This book provides an in depth discussion of how the brain works. Norman Doidge has broken down the various functions of the brain into sizable chunks for us to understand and has supported his argument by real life studies. It refutes the theory that our brain is immutable and educates us that our brain is ever changing. Earlier, it was understood that every part of the brain had certain functions but now that perception has changed. When a particular area of the brain is affected, the other parts of the brain can be trained to take over the role that the affected part was playing. The effectiveness of this process is up to each individual. Real life examples in the book demonstrate that the brain can continue to be trained and developed but we must facilitate its growth by continuous learning and exercise. Reading this book inspired me to set out a schedule to spend time everyday doing mental exercises to continue to sharpen my brain and consequently, my thinking skills.

"The Brain that Changes Itself" provides specific compelling evidence to show that these and other beliefs about the brain are dead wrong. Our brains are remarkably flexible, malleable... plastic. This basic point of the book is shown through a multitude of compelling examples. There is the story of the woman born with half a brain who is able to function almost completely normally. There is the story of the surgeon who had a stroke that paralyzed him on one side... only to have total and complete functionality restored to that side. All of these stories are backed up with rigorous scientific investigation and a complete set of notes.