Consciousness: Confessions of a Romantic Reductionist

easily understandable and inviting for the beginning scientist and dabbling college student alike. The authors provide ample visual and interactive features that clarify the bulk of the information found in the text. These include figures, diagrams, and “visual summaries” provided at the ends of chapters, as well as a companion website at www.mindsmachine.com. Clearly written and well-organized, the book is an ideal introduction to neuroscience. The strengths of The Mind’s Machine far outweigh the weaknesses. It is worth noting that, perhaps because it is written by neuroanatomists, the text is slightly lacking in molecular and physiological detail. Additionally, the authors go into too much detail in tangentially related areas such as endocrinology, leading to a lack of focus in some sections of the book that could lose the interest of student readers. In some instances, important concepts are over-simplified, such as the complicated multi-pronged effects of psychoactive pharmacological agents. For example, in some cases, the book is somewhat biased and can come across as a public service brochure on the dangers of drug use rather than an explanation of their biological effects. This type of bias can be distracting, particularly to college undergraduates. Regardless, The Mind's Machine is overall an engaging and accurate introduction to neuroscience for the undergraduate student.