Tales from Both Sides of the Brain

A Life in Neuroscience

De: Michael S. Gazzaniga

Narrado por: Johnny Heller

Michael S. Gazzaniga, one of the most important neuroscientists of the twentieth century, gives us an exciting behind-the-scenes look at his seminal work on that unlikely couple, the right and left brain. Foreword by Steven Pinker.

In the mid-twentieth century, Michael S. Gazzaniga, “the father of cognitive neuroscience,” was part of a team of pioneering neuroscientists who developed the now foundational split-brain brain theory: the notion that the right and left hemispheres of the brain can act independently from one another and have different strengths.

In Tales from Both Sides of the Brain, Gazzaniga tells the impassioned story of his life in science and his decades-long journey to understand how the separate spheres of our brains communicate and miscommunicate with their separate agendas. By turns humorous and moving, Tales from Both Sides of the Brain interweaves Gazzaniga’s scientific achievements with his reflections on the challenges and thrills of working as a scientist. In his engaging and accessible style, he paints a vivid portrait not only of his discovery of split-brain theory, but also of his comrades in arms—the many patients, friends, and family who have accompanied him on this wild ride of intellectual discovery.

good, but...

very easy to tune out of. just not all that engaging, although some moments were great

Not what I was expecting

This book was more of a memoir of his life and times. It did have many interesting tidbits and his life was pretty amazing. I certainly agree that in many ways scientific research isn’t as fun as it used to be (too much administration). But I know that some had abused the system and that is why we have what we have today. Overall a good book

Evolution of a branch of science

If you could sum up Tales from Both Sides of the Brain in three words, what would they be?

Interesting. Entertaining.informative.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The author. He tells the story with ease.

Have you listened to any of Johnny Heller’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The final chapter. It is exciting to see were we are now in the field.

Any additional comments?

A wonderful story that takes you through the birth and evolution of a new branch in science as well as the role of the players that made it happen.

Gazzaniga is brilliant and inspiring

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Unfortunately, I have no friends interested in brain science. I discovered Michael Gazzaniga's work in 1996, and was so excited my heart pounded and I nearly passed out from hyperventilating.

What did you like best about this story?

I am aways astounded by the construction of scientific research, and Gazzaniga's research is made all the more thrilling by his own excitement about his work. His articles and this book bleed his thrill at this work. One reviewer made the comment that he liked the science, but that was all. For me, seeing the whole picture of his life, his fellow scientists and the wildly painful decisions made as opportunities arose which required moving away from his wonderful homes and their histories of friends and fellow scientists, helped me place his work and life in context. That might be because I fell madly in love him with during my 1996 reading of an article he wrote, but for me, they are inseparable. He is loved, admired, trusted and respected. I join the crowd with joy.

What about Johnny Heller’s performance did you like?

Well, I really have never heard Michael Gazzaniga's voice. But Johnny Heller reads this book like it was his own work and life he was describing. Beautifully narrated. And it's okay of Michael Gazzaniga has a little squeaky voice. I still love him.Heller could read to me from a phone book (do we still have those?) and I'd be thrilled.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

More than one, but all the same. He drew me deeply into his work and the amazing opportunities that he created (and that fell in his lap) and being deeply immersed (vicariously) in his work, the opportunities and painful changes that accompanied the opportunities of switching sides of our continent moved me deeply. It speaks of dedication and shows his family's devotion to him and to his work.

Oh, and he loves tractors.

Any additional comments?

I am so lucky to have stumbled onto Dr. Gazzaniga. I'm glad I got to be on this planet at the same time as he.

Insightful.

Provides a great insider's perspective on how science is done and the life dedication required to discover and own the conversation.