How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan
Why I have it: Continuing the theme of Ayelet Waldman’s A Really Good Day.
Summary: Explores the use of psychedelic drugs for treating mental illness and for changing our ‘worldview’.
Other scientists are using psychedelics in conjunction with new brain-imaging tools to explore the links between brain and mind…
I’m thinking: Yes – it was the ‘brain and mind’ bit that got me.
Stasiland by Anna Funder
Why I have it: Because seriously, how have I not read this?
Summary: Funder tells extraordinary tales from the underbelly of the former East Germany.
I’m thinking: Yes.
A Better Death by Ranjana Srivastava
Why I have it: Came across it in palliative care reading.
Summary: Explores what it means to ‘die well’ (essentially, be prepared to contemplate our your mortality and to broach it with loved ones).
Somehow, amid all the advances of drugs and technology, medicine forgot to allow for people to die.
I’m thinking: Yes (but it will be for my work reference shelf rather than leisure reading).