Mini's books of interest.

Decartes' error by Antonio Damasio

A great easy to read book on the brain ,emotion and reason. Very informative for anyone interested in the workings of the brain.

Extinct birds of New Zealand by Martinson, Paul

In New Zealand's lush rainforests, isolated from the outside world for 80 million years, many extraordinary birds evolved. They included the giant moa, the beautiful huia, and the largest eagle the earth has ever seen. Within a few hundred years, human settlement extinguished 58 species - over a quarter of the species. For the first time ever, this book brings all these lost birds to life. In rich colour, celebrated painter Paul Martinson depicts each bird in its original habitat. Te Papa palaeontologist Alan Tennyson provides detailed information on the birds as well as a compelling overview of their tragic extinction.

Ghosts of Gondwana by Gibbs, George W

New Zealand is an extraordinary place, unique on Earth, and the remarkable story of how and why life evolved here is the subject of Ghosts of Gondwana. The science that traces the history of life on Earth is called historical biogeography and it is the theme of this book. George Gibbs' very accessible story summarises exciting new research which leads to an understanding of where our fauna and flora came from and how they evolved to become some of the strangest in the world. It also reveals the landmark events in our deep history which have moulded the life of today and presents a balanced view of the arguments which accompany this type of speculative science. Ghosts of Gondwana is a highly readable and engaging book. Heavily illustrated with photographs and diagrams, this is popular science writing at its best. As the only contemporary book on this subject, it will undoubtedly become essential reading for anyone interested in New Zealand's ecological or natural history.

Firmin by Savage, Sam

"As Francis Bacon knew, "Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested." Firmin the rat, born in a bookstore basement in Boston's Scollay Square during the last days of its famous bookstores and infamous burlesque houses, understands this maxim perfectly. Forced to compete for food with his larger and meaner brothers and sisters, Firmin begins to devour his surroundings. Absorbing more than pulp and glue, he miraculously learns to read and soon begins to identify more with humans than rodents. Alienated from his family, he seeks the friendship of his hero, the bookseller, and a down-on-his luck science fiction writer who frequents the shop. Through a series of misadventures and against a backdrop of urban destruction, Firmin is led deep into his own imaginative soul - a place where Ginger Rogers holds him tight and tattered books, storied neighbourhoods, and down-and-out rats alike can find people who adore them."--BOOK JACKET.

Hippo eats dwarf by Boese, Alex

A bit of light light reading, this is hilarious as it discusses hoaxes and other urban legends.. bit of a laff!

Looking for Spinoza by Damasio, Antonio R

"Here, in a humane work of science, Damasio draws on his innovative research and on his experience with neurological patients to examine how feelings and the emotions that underlie them support the human spirit's greatest creations." "Damasio's new book focuses on what feelings are and reveals the biology of our survival mechanisms. It rediscovers a thinker whose work prefigures modern neuroscience, not only in his emphasis on emotions and feelings, but also in his refusal to separate mind and body. Together, the scientist and the philosopher help us understand what we are made of and what we are here for. Based on laboratory investigations but mindful of society and culture, Looking for Spinoza offers unexpected grounds for optimism about the human condition and is a masterwork of science and writing."

Miracle in the Andes by Rause, Vince

well, if you want to read a book about what it would be like to be in the worst situation ever.. read this.. have dinner first!

Our ancestors by Colquhoun, Archibald

This is a translation of 'nostri ancestori' three fables by the neo realist writer Italo Calvino- one of my favourite books! Yes, it is fiction !!

Pohutukawa and rata by Simpson, Philip

This book is a celebration of pohutukawa and rata, as well as a passionate call for their preservation. Full of fascinating research, it explores their evolution and development, their role in Maori mythology, language and spiritual life, their value to pakeha and their many surprising uses. Generously illustrated with over 400 contemporary and archival images, this book also features many examples of pohutukawa and rata in art and design, textiles and advertising, literature and poetry.

The bell jar by Plath, Sylvia

This extraordinary work--echoing Plath's own experiences as a rising writer/editor in the early 1950s--chronicles the nervous breakdown of Esther Greenwood: brilliant, beautiful, enormously talented, successful, but slowly going under, and maybe for the last time.

The lost world of the moa by Holdaway, Richard N

i just read this and it is packed with info documenting the evolution of life in our little corner of the world. Particulary interesting is the chapter on the  Harpagornis eagle .

The man who mistook his wife for a hat, and other clinical tales by Sacks, Oliver W

This is a bit of a clasic in Neuroscience narrative.. definitely worth a read. Very humanistically written with a genuine empathy for his patients- another fascinating look at the workings of the brain. The brain/ mind debate continues..

The sociopath next door by Stout, Martha

this is intersting and provides a look into the minds of the sociopaths- not just the axe murdering extreme cases either- this also looks at the mental make-up of  completely conscience deprived people - who apparently are 1 in 25! freaky! Excellent case studies and entertaining as well!

Tigger on the couch by James, Laura

"Remember those adorable characters you spent your childhood with? Well now it's time to see them in a different light! Tigger on the Couch is a highly amusing take on self-help and psychological disorders, providing an insightful and astute analysis of our favourite characters' mental health issues, and asking how they shaped our ideas about love, life, inner peace and good mental health. Imagine the transformation in Tigger's life if he'd received anti-hyperactivity drugs. If Beauty had told her therapist about her relationship with the Beast, she would have been diagnosed as co-dependant. Winnie the Pooh had addiction issues [remember the lengths he'd go to for his honey fix] and the Wizard of Oz was undoubtedly a narcissist. Packed with hilarious yet decidedly accurate and probing case studies, this book gradually unveils the neuroses, psychoses and disorders plaguing our beloved childhood characters. Get an insight into the character's traits, diagnosis and theoretical treatment programme, and learn more about yourself and your loved-ones through ten-point exercises. So sit back and find out what your favourite character says about you, and how they would have been treated if they had traded the Hundred Acre Wood for a spell in the Priory"--Publisher's description.