The single best predictor of happiness? Having friends. Yeah, that's what scientists discovered!

This book is the real shiznit. I'm not done with it yet, but let me tell you this: everyone should read it, whether or not you have or are expecting a child. For one thing, it advises against subscribing to frivolous "brain development" programs for babies/children because truthfully, most are not totally scientifically certified or are just backed by some weak research findings. Yeah, most are just glorified by marketing goons' (goonies?) words (okay, I may be shooting bullets against my own kind here haha).

What I love about this book is it does not just share with you the scientific facts behind what goes on in that cute little skulls of your children, but it makes you think beyond this domain (of child development) and suddenly, you understand why YOU are the way you are. The author stresses on the importance of the environment and especially in the level of interaction parents have with their infants. Yes, INFANTS. Babies aren't just cute, crying and pooping mini-yous - their brains observe your every move and whatever you do today may determine how happy they are and what they will likely do later in life. So anyway, I'm not saying go back home and start yelling at your parents for every fault in your system may have stemmed from what they did in front of you when you were 3 months old. I just feel that it's so delightful to experience some sort of self discovery by reading this book. The best part is, it's not even intentional.

The author, John Medina, is a developmental molecular biologist, research consultant and bioengineering professor at University of Washington School of Medicine. He writes in my language - the geek in me is totally stoked by all the science speak, and the lazy bum side of me is very pleased by the dumbed-down analogies and examples scattered throughout the book. Bottom line is, you don't have to be brainy to understand the brain.

If you, like yours truly (ehem), have some level of formal education or work experience in cognitive science, neural network, or biology and genetics, go buy/read this book. If you don't, go buy/read this book too. It's a really worthy RM55 investment.

Brain Rules for Baby - it is not some wishy washy parenting book. Mark my words.