I just finished reading Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain
. It is a great read. It looks like a lot of the Amazon reviewers expected a how-to manual. That is not what this book is. It simply presents the growing evidence that our brains remain remarkably plastic throughout our entire lives.
For example, it discusses a technique used to treat dyslexia in children called
Fast ForWord. I think similar techniques would also work to help adults learn new languages.
For people looking for a how-to manual I highly recommend Jack Kornfield's The Inner Art of Meditation. I listened to it a while back and it was the first time meditation made sense to me.
Last night at Barnes & Noble I came across another book about neuroplasticity. The Brain That Changes Itself provides examples of the brain rewiring itself to overcome injury or abnormality. My local library just got a copy in so I plan on reading it next.
If you are wondering what any of this has to do with weight loss, read this excellent article: Know Your Hunger.
Update: There is an interview with Sharon Begley on NPR about her book. There is an interview with Norman Doidge about his book (in Real Audio unfortunately) too.