Mini Reviews: 3 Compelling Reads about the Brain and How It Works

New books about addiction, autism and the mysteries of other people’s minds

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

The Anatomy of Addiction: What Science and Research Tell Us about the True Causes, Best Preventive Techniques, and Most Successful Treatments
by Akikur Mohammad.
Tarcher Perigee, 2016 ($27; 272 pages)

Addiction is rampant. Millions of Americans use illegal drugs, and in 2014, 88,000 people died from excess alcohol consumption, says addiction expert Mohammad. In his new book, he reviews the developing science of addiction, how different addictive substances work and how such drugs impair brain function. He also explores the flawed tactics we currently use to treat addiction and proposes alternative strategies, such as correcting the brain's chemical imbalance and addressing the emotional urge to self-medicate, which together may prove more effective. Ultimately Mohammad emphasizes that addiction is not simply a behavioral issue; it is a chronic brain disease and must be recognized as such so we can find the best possible ways to help people.

The Mind Club: Who Thinks, What Feels, and Why It Matters
by Daniel M. Wegner and Kurt Gray.
Viking, 2016 ($29; 400 pages)

On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

If we could only mind read, we would know how our first date or job interview really went. In reality, we understand little about what goes on in the minds of others, even those we think we know best. According to psychologists Wegner and Gray, “you can never be certain that other minds even exist.” The authors explore these uncertainties, weaving together personal anecdotes and research on human behavior and perception to try to unravel the mysteries of the mind.

The Prodigy’s Cousin: The Family Link between Autism and Extraordinary Talent
by Joanne Ruthsatz and Kimberly Stephens.
Current, 2016 ($28; 288 pages)

What makes a prodigy? Psychology professor Ruthsatz and journalist Stephens examine this question with great nuance. Through her own research, Ruthsatz has found that child prodigies tend to exhibit many traits associated with autism. To explain this overlap, she sets out to understand whether savants and individuals with autism share specific genes. The result offers an intriguing look at the nature of genius.

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American