The New Science and Stories of the Brain

Life Lessons from a Brain Surgeon

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 
 
'You're amazing I could talk to you (Rahul) all day' Chris Evans 
 
'This is a gripping new book' The Times 
 
World-leading neuroscientist and neurosurgeon Dr Rahul Jandial draws on his years of work with patients suffering from the most extreme cases of brain damage, disorders and illnesses to reveal what they can tell us about the science of the mind. 
 
From a languages teacher who has to choose whether to lose her ability to speak Spanish or English after brain surgery, to a former TV exec, now homeless, who discovers that his life-altering despondency is the result of a tumour, to a fainting teen who learns that deep breathing can mean the difference between life or death, these stories uncover the secret workings of the brain. 
 
Blending cutting-edge research and beautiful storytelling, Life Lessons from a Brain Surgeon is a vital resource on the best ways to boost your memory, control stress and emotions, minimize pain, unleash your creativity, raise smart kids and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's. This is a deeply practical and readable book, which will take you on an expedition through the anatomy of the most fascinating - and mysterious - of organs. 
 
Rahul's new book Life on a Knife's Edge is out now.

A compelling insight into that special organ that surgeons cannot replace

Professor Stephen Westaby, author of 'Fragile Lives'

A powerful and trustworthy insight into the brain. You will love his playful story telling and guidance

Dr Rupy Aujla - author 'The Doctor's Kitchen' and 'Eat to Beat Illness'

Rahul Jandial's truth and honesty is fantastic and his knowledge is amazing

Tim Lovejoy, Channel 4 'Sunday Brunch' TV presenter and podcast host

Forget supplements and pricey potions - these easy, doctor-approved exercises and lifestyle upgrades can help boost your brain at any age

Want to be happier, feel younger AND stave off dementia? Then try a leading neurosurgeon's brilliantly simple workouts for your little grey cells with this ingenious "BOOTCAMP FOR YOUR BRAIN"

Finally! A book about the brain that has gripping stories, easy to understand science, and useful tips that people can use in their daily lives. If you only read one book about the human brain, this should be the one. This book makes me even more proud of our unique craft - brain surgery and neuroscience

Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa,Author of 'Dr Q: My Journey from Migrant Farm Worker to Brain Surgeon'

World-leading neuroscientist Dr Rahul Jandial takes readers on a journey through the body's most mysterious organ. As well as revealing the secrets of the working brain, he offers tips on boosting memory, minimising pain and cutting Alzheimer's risk

Who knew a book about the human brain could be so enlightening and enjoyable at the same time? Science has come a long way and Dr. Rahul Jandial is on the leading edge of some of the most promising and innovative breakthroughs in treating the brain. In Life Lessons from a Brain Surgeon Jandial strikes an elegant balance between highlighting scientific discoveries, "busting" popular myths and providing realistic tips that can be applied to everyday life. The stories he shares about his experiences and the brain's ability to adapt and heal are incredibly inspiring

Rahul Jandial

A beautifully written and fearless depiction of both brain surgery and the mind of a surgeon. Riveting.

A reminder that what makes us stellar physicians and surgeons are not our skills with our hands and/our knowledge but rather our empathy and ability to connect with our patients.

Is this a memoir or a science book? An exposé of the shortcoming of our healthcare system or a paean to the wonders of modern medicine? The answer is YES, to all those things and more. Jandial takes us deep into the day-to-day life of his profession as a brain surgeon while simultaneously taking us even deeper into the inner-workings of our own biology. It's an unconventional approach, and a bit disarming at first blush, but pays off in spades. I loved this book.

James Nestor, New York Times bestselling author of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art

Most of us say 'it's not brain surgery' when we talk about our work. But Rahul Jandial's work - and life - is just that. And he loves both enough to fight for every moment of every life. A searingly honest, fascinating account of lives and minds entwined.

Stevie Spring CBE, Chairman of the British Council and the charity Mind

A powerful testimony to the skill of a world-class surgeon, and a soul-searching exploration of the vulnerability that makes him human.

Leah Hazard, author of the Sunday Times bestseller Hard Pushed

Filled with powerful  stories of human trauma and resilience - including his own

'It's a brilliant book... There are lessons in every paragraph....Get it now.' Chris Evans

A Brain Surgeon’s Reflections on Life, Loss and Survival

As one of the world's leading brain surgeons, Dr Jandial is the last hope for many patients who have extreme forms of cancer - patients who can't be saved, but deserve more time. 
 
Life on a Knife's Edge is his account of the resilience, courage and belief he has witnessed in his patients, and the lessons he has learned from them. Both an unflinching account of extreme surgeries and a profound, moving and introspective memoir, this book reveals the depths of a surgeon's psyche who is pushed to his limits, day in, day out. 
 
From keeping a gun victim's heart pumping with his own hand, to saving a woman from paralysis and performing brain surgery while time is running out on a haemorrhaging patient, we see how making life and death decisions and facing unimaginable pressure has shaped one man's life. 
 
In this breathtaking memoir, Dr Jandial shares what he's learned about human nature, from balancing the line between life and death everyday.

Rahul Jandial

Praise for Life on a Knife’s Edge

A beautifully written and fearless depiction of both brain surgery and the mind of a surgeon. Riveting.

A reminder that what makes us stellar physicians and surgeons are not our skills with our hands and/our knowledge but rather our empathy and ability to connect with our patients.

Is this a memoir or a science book? An exposé of the shortcoming of our healthcare system or a paean to the wonders of modern medicine? The answer is YES, to all those things and more. Jandial takes us deep into the ...

A beautifully written and fearless depiction of both brain surgery and the mind of a surgeon. Riveting.

A reminder that what makes us stellar physicians and surgeons are not our skills with our hands and/our knowledge but rather our empathy and ability to connect with our patients.

Is this a memoir or a science book? An exposé of the shortcoming of our healthcare system or a paean to the wonders of modern medicine? The answer is YES, to all those things and more. Jandial takes us deep into the ...

A beautifully written and fearless depiction of both brain surgery and the mind of a surgeon. Riveting.

A reminder that what makes us stellar physicians and surgeons are not our skills with our hands and/our knowledge but rather our empathy and ability to connect with our patients.

Is this a memoir or a science book? An exposé of the shortcoming of our healthcare system or a paean to the wonders of modern medicine? The answer is YES, to all those things and more. Jandial takes us deep into the ...

Books by Rahul Jandial

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter