I love neuropsychology. I studied it both in my undergraduate and my master's degree. While I never went on to pursue it for a career it has remained an interest of mine. For fun, I enjoy reading neuropsychology books that take the research and combine it into a more narrative format. Some authors do not have adequate background in the science, and while the work is excellent journalism it does not go deep enough. Other authors are used to more academic writing and do not quite capture the narrative style in an engaging manner.

Then there is how to present the depth of knowledge. Some books are very introductory and I am left feeling board and unsatisfied. Yet, the book also has to be able to explain complex neurological tasks, that even the most researched neuropsychologist does not have answers to. It is tough to reach such a broad audience.

Writing a good pop psychology book is hard. David Eagleman is one of the best I have read. I was blown away by how he explained complex brain functions in easy to understand terms that did not leave me board. Even better was his applied usage of neuropsychology to change the entire dynamics of our society.

I tore through this book in audio, and plan on buying it in paper as well. I had long discussions with my children on the different ideas that Eagleman presented. The concepts of incarceration, punishment, and free will were fascinating. I can not wait to read his other books.