July 6, 2021

“Create A Better Brain”- a book review

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Are you in search of more brain power?  Do you want to be more thankful?  Would you like to help your child increase his IQ?  Do you have an autistic child?  Are you struggling with depression?  Do you want to revitalize your marriage? Are you seeking for ways to revolutionize your homeschool? Do you need help to overcome an addiction? Are you experiencing difficulty in relating to others? 
If you said “YES” to one or more of these questions then please read this powerful, insightful, and interesting book,  “Create A Better Brain”. Although the title states that this is a “Manual for Mommas”, let me suggest than anyone ages around 13 years and older would benefit from applying the principles in this book.  With 20 chapters and and 261 pages, this book covers a lot of material but is still an easy read.

In “Create A Better Brain”, Debi Pearl explains the brain and how it works in terms that even an non-scientist like me can understand.  She explains neuroplasticity, the science of how the brain is wired by our thoughts and actions,  by telling the fascinating story of how Pedro Bach-y-Rita’s brain was rewired after he suffered from a major stroke which destroyed 95% of his brain.
In Chapter 2, she goes on to tell us that “Neuroplasticity has taught us that the first year of a child’s life is critically important to the quality of their intellectual and emotional development.” She tells us that “Science has proven that your child’s emotional strength and mental well-being are not inherited but are a product of what we introduce into their world.”  If you are a parent, you have a tremendous responsibility to nurture, to care for, to protect, to talk with, to enjoy, and to guard your children, and to do all you can to give them a secure and joyful childhood.
“The Gift of Music” was one of my favorite chapters, probably because my parents have always been lovers of music.  I have fond memories of singing hymns with my family as a young girl.  Little did I know that those feelings of joy and security that I had while I singing with my family would give me a love for music for the rest of my life!  Truly, music has many wonderful effects on the brain.

I have studied health for many years, so naturally, the “Brain-Gut Connection” was another favorite chapter.  Debi tells us about some practical food that will improve your health as well as reminding us that our thought life also has a large influence on our well-being.
There is whole chapter devoted to Autism and how “Neuroplasticity has taught us that there is hope for everyone.”  Again, she uses a real life story to tell us of the many ways in which parents can make a difference in the life of an autistic child.
In a media-dominated culture, this book would not be complete without explaining how research has confirmed the detrimental effects of media on all of us, but especially of how harmful this is to the brain of a young child.
Some of my personal take aways from this book are the following:
1. Real success starts with thankfulness.  
2. Be aware of my response to potentially stressful situations.
3. Train my children to learn from the hard things of life rather than to be hurt or broken by them. Every negative experience, from falling down and skinning a knee to painful events like losing loved one, should be viewed as and opportunity to always focus o the good.
4. Be addicted to productivity, justice, mercy, love, grace, and faith.
In conclusion, this book has so much to offer to all of us in any season of life.  Whether you are young or old, single or married, a parent with young children or  a grandparent, living in a large family or by yourself-there is something for you to learn in this book because “it is never too late to rewire the brain”!
Click here to order your own copy of “Create A Better Brain”!
Philippians 4:8 “ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

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  1. Mrs. Bontrager, could you share some resources you have used to research health? I'm going in this same direction, but there are sooo many options out there. I'd love to hear ones you find beneficial.

  2. Just finished this book today. 🙂 I found it both intriguing and challenging. My children may or may not be getting just a little tired of mom's constant tidbits on the brain. (the one sitting beside me says he's not). I am ready to read it again…with a highlighter and notebook this time. The importance of choosing joy and thankfulness and their impact on our brain (not to mention our outlook and the atmosphere where ever we bring these things) really encouraged me to take more time for thankfulness right now. We are truly fearfully and wonderfully made as this amazing field of neuroplasticity reminds us.

  3. Thanks so much for the book review! I enjoyed hearing your opinion of it and what you learned from the Brain book….especially since I just finished reading that very book a few weeks ago 🙂 You're right, it is so good! God has given us a pretty amazing brain!

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