Brain Rules

12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School

By: John J. Medina

Narrated by: John J. Medina

Length: 7 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

Most of us have no idea what's really going on inside our heads. Yet brain scientists have uncovered details every business leader, parent, and teacher should know - such as the brain's need for physical activity to work at its best. How do we learn? What exactly do sleep and stress do to our brains? Why is multi-tasking a myth? Why is it so easy to forget - and so important to repeat - new information? Is it true that men and women have different brains?

In Brain Rules, molecular biologist Dr. John Medina shares his lifelong interest in how the brain sciences might influence the way we teach our children and the way we work. In each chapter, he describes a brain rule - what scientists know for sure about how our brains work - and then offers transformative ideas for our daily lives.

Medina's fascinating stories and sense of humor breathe life into brain science. You'll learn why Michael Jordan was no good at baseball. You'll peer over a surgeon's shoulder as he finds, to his surprise, that we have a "Jennifer Aniston neuron". You'll meet a boy who has an amazing memory for music but can't tie his own shoes.

Visit brainrules.net/dvd to view videos mentioned in the book.

©2008 John J. Medina (P)2008 Pear Press

Brilliant explanation of the mind's universe

I enjoyed Medina's entertaining descriptions and vibrant vignettes so much that I kept driving around the block to hear more.

I was sad to have finished it so quickly.

Interesting Read

Pretty interseting book with a lot of useful information about how the brain works and learns. The summary at the end each chapter helped to drive home the main points of the chapter. I have gained some valuable knowledge from this book that has helped me at work and my son at school.

Very Helpful

Would you listen to Brain Rules again? Why?

Yes, repeat to remember.

What about John J. Medina’s performance did you like?

I am not a naive speaker of English, so have a little problem with familiarizing with his accent. However, I think It's a very good opportunity to practice the listening skill. I like his performance.

Mediocre at best

Any additional comments?

The title is misleading, there are very few practical advices in this book, and nothing new in it. Exercise increases brain function, a good sleep is a must. If you already know these, then you should choose another book.

Good content, TERRIBLE narration.

This was a very difficult listen, despite being packed with a good deal of interesting content, partly because of a digressive manner of writing, but mostly because of terrible narration. There are enough other "brain books" that you might better select another, or read this in print form.

repetitive, repetitive, repetitive

go to www.brainrules.com for an outline of this chapter... because.. the points are oh so complex... like .... sleep helps you remember better... and for a whole chapter ... stress make you remember less .... for a whole chapter ... and the breakthrough chapter .... men and women are different... I write this for my friends that love a good audible book ... and get to the point where you start skipping after 30 seconds of each chapter ... don't forget the breakthrough ... interesting things are easier to remember ...... ugh! another wasted credit!!

Unprofessional and Redundant

I previously purchased a book by this author. I thought that if I purchased another, it would contain different material. It was pretty much the same stuff. The book is peppered with countless amateur edits, as if the author was at home with a cheap microphone.

Good content, poorly read

This is an interesting book for the content. However, it is better to read this book than to listen to it. This book is poorly read by the author who is overly expressive and frequently raises his voice to a squeak.

Learned Nothing New

I took one class on neurobiology in college almost 20 years ago, and thought this might be a good book to add to that knowledge.

Unfortunately, the author didn't have anything insightful to add, since I already knew the difference between a neuron and a synapse. I also felt much of the information was really very basic, but the author's tone was as if each factoid was a massive revelation -- There is a difference between short term and long term memory! Presentations are more interesting when they include personal anecdotes and visual stimuli! Adults learn best in ten minute increments!

I suppose if I hadn't taken that neurobiology class, or if I was not already reasonably familiar with the principles of public speaking, the book might have been more interesting. I'm usually pretty forgiving of books, but this is the first time in months I felt like I "wasted a credit."

Thumbs down

Struggled to finish this. Narrators voice was not enjoyable (the author should have paid for a narrator) and the information was too scientific with no practical application.