Science writer Begley (Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain) delves into the science behind compulsive behavior. While compulsions and addictions are commonly used interchangeably, she describes the differences between the two. She then traces the history of compulsive behavior while including examples. From mild to extreme situations, the case studies and interviews Begley conducted and cites here include compulsions with video games, the Internet, smartphones, exercising, and hoarding. The author also explains the neurology behind compulsions. In addition, she devotes a chapter to altruistic behavior, including acts of generosity and volunteering. An example of such altruistic behavior that she notes is people who donate a kidney to a stranger. Begley emphasizes the stories of the interviewees, while analyzing how compulsions affect society in a fast-paced world. She explains how people can deal with their compulsions and the compulsions of those they care about. Prior science knowledge is not necessary, as this book is written for the general public. -VERDICT In this fascinating read, Begley combines a personal topic with thoughtfulness and sensitivity. Recommended for anyone interested in learning more about compulsive behavior.-Tina Chan, MIT Libs., Cambridge © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Science journalist Begley (Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain) demystifies compulsive behavior, exploring its history and manifestations and the many difficulties its sufferers face in finding appropriate diagnoses and treatment. Establishing compulsive behavior as the brain's attempt to assuage anxiety, Begley argues that it can serve a useful purpose. She notes that there are socially acceptable compulsive "quirks," such as a baseball player who won't change his "lucky" shorts, and that people turn to compulsive habits to feel more in control, a response that is "hardly pathological." Begley also provides riveting case studies, including a woman who must check her refrigerator repeatedly to ensure that her cat is not inside and a man whose germophobia compelled him to throw out his clothes, shave his head, and abandon his apartment for a series of hotel rooms. A fascinating historical analysis notes references to hoarding in Dante's Inferno and describes an obsessive Victorian-era book collector. Begley also chats with video game creators about their "addictive" products and expresses a healthy skepticism regarding concerns over widespread compulsive Internet usage. Much of the text summarizes well-known scholarship, but Begley's final chapter on brain function in the compulsive mind contains fresh insight that could fundamentally alter how we think of, and treat, mental illness going forward. Agent: Linda Loewenthal, David Black Agency. (Feb.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.