Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Spark
The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and The Brain

by John J. Ratey, MD



      Oh no. Not another "exercise and brain book written by another doctor." Oh, no. It's not just another exercise and brain book written by another doctor. It is the exercise and brain book. Set aside all those others and focus in on Dr. Ratey's book.  Dr. Ratey explains in terms that are simple for the layman, yet supported by research, exactly why and how exercise works to improve our brain functioning and the kind of brain issues resolved by exercise. "We all know exercise makes us feel better," he begins. But then he explains what feeling better really means. Mind you, this is not a  stretch and flex  and touch your toes compendium of daily oughts. This is a convincer.

I'm not one for giving testimonials. But, as a nearing 60-year-old sedentary, computer-eyed squinting, recovering from cancer surgery college professor, I followed what Ratey had to say as I read the book. Carrying fears of my recent inability to focus on written material, I followed chapter by chapter - a listing of my recent existence - from Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Attention Deficit, Addiction, Hormonal Change, and Aging, a virtual mirror of my life. In all honesty, I cannot say I have come through to the light at the end of the tunnel. I can say, after reading Ratey's book, when looking down the tunnel, I no longer see the light being blown out. This is nothing difficult. But it does take someone to guide you through. I so wish I had read this book many months ago before the medicine prone doctors got hold of me. I would have taken the radiation and the chemo, but my mind would have been so much more prepared for the stagnation and side effects they failed to talk about. Maybe this is more of a testimonial than a review. But if it convinces just one person to avoid the path I took and take the path Dr. Ratey offers, maybe it ought to be more of a testimonial than a review.

The Book

Little, Brown and Company / Hachette Book Group
January 2008
Hardback
978-0-316-11350-2
Non-fiction / psychology / self help
More at Amazon.com
Excerpt
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The Reviewer

Chris Querry
Reviewed 2008
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