Charlotte, North Carolina. Since the first edition of The Owner's Manual for the Brain was published in 1994, Dr. Howard has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and conducted countless seminars around the world. He is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, and the International Test Commission. SUMMARY = Cutting-edge, user-friendly, and comprehensive: the revolutionary guide to the brain, now fully revised and updated. This 4th edition of the book presents (distills or filters) the very latest research on the brain and explains in practical, real-world applications what it means for our daily lives. It provides information from the frontiers of psychology, neurobiology, and cognitive science. BOOK DESCRIPTION = At birth each of us is given the most powerful and complex tool of all time: the human brain. And yet, as we well know, it doesn't come with an owner's manual --- until now. In this unsurpassed resource, Dr. Pierce J. Howard and his team condense the latest brain research and clearly explain the practical, real-world applications to our daily lives. The book is well organized and written for maximum usability. It should be on every thinking person's bookshelf. It covers all aspects of modern brain research and cognitive psychology: What are the ingredients of happiness? Which are the best remedies for headaches and migraines? How can we master creativity, focus, decision making, and willpower? What are the best brain foods? How is it possible to boost memory and intelligence? What is the secret to getting a good night's sleep? How can you positively manage depression, anxiety, addiction, and other disorders? What is the impact of nutrition, stress, and exercise on the brain? Is personality hard-wired or fluid? What are the best strategies when recovering from trauma and loss? How do moods and emotions interact? What is the ideal learning environment for children? How do love, humor, music, friendship, and nature contribute to well-being? Are there ways of reducing negative traits such as aggression, short-temperedness, or irritability? What is the recommended treatment for concussions? Can you delay or prevent Alzheimer's and dementia? What are the most important ingredients to a successful marriage and family? What do the world's most effective managers know about leadership, motivation, and persuasion? In addition, there are literally hundreds more brain ideas! PROFESSIONAL BOOK REVIEW LIBRARY JOURNAL REVIEW = Cognitive researcher Howard intends with this revised and updated edition to bridge the gap between those books consisting mainly of scientific research reports and those containing only how-to information. According to the author, this book is aimed at readers in five categories: "lifelong learners, educators, consultants, managers and psychologists." It is meant to be used as a resource to answer questions, not to be read straight through. The text is divided into sections that cover the "framework for exploring mind-brain concepts," our movement through life stages, everyday wellness, how the brain learns, creativity and problem-solving, intelligence and personality traits, and states of consciousness. Subheadings make it easy to find relevant topics, and applications for that topic are listed along with suggested print and web resources. Verdict: This useful look at all the facets of the brain and its inner workings will be an excellent resource for those curious about how this organ works and for those looking for a more readable interpretation of the scientific studies done on it.-Christine -Sharbrough, Chelmsford PL, MA BOOK REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS [1] "A wonderful combination of coffee-table book, engaging and informative reading experience, and handy reference. ... it resembles Carl Sagan's popular works." (Booklist) [2] "Targeting an audience of lifelong learners... the book offers a variety of ideas and perspectives and some excellent reading lists for the general reader." (Library Journal) [3] "An intriguing book! I'm impressed with the author's knowledge of current research and his ability to effectively translate it for the general reader." (Gordon Claridge, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor, Psychology Department, University of Oxford) [4] "Bridges the gap between the findings of neuropsychological research and their application by the general public. Humane clarity and practicality are the hallmarks of Dr. Howard's work. A book to be read -- and applied." (Peter J. Fagan, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Director, Office of USFHP, Behavioral Healthcare, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institute) [5] "This useful look at all the facets of the brain and its inner workings will be an excellent resource for those curious about how this organ works and for those looking for a more readable interpretation of the scientific studies done on it." (Library Journal) AMAZON READER REVIEWS [1] Great summary of the research, for scholar and casual reader alike! by Pam Otto on May 15, 2014 -- This book is great for the casual reader who perks up when they hear about new research on stress, or sleep or happiness. But it is also a practical compendium of modern cognitive research for the new psychology student or the experienced practitioner. Edited by Pierce J. Howard, Ph.D., this is the 4th edition, and the 4th one I have purchased, because of its breadth and the concise way Dr. Howard sumarizes the research and why it matters. Pick out topics of interest or read it front to back, you will walk away with information to enhance your understanding and your life. [2] A must read for every parent, every teacher by Sarah Read on September 30, 2014 -- A must read for every parent, every teacher, everyone. Fabulous sections on memory, on learning, on how to teach adults --- be the adults for your students or your employees. [3] Awesome Book. Very scientific by Arpit Saxena on July 11, 2014 -- Good Book to read for any person whether you have a science background or not. I just focus on the highlighted points in the book as i have a science background and little but of neuroscience. [4] A must by T. Padasak on February 17, 2015 – Had the previous edition but misplaced it. A must have for everyone, there is so much information that applies to everyday life. Basically one of those books that you can go back to forever and always learn something new. instantly return to: HUMANIST ATHEIST GALAXY OF SCIENCE STARS