'Neuroscience Made Easy - An Easy to Read Guide on the Foundations of Neuroscience' By Jon Adams, A book Review by Brenda Walker

28th May 2025

BNA Associate member, Brenda Walker, shares her review of the book 'Neuroscience Made Easy - An Easy to Read Guide on the Foundations of Neuroscience', Jon Adams, Green Mountain Publishing, 2024

      This intriguing volume appears to be one of a growing number of Green Mountain’s ‘Made Easy’ publications on biological aspects such as neuroplasticity, neurology, the vagus nerve, and neurolinguistic  programming, all printed by Amazon and presented by Jon Adams in a very short time scale. One would naturally presume Adams to be the author of Neuroscience Made Easy, yet he is described on the back cover as a Prompt Engineer for Green Mountain Computing, leading the reader to conclude that, despite the accuracy of the textual content, the author of such a book has gained his knowledge from in-depth personal study, or with the help of AI. Yet, nowhere in any of the above volumes is the use of artificial intelligence acknowledged unless you understand the term ‘pro-active automation’ mentioned on the back cover. Perhaps future readers are expected to accept this novel method of publication without comment and to praise the role of a Prompt Engineer who is expected, in this instance, to be an expert wordsmith with a love of teaching and communicating information to others, while possessing analytical skills that will enable AI to perform vocal or written tasks.  

      Unfortunately for Adams, it seems that the Controller behind this ‘pro-active automation’ still has a lot to learn about a good standard of publishing, for although the cover of Neuroscience Made Easy is attractive, the presentation and formatting of the text could be deemed unprofessional. For example, a good publisher would have followed tradition with sections such as, Contents and new chapter headings, starting on the right, and would never have planned the pagination with a blank recto (right-hand) page and then start the text on the verso. Also the layout is very disappointing; there are no illustrations and many textual repetitions. The paragraphs are perhaps intentionally short with double space formatting between them, but the similar appearance of a number of 6-10 lined paragraphs extending across many pages do make it more difficult for a reader attempting to reaccess information quickly; especially as there are no running heads with chapter headings. These short paragraphs may be intended to help the reader absorb the content more easily, but a variety of patterning and the use of the bold font would have helped considerably. It is a small volume of 108 pages divided into nine chapters, but lacks references, a glossary or any index, resulting in another three blank pages at the end.  

    Then why read on?  

   Well, from the beginning, the startling use of descriptive language catches the attention and is as pertinent to the content as are the innumerable analogies. So if you are a curious reader, a teacher, or a student new to the field of neuroscience who feels baffled by academic language, this book might just make understanding a lot easier; although you should look in other books and journals for depth of knowledge, diagrams, photographs, drawings and new research. In the Introduction, the author sets out his intentions emphasising that the volume conveys not just information, but how such information matters to human lives. Adams then welcomes the reader to:  

' ... a journey into the intricacies of the human brain that doesn’t require a GPS or a PhD to navigate. This book is your personal guide through the meandering pathways of neurons, synapses, and the remarkable processes that define every thought, memory, and emotion carving the human experience.'

He continues to tempt readers ‘to unearth the secrets behind the brain’s incredible plasticity’ and to explore a book that ‘is peppered with relatable examples, everyday analogies and engaging explanations that make neuroscience not only approachable but downright intriguing’.  To conclude, he invites them...‘for a ride through neuroscience that is as enjoyable as it is educational, where every new fact is a piece of the puzzle that makes us who we are’. 

     The initial chapter depicts neurons as building blocks; ‘the bustling workers in the brain’s metropolis’. The analogy is elaborated as the author explains the science behind the descriptions. Neurons, when explained in relation to brain plasticity, are described as specialised cells of the nervous system; a vast network signalling at lightning speed’. Then the roles of dendrites; axons; synapses; neurotransmitters and the key elements of action potential are delineated in similar fashion.  All the above ‘communication experts’ are brought to life as the allegories continue, but change slightly from time to time in an entertaining manner, involving the reader in the detail.  Having captured the audience, the style suddenly changes to introduce a step-by-step listed account of how signals flow through the neuron’s synaptic terminal while also introducing the names and actions of neurotransmitters. The informative detail is correct, brief, and well explained, but the spread, over almost three pages, cries out for the various headings to be differentiated in some way. More formal prose follows when neurogenesis and neuroplasticity are described.  

     To alleviate any difficulty for the reader, Adams states that although the mechanics of the above can be complex, it is really all about ‘connection and communication’.  Neurons are not just fantastic biological cells, but the equivalent of super high-tech devices enabling the body ‘to function as a well-oiled machine, with a dab of innovation keeping things running smoothly and tirelessly working to learn and adapt’.   He then adds that this is not an end but a beginning to understanding ‘the impressive silent symphony your body conducts every moment to keep you alive and interacting with your surroundings’.  An eloquent summary concludes this first chapter that ends:  ‘With the tools of science growing even more precise and with insights gained from artificial intelligence and computational models the future is ripe for a deeper understanding of our most mysterious organ’. 

    The following chapters are entitled exactly as follows:  

THE ELECTRIC BRAIN NEURAL COMMUNICATION 
BRAIN ARCHITECTURE ORGANISATION AND FUNCTION 
SENSORY SYSTEMS AND PERCEPTION
MEMORY AND LEARNING
CONSCIOUSNESS AND COGNITION 
EMOTIONS AND THE SOCIAL BRAIN
NEUROPLASTICITY THE ADAPTABLE BRAIN 

     Naturally, when explored in further depth, neurons, dendrites, axons, synapses, neurotransmitters (with their names and roles), long-term potentiation, and action potentials are mentioned many times in all these chapters. However, with so many different allegories the reader’s focus of attention is diverted from the ‘neurons et al’ towards the wealth of descriptions of busy metropolises, city traffic lights, music lessons, language learning, ballet, choreography, orchestras, super computer cables, texting, post offices, road updates, train stations, journeys, airports, a grand central market, or mansion houses, with many linked to the author’s fervent comments on the wonders of the brain and human existence. All brilliantly conceived and relevant, but this volume – rather like a child’s classroom without a focal point, due to walls and tables smothered in brightly assorted posters and words – calls for better planning and the use of the controller/ author’s own ‘mirror neurons’ when considering those being taught. 

     The most engaging part of this publication is when Adams compares the working of the brain to the ‘essence’ of computers. During discussion of the electric brain in neural communication, the author’s comparisons elucidate social media with its networks and platforms, cloud computing, host services and data.  It is here that he mentions Alan Turing and his brilliant encapsulation of ‘the essence of algorithmic execution’, together with Santiago Ramón y Cajal’s research and drawings of neurons that ‘shifted neuroscience paradigms’. 

    As the text proceeds towards describing the brain’s architecture, the reader is introduced to brain surgeon, Wilder Penfield’s contribution to mapping out the brain, and Roger Sperry’s work on the two hemispheres.  Adams uses his ‘deeper look’ at the cerebral cortex to reveal parallels with a computer’s central processing unit by comparing their roles and functions, stressing that it was brain research that led to the development of  computing technology, and that in the future they are likely to advance together. 

     When discussing factors linked to the senses and individual perception, Helen Keller is mentioned in connection with the brain’s ability to learn despite her being blind and deaf.  Adam again explains neuroplasticity alongside virtual reality and heptic technology in relation to how Keller’s sensory system responded. Additional explanation is provided with a breakdown of the factors contributing ‘to the unique tapestry of individual perception’.  

   In the informative chapter on memory and learning, where the hippocampus is a ‘star player in transforming short-term into long-term storage’ the reader is asked to ‘imagine copying important files from a temporary folder to an external hard disc for safe-keeping’.  There is then a comprehensive list of the neural mechanisms of memory with some repetition from earlier chapters.   Following many descriptive analogies, learning is eventually described as: ‘fundamentally about making and strengthening connections – a biological process involving neurons and synapses working together’.  The three page section on ‘Sleep and Memory Consolidation’ is paralleled with even more computer analogies that illustrate an engaging text. 

    Many books and articles have been written recently about consciousness and cognition, yet no specific names are mentioned in this book. There is however, mention of philosophical theories such as materialism, dualism, and panpsychism, detailed with comments on empirical research, neuroscientific findings, and historical as well as contemporary perspectives. Adams continues using analogies as he describes the neural networks in AI while expounding on black holes, quantum mechanics and the microcosm of DNA.  The reader is asked to picture consciousness as ‘the silent, ever-awake storyteller of your mind weaving together a narrative from countless sensory inputs...’ and to imagine cognition as a ‘behind the scenes crew’ working hard to support the ‘drama of life’.  Adam devises yet another breakdown list; this time of key components which ‘orchestrate the phenomena of consciousness and the operations of cognitive tasks’. These ‘lists’ demonstrate the author’s aim to help the reader by breaking down complex concepts of information into ‘digestible pieces’; a device also used many times in the following sections:                                                                                    

‘The nuanced process of memory in our brain.’ 
‘The cognitive processes that unfold in decision making and sensory perception.’ 
‘The varied terrain of philosophical theories regarding consciousness.’
'Relationship between emotions and social behaviour.’ 

    In the penultimate chapter, ‘EMOTIONS AND THE SOCIAL BRAIN’, Adams highlights the relationship between emotions and social behaviour aligned with the neurological processes involved. There are thought-provoking comments on Oprah Winfrey, Nelson Mandela and Elon Musk concluding that if the social brain is ‘harnessed in the right way’ it can lead to leadership skills; being an inspiration to others; or the ability to forge strong links in widespread domains. 

    The final chapter once more reinforces the role of neuroplasticity, but this time the emphasis is on how the brain adapts to neurological damage by restructuring itself; compensating by forming new pathways which can bring fresh hope and relief to many patients. The bold font is in evidence for the first and only time when the ‘Initial Response to New Information’ and the ‘Stages of Injury and Recovery’ are listed between pages 99-101. The volume ends with a short conclusion in which Adams sums up briefly and then, upon reflection, reminds the reader that Neuroscience is for everyone. With new insight it can improve learning and communication as well as enriching lives and mental health.  

     Having almost completed this review, just for the sake of comparison, I purchased the other four titles by Jon Adams mentioned in my initial paragraph.  Neuroscience Made Easy, was the first to be published on the 29th March 2024, with the other titles following in May and early June of the same year. As anticipated, there was a similarity in style and format but with some improvement in the use of the bold font and underlining. The content was always explanatory at the intended basic level, and at the end of the book about the vagus nerve, there was the addition of two pages listing five references and resources for expanded learning, together with details of six websites.  Their back covers also revealed a little more about the author.  

    Although now he is a ‘proud member’ of Green Mountain Computing based in Vermont, Jon Adams previously worked with leading Tech giants for over twenty years and has a deep-seated passion for science, technology and languages.  ‘Jon excels at demystifying complex subjects making them accessible and engaging to a broad audience. His writings focus on breaking down intricate terms, helping readers not just to learn, but also apply this knowledge to their daily lives.’ His books are referred to as ‘insightful’ and that through his work he aims: ‘to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of technology and science enriching readers’ lives.’     

      Inspiring words, so what a pity the presentation of all these books fails to impress; to such an extent that some reviewers on Amazon have spurned the publications suggesting they are ‘not proper books – simply examples of ChatGPT or LLM’. The author’s voice may not have been heard in this age of high technical achievement, but there is definitely the sense of a strong heartbeat. So Reader, if you are in need of clarity on certain areas of your knowledge and can afford £14.99 or £12.99, these paperback volumes are well worth delving into, if only to get a glimpse of a fast developing  AI future for scientific publishing.  Kindle versions are available at £4.99. 

Brenda Walker.
May 2025