Rating: 
Summary: Plausible Ideas
Review: "I need a change of pace." (We all probably say that from time to time.)This book offers an interesting explanation as to why we might feel that way: one functional part of our brain is tired and another part could use some exercise. The author elaborates on the idea: engaging in a variety of physical and mental activities is healthy for our brains and, therefore, healthy for us, overall. This seems pretty plausible to me. Easy to read and filled with interesting ideas.
Rating:
Summary: Plausible Ideas
Review: "I need a change of pace." (We all probably say that from time to time.) This book offers an interesting explanation as to why we might feel that way: one functional part of our brain is tired and another part could use some exercise. The author elaborates on the idea: engaging in a variety of physical and mental activities is healthy for our brains and, therefore, healthy for us, overall. This seems pretty plausible to me. Easy to read and filled with interesting ideas.
Rating: 
Summary: Not for Beginners or Neurosurgeons, Good Intermediate Read.
Review: Among the books about improving your thinking, this book takes you one step further. This is not just an explanation of thinking skills but an overview of the interactions among the various parts of the brain. It includes suggestions for general brain health as well as activities that involve multiple areas of the brain, which in turn form new neuro connections.The second half of the title "Unleashing Your Brain's Potential" is more appropriate for the content of this book.
N. Illing, author of SPARKS Ignite Imagination, an informational activity book for stretching the imagination.
Rating:
Summary: I Wanted to be Wowed......
Review: and in this case, I wasn't. The material wasn't bad... but it was missing
that "edge" that sets apart exceptional books from unexceptional
books. What was the largest weakness for me was an inconsistency between
the chapters: some were filled to the brim with useful, workable
suggestions and ideas and others left me wondering, "Wait, what
was the intended suggestion for that chapter?" Perhaps the confusion was part of Restak's intent... to get the
reader really applying our newly-stretched brainpower? *Shrug* Just not sure.... there is some decent information here
which I will more than likely use and reuse, which is why the
ranking is 4 stars rather than 3.
Rating:
Summary: I Wanted to be Wowed......
Review: and in this case, I wasn't. The material wasn't bad... but it was missing
that "edge" that sets apart exceptional books from unexceptional
books. What was the largest weakness for me was an inconsistency between
the chapters: some were filled to the brim with useful, workable
suggestions and ideas and others left me wondering, "Wait, what
was the intended suggestion for that chapter?" Perhaps the confusion was part of Restak's intent... to get the
reader really applying our newly-stretched brainpower? *Shrug* Just not sure.... there is some decent information here
which I will more than likely use and reuse, which is why the
ranking is 4 stars rather than 3.
Rating:
Summary: I Wanted to be Wowed......
Review: and in this case, I wasn't. The material wasn't bad... but it was missing
that "edge" that sets apart exceptional books from unexceptional
books. What was the largest weakness for me was an inconsistency between
the chapters: some were filled to the brim with useful, workable
suggestions and ideas and others left me wondering, "Wait, what
was the intended suggestion for that chapter?" Perhaps the confusion was part of Restak's intent... to get the
reader really applying our newly-stretched brainpower? *Shrug* Just not sure.... there is some decent information here
which I will more than likely use and reuse, which is why the
ranking is 4 stars rather than 3.
Rating:
Summary: WARNING
Review: audible.com audiobooks may or may not work. may or may not take longer than reading the book. tech dept keeps banking hours and has one phone line.
Rating: 
Summary: Good book, but not a passive read!
Review: Be prepared to spend a lot of time with this book. Its short and easy to read (and very interesting) but to get anything out of it you have to work the excersises which are very difficult. Not for the faint of heart!
Rating:
Summary: Use it or lose it.
Review: Dr. Restak provides 28 ideas in 28 chapters for maintaining an alert mind. Many of the ideas are simply motherhood and apple pie recommendations - reduce stress, concentrate, exercise, etc. And while there are some interesting insights on how the brain works, based on PET scans and recent research, Dr. Restak's recommendations are anecdotal and based on personal experience.
Dr. Restak combines brain facts with his own musings to give the illusion of a scientific basis for his recommendations. However, there are no references to studies that confirm any of Dr. Restak's mind enhancing techniques. On the other hand, playing chess, listening to Mozart and reading more books isn't going to hurt anyone either. A better title might be "Use It or Lose It." While you won't use this book for reference, it still rates three stars for entertainment.
Rating:
Summary: Indy-pendent Thinkers
Review: Great idea for a book. Too bad it's been written so often and Mr. Rendak didn't strain his brain coming up with a new idea. Still, well written. Me thinks the idea behind the title correlates to the belief that classical music stimulates that brain - particularly in children and babies. (Sorry Indy)
| 
