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Unthinkable

An Extraordinary Journey Through the World's Strangest Brains

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Unthinkable

By: Helen Thomson
Narrated by: Helen Thomson
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About this listen

How the mind works - everything from memory to emotion, navigation to creativity - explained in nine extraordinary human stories.

Imagine...getting lost in a one-room flat; seeing auras; never forgetting a moment; a permanent orchestra in your head; turning into a tiger; life as an out-of-body experience; feeling other people's pain; being convinced you are dead; becoming a different person overnight.

Our brains are far stranger than we think. We take it for granted that we can remember, feel emotion, navigate, empathise and understand the world around us, but how would our lives change if these abilities were dramatically enhanced - or disappeared overnight?

Award-winning science writer Helen Thomson has spent years travelling the world tracking down incredibly rare brain disorders. In Unthinkable she tells the stories of nine extraordinary people. From the man who thinks he's a tiger to the doctor who feels the pain of others just by looking at them, their experiences illustrate how the brain can shape our lives in unexpected and, in some cases, brilliant and alarming ways.

Delving into the rich histories of these conditions, exploring the very latest research and cutting-edge medical techniques, Thomson explains the workings of our consciousness, our emotions, our creativity and even the mechanisms that allow us to understand our own existence.

Story by remarkable story, Unthinkable takes us on an unforgettable journey through the human brain. Discover how to forge memories that never disappear, how to grow an alien limb and how to make better decisions. Learn how to hallucinate and how to make yourself happier in a split second. Find out how to avoid getting lost, how to see more of your reality, even how exactly you can confirm you are alive. Think the unthinkable.

©2018 Helen Thomson (P)2018 John Murray Press
Mental Health Neuroscience & Neuropsychology Human Brain Inspiring

What listeners say about Unthinkable

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Simply Amazing!

Thought provoking, smile on your dial, mouth open listening. Helen Thomson does an awesome job narrating - top job!

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Yes! Extraordinary

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I like the way the author sought explanations for the variations people had in lieu of just listing them.

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Really interesting

This is a great book, the people's stories are beautifully told. If you are interested in the quirks of the human mind then you won't be disappointed

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Gets you thinking

I really enjoyed learning about these fascinating people and what the human body is capable of.

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fascinating, amazing, inspiring!

The stories were fascinating and so interesting. the science was explained in a way that is easily understood. I loved it!!

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Fantastic!

Absolutely loved it. It's beautifully written, and the reading by the author added weight to the stories presented in the book and gives a sense of enthusiasm the author has for the subject.

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