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Kathleen McAuliffe
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This Is Your Brain on Parasites: How Tiny Creatures Manipulate Our Behavior and Shape Society Hardcover – June 7, 2016

by Kathleen McAuliffe (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 928 ratings
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A riveting investigation of the myriad ways that parasites control how other creatures—including humans—think, feel, and act.
 
These tiny organisms can only live inside another animal, and as McAuliffe reveals, they have many evolutionary motives for manipulating their host’s behavior. Far more often than appreciated, these puppeteers orchestrate the interplay between predator and prey. With astonishing precision, parasites can coax rats to approach cats, spiders to transform the patterns of their webs, and fish to draw the attention of birds that then swoop down to feast on them.
 
We humans are hardly immune to the profound influence of parasites. Organisms we pick up from our own pets are strongly suspected of changing our personality traits and contributing to recklessness, impulsivity—even suicide. Microbes in our gut affect our emotions and the very wiring of our brains. Germs that cause colds and flu may alter our behavior even before symptoms become apparent.
 
Parasites influence our species on the cultural level too. As McAuliffe documents, a subconscious fear of contagion impacts virtually every aspect of our lives, from our sexual attractions and social circles to our morals and political views. Drawing on a huge body of research, she argues that our dread of contamination is an evolved defense against parasites—and a double-edged sword. The horror and revulsion we feel when we come in contact with people who appear diseased or dirty helped pave the way for civilization, but may also be the basis for major divisions in societies that persist to this day.
 
In the tradition of Jared Diamond’s Guns, Germs and Steel and Neil Shubin’s Your Inner Fish, This Is Your Brain on Parasites is both a journey into cutting-edge science and a revelatory examination of what it means to be human.
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  1. Print length
    288 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Eamon Dolan/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
  4. Publication date
    June 7, 2016
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 1.12 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0544192222
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0544192225
  8. See all details
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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
928 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book fascinating and informative. They praise the writing quality as well-researched and easy to read. However, opinions differ on the pacing and creepiness of the content. Some find it informative and interesting, while others consider it disturbing or creepy. The information is described as factual and interesting, though some readers feel some parts are misleading or misrepresented.

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ReadabilityWriting qualityPacingCreepinessInformation quality
77 customers mention "Readability"77 positive0 negative

Customers find the book fascinating and informative. They appreciate the author's ability to weave an exciting tale about how parasites affect animal behavior. The book is a must-read for biologists, psychologists, and sociologists. It explores personal and social aspects of the topic, and it dives deep into the most provocative and controversial aspects.

"I loved it. Very, very interesting. Gross but interesting. Of course now I’m always checking for parasites." Read more

"A very entertaining book that gives you a lot to ponder, but one thing to keep in mind is that the author is a journalist, not a scientist...." Read more

"...the path to looking at the world in a different way: an unabashedly parasite-centric way. We are more microbe than humans!..." Read more

"...Richard Dawkins, and other science writers, but really dives deep into the most provocative and controversial aspects of microbiology and..." Read more

23 customers mention "Writing quality"23 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book. They find it well-researched, easy to read, and fast-paced. Readers praise the author as a remarkable writer and researcher.

"A very entertaining book that gives you a lot to ponder, but one thing to keep in mind is that the author is a journalist, not a scientist...." Read more

"...Well-written and very informative. I highly recommend this one to you." Read more

"...I really enjoyed her writing on toxoplasmosis, rabies, and emotional disgust, and it certainly got me thinking fresh thoughts on my chosen research..." Read more

"...But the writing itself, aside from the content, is highly readable and sophisticated, and you can enjoy this book for the writing alone, if you can..." Read more

10 customers mention "Pacing"5 positive5 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book. Some find it interesting in the first few chapters, while others feel it gets off-topic and boring at times.

"I loved it. Very, very interesting. Gross but interesting. Of course now I’m always checking for parasites." Read more

"...is fast-paced, erudite and balanced, although at times she does get off-topic a little..." Read more

"The title was intriguing and I had a long flight across the pond coming up...." Read more

"First few chapters are interesting, after that, it’s just a waste of time pushing crazy ideas with little connection to the topic of parasites." Read more

6 customers mention "Creepiness"3 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's creepiness. Some find it engaging and interesting, while others find it disturbing and amusing.

"This book describes a very interesting and kinda creepy theory that parasites can actually affect human behavior...." Read more

"weird and disturbing, but wort reading" Read more

"Scary & most informative..." Read more

"Very interesting and a little scary too." Read more

5 customers mention "Information quality"3 positive2 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's information quality. Some find it interesting and well-presented, while others feel the author is spreading misinformation and lacks reliable data to support some of the statements.

"Absolutely loved this book & the odd facts contained within...." Read more

"...This author is spreading lies and misinformation. The author does research but it’s absolutely not extensive or complete by any means...." Read more

"A lot of interesting information presented in an interesting way. I loved it." Read more

"...parasites MAY affect human behavior, but there is not real data to support those statements...." Read more

Interesting but the second part of the book is off subject and inappropriate
3 out of 5 stars
Interesting but the second part of the book is off subject and inappropriate
Very interesting examples of how parasites affect the behavior of animals. Very dissatisfied with the second half.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Beth Stranz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Parasites
    Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I loved it. Very, very interesting. Gross but interesting. Of course now I’m always checking for parasites.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • mook201
    4.0 out of 5 stars The parasites could be controlling you right now.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    A very entertaining book that gives you a lot to ponder, but one thing to keep in mind is that the author is a journalist, not a scientist. That's not a negative, the book is well researched and well written but it feels like a number of the examples used are chosen for their entertainment value and their wow factor as opposed to scientific veracity. There are many experiments and theories that are highlighted in the book with caveats like "the results haven't yet been duplicated", or "the sample size was very small" etc. To clarify again, I enjoyed the book, but just keep in mind its a bit more skewed toward entertainment. That of course has the bonus of making it easier to grasp.

    The book starts out focusing on the animal kingdom and I think its where it really shines. Here you'll be reading about amazing parasites that take control of their hosts and force them to do very detrimental things. Things that will most often cause the host to kill itself, or get itself eaten so the parasite can continue on its life cycle. It's stuff that sounds like science fiction but is happening all around us.

    Following that, the book focuses more on humans and how parasites can affect us. The first major example is the parasite toxoplasma. Rats affected with toxo lose their fear of cats and become less risk averse, making them more likely to be eaten by a cat, which just so happens where the toxo want to live. The author then gives examples of similar situations in people. People with toxo apparently have a higher incidence of car accidents. Is the infection making them drive more recklessly? Some scientists believe so and their research follows that theory.

    Following that the book continues exploring the affect of parasites on peoples' personalities. Could parasites affect whether you're shy or outgoing? Liberal or conservative? Whether or not you like spicy food? Do societies that developed in areas where parasites are a concern differ from those that didn't? In what ways? Many people would brush those questions off with a quick no, but the book may make you think a little bit harder about it.
    62 people found this helpful
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  • Hal Cook
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent analysis of parasites in our bodies in 2024.
    Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Dr. MCAuliffe has the clinical trials test data proving how millions of people have disgusting parasites in our body and brains.
    Helpful
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  • Sunny
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you, DISGUST!!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This book set me on the path to looking at the world in a different way: an unabashedly parasite-centric way. We are more microbe than humans! Some of our unconscious may be controlled by pathogens! Gut microbiome influences our brains, behaviors, and even personality!! Do you know how? Well... you can read it yourself.

    Save for anthelmintic, how parasites affect you?
    Are you happy to have high standards of hygiene?
    What do you think about the stomach churning emotion, disgust: visceral vs moral disgust?
    How politicians harness disgust sensitivity?
    How about Hillary Clinton's extended bathroom break during a Democratic primary debate?
    Do you wonder about whether you have the larger anterior insula relative to total brain size?
    Do you want to get the answers? Read it yourself.

    Remember the following tips:
    (1) eat vegetables that have been scrubbed throughly;
    (2) wear gloves while gardening;
    (3) cook meat well or, if you prefer it rare, freeze it first to kill the microbe's cysts ㅡT.gondii produces thick-walled cysts in the animal's muscle

    Ectoparasites and microscopic parasites may exist anywhere around you... and jeopardize you, your partner, and your offsprings.... So go get the book and read it yourself! Don't worry. I bet you will totally lose track of the time while reading. You will find yourself indulged in this a wee bit provocative topics. Well-written and very informative. I highly recommend this one to you.
    109 people found this helpful
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  • Professor of Quality
    5.0 out of 5 stars Why Isn't This Taught!?!?!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    For most what exists is what is actually seen with the eyes. However it is what's not seen that can either work to help all living beings or destroy all living beings.

    I like how the author bring to our awareness of the hidden world.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • JESUS RIVERA LOPEZ
    5.0 out of 5 stars Nos revela la importancia de la desparasitación.
    Reviewed in Mexico on July 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Es un libro muy interesante porque nos acerca a la comprensión de lo devastadores que son los parásitos.
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  • MARCIA REGINA DE AVELLAR FONSECA
    5.0 out of 5 stars Pontualidade
    Reviewed in Brazil on August 13, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Chegou como acordado.
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  • mDs
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very well-written book on a fascinating subject.
    Reviewed in Canada on August 15, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I picked up this book at the library years ago given its catchy title. Could not put it down. I purchased it years ago with the intent of finishing it.
    It is a fascinating, fascinating insight into parasite behaviour. Well-written, concise and full of unknown facts that will make you think twice next time you see an insect.
    For those of you who are interested in further study on the matter, the book makes reference several times to an academic, Janice Moore, whose works were consulted. The seminal work, entitled "Parasites and the Behaviour of Animals", delves much deeper into the matter. It's pricey - around 90$, but can be ordered and acquired through Indigo for Canadian shoppers.
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  • DK13000
    3.0 out of 5 stars Flippant
    Reviewed in France on October 6, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Assez passionnant à lire quand-même.. mais au fur et à mesure de la lecture je me suis un peu lassée et me suis mise à douter de l'intérêt du sujet (à part pour se faire peur). Mais peut-être que je préfère être dans une forme de déni ?
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  • João Lozano
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book of Parasitology
    Reviewed in Spain on July 29, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I loved every single page of this book. I recommend it to every parasitologist, veterinarian, human health professionals and also for the common reader. It gives the main examples of the interaction between the parasites and their hosts, how they affect our behaviour and lifestyle, and also the benefits and negative impacts they develop in our health.
    5 star rate!
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