Norm Holland's new book, Literature and the Brain

The author tells about the odd ways our brains behave when we are transported with stories, movies, poems, tv, or plays. In the magic moment of creation, for example, your neurotransmitters have changed their usual balance. And there are many other brain changes as we create or enjoy literary works.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• literature
• theory
• neuroscience
• neuropsychoanalysis
• neuropsychology

[normholland]

Dear James,

Thank you so much. This kind of comment means a great deal to the aging, retired professor. Thank you, thank you for taking the trouble to write. And I hope you like the book. A lot of it will seem familiar!

Yours very truly, Norman N. Holland

normholland@gmail.com

[normholland]

Yes, "oddly." I meant differently from the way it behaves in ordinary life. --N. Holland

[brunerguy1]

I'm excited by Norm's new book. Since he is one of the most well known pioneers in the interface between literature and psychology, this should be a treat.

[normholland]

HI, Brunerguy,

Go for it! It was a long time in the making, and I think it has something deeply new to say about literature and human beings. Warmly, Norm

[normholland]

Hi, ofermodi, Those aren't my books. We shot the video in the library of the apartment building where I live. I wouldn't have Wm Bennett in the house!

All best, Norm Holland

[jamesgawley]

Dr. Holland, you are an amazing scholar. I often remember your class "The Brain and the Book" as the most valuable class I took in college (this would have been around 2006). I will certainly add the book to my summer reading, and brush up on my understanding of the brain. Keep up the great work! -James Gawley.

[MPNereim]

Wonderful book. Few other fields work so effectively to demystify literature's power and the formerly ethereal reaches of literary criticism. I'm excited to see where neuro-psychology takes us!

[MPNereim]

Wonderful book. Few other fields work so effectively to demystify literature's power and the formerly ethereal reaches of literary criticism. I'm excited to see where neuro-pscyhology takes us!

[nelliemuller]

Did you say your brain behaves "oddly"?

[ofermodi]

I'm not okay with the fact that he has William J. Bennett's "Moral Compass" on his top shelf. "The Stone Cold Truth" by Stone Cold Steve Austin has more intellectual credibility.