It's not fiction: Gary Lynch is the real thing, the epitome of the rebel scientist—malnourished, contentious, inspiring, explosive, remarkably ambitious, consistently brilliant. He is one of the foremost figures of contemporary neuroscience, and his decades-long quest to understand the inner workings of the brain's memory machine has begun to pay off. Award-winning journalist Terry McDermott spent nearly two years observing Lynch at work and now gives us a fascinating and dramatic account of daily life in Lynch's lab—the highs and lows, the drudgery and eureka moments, the agonizing failures. He provides detailed, lucid explanations of the cutting-edge science that enabled Lynch to reveal the inner workings of the molecular machine that manufactures memory. And he explains where Lynch's sights are now set: on drugs that could fix that machine when it breaks, drugs that would enhance brain function during the memory process and that hold out the possibility of cures for a wide range of neurological conditions, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Here is an essential story of science, scientists, and scientific achievement—galvanizing in the telling and thrilling in its far-reaching implications.
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"This book reminded me a lot of the Emperor of Scent: a scientist on an ambitious quest to understand how human senses and basic processes work. Both the discoveries and how they were pursued were interesting." — Sara (4 out of 5 stars)
"This book reminded me a lot of the Emperor of Scent: a scientist on an ambitious quest to understand how human senses and basic processes work. Both the discoveries and how they were pursued were interesting."
“In this engrossing book, Terry McDermott doesn’t just teach you how the brain remembers. He also takes you inside the sanctum of science, documenting the failures and triumphs of the experimental process. This is a book about the truth, and the endless human struggle to find it.”
“Memory takes on a physical presence in this raucous scientific saga…This is an engrossing story of science and the brilliant, flawed people who make it.”
“Showing considerable narrative skill and more than a dollop of wit, McDermott’s work ultimately looks past Lynch’s oversized ego and shows how one brilliant scientist’s discoveries may someday conquer dementia and Alzheimer’s.”
“Terry McDermott’s 101 Theory Drive is a reality show on paper, an inside look at Gary Lynch, the mysterious, Howard Hughes-like neuroscience pioneer, and his quest to uncover the mechanisms of memory, and to find a cure for memory loss. Great reading start to finish.”
" Aimless, but ultimately entertaining. "
" Was surprised by the low ratings. Really enjoyed McDermott's prose style. "
" Highly recommended book about neurobiology and neurobiochemistry. A little bit too much about personality for my taste, but interesting if you are unclear about the research and drug development fields. "
" Just couldn't understand it easily enough to enjoy it. Also quite full of profanity, so, oh well! "
" Wonderful story of a quirky scientist searching for the roots of memory. "
" Really awesome stuff about neurology and the molecular basis of memory and cognition. I don't think a biology background is needed to enjoy it. "
" Mediocre writing, fascinating subject. I suspect substantial parts of the book are just pasted together articles McDermott wrote for his paper. "
" This book chronicles one neuroscientist and his quest for what memory is in neuro-biological terms. The language was a very strong when the author quotes the main subject. "
" Delightful read, combining both personal and scientific narration. Helpful bibliography for further reading into the subject of memory. "
Terry McDermott’s work has appeared in the New Yorker, the Wilson Quarterly, the Columbia Journalism Review, the Los Angeles Times magazine, and Pacific magazine. The author of Perfect Soldiers and 101 Theory Drive, he has worked at eight newspapers for more than thirty years, most recently for ten years at the Los Angeles Times, where he was a national correspondent.
Stephen Hoye has worked as a professional actor in London and Los Angeles for more than thirty years. Trained at Boston University and the Guildhall in London, he has acted in television series and six feature films and has appeared in London’s West End. His audiobook narration has won him fifteen AudioFile Earphones Awards.
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