Given the opportunity to watch the inner workings of his own brain, Steven
Johnson jumps at the chance. He reveals the results in Mind Wide Open, an
engaging and personal account of his foray into edgy brain science.
In the 21st century, Johnson observes, we have become used to ideas such as
"adrenaline rushes" and "serotonin levels," without really recognizing that
complex neurobiology has become a commonplace thing to talk about. He sees
recent laboratory revelations about the brain as crucial for understanding
ourselves and our psyches in new, post-Freudian ways. Readers shy about
slapping electrodes on their own temples can get a vicarious scientific
thrill as Johnson tries out empathy tests, neurofeedback, and fMRI scans.
The results paint a distinct picture of the author, and uncover general
brain secrets at the same time. Memory, fear, love, alertness--all the
multitude of states housed in our brains are shown to be the results of
chemical and electrical interactions constantly fed and changed by input
from our senses. Mind Wide Open both satisfies curiosity and provokes more
questions, leaving readers wondering about their own gray matter.

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