Scatterbrain How the mind's mistakes make humans creative, innovative, and successful

German neuroscientist, author, speaker, and ""Science Slammer"" Beck proves that science is cool. This book is an engaging exploration of the brain and its workings, particularly how things we often identify as failures or mistakes actually serve to showcase the complexity and durability of our brains, and allow us to stretch our understanding of what the mind is really capable of. The approachable text is broken up into sections with headings that move readers through the material easily, and is at times very funny. Beck further bolsters the book with frequent exercises for readers to test out the functions he discusses. Beck is definitely a scientist of the people and his approach ensures that all readers can glean something intriguing from this book's pages, while those interested in scientific topics or the way our brain works will particularly enjoy it. A robust notes section encourages interested readers to dig deeper in the sources consulted for the book.--Erin Renee Wahl Copyright 2010 Booklist

Neuroscientist Beck reveals how the brain's faults actually enhance its functionality in this delightful study. These integral flaws and errors "mask the hidden strengths of our brain," even as they create false memories, lead to math errors, and stymie decision-making. In a friendly and colloquial voice, with examples drawn from popular iconography and everyday life, Beck cites current research in neuropsychology to explain various mental phenomena--for example, why humans forget names and faces, how they learn from mistakes, and why they aren't adept at rote learning but understand the way the world works. A lively discussion about creativity shows why people are rarely innovative on demand but can generate new ideas that are neither planned nor regulated. Readers will come to appreciate how the brain's disorderly operating system is an advantage, and that being imperfect is what gives rise to new ideas, as Beck sums up when he pinpoints "the unique characteristic of human thought that it is not flawless and exact." Illuminating, and a joy to read, this offers, in comparison to other recent neuroscience titles, a refreshingly accessible and relatable take on the brain's inner workings that should appeal to both science buffs and casual readers. (Oct.)