Reviews

Unlike psychiatrists who tend to underestimate the role of the brain in mental illness, neurologist Restak ( The Brain ) seeks the cause, in part, in brain dysfunction. Drawing on his patients' often dramatic stories, this gifted and disarming writer's vivid scientific imagery helps to demonstrate the mysterious interaction between the physical brain and the ``inner-dimensional'' mind. The gap between the two, he notes, has narrowed, thanks to recent advances in neurobiochemical and genetics research and technology. Among these is the PET scanner, which can record action in the brain before a conscious act of will and help diagnose schizophrenia. One of the wide-ranging essays here concerns the benefits to be derived from such activities as contemplating a bonsai tree, which, along with other ``prescriptions for insight,'' Restak much prefers to the cult of self-absorption attributable, he believes, to psychoanalysis, how-to books and ``communal group grope'' approaches. (Nov.)

Restak, a neuropsychiatrist, gained notoriety with two PBS companion volumes, The Brain ( LJ 11/1/88) and The Mind ( LJ 10/15/84). His latest offering is a curious assortment of short essays that touch on the mind/brain relationship. Directed toward the general reader, these pieces reflect upon such topics as creativity, concentration, mindfulness, lucid dreaming, and the distinguishing features of a highly intelligent brain. Restak freely philosophizes and occasionally editorializes. Examples from his clinical practice and brief summaries of pertinent research add an interesting dimension to the book. While not all of these essays demonstrate profound insight, there is clearly enough here to tantalize readers. Restak's book should be popular in public libraries.-- Laurie Bartolini, Lincoln Lib., Springfield, Ill.