The NIH Library and the Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES) are pleased to present the NIH Big Read 2019. The NIH Big Read aims to foster collaboration and community across NIH through discussing a book over several months, culminating in an author event held at NIH.
The 2019 NIH Big Read book is Unthinkable: An Extraordinary Journey Through the World's Strangest Brains by Helen Thomson. Take a fascinating journey through the human mind, by way of nine extraordinary people with rare neurological disorders. By examining these stories, interwoven with explanations on how the brain works, we can explore and gain insights into the complexities and possibilities of all of our brains.
Read or Listen to the Book Through OverDrive (NIH STAFF ONLY)
Unlimited access to the eBook and the audiobook available via the NIH Library’s OverDrive platform (NIH staff only) through June 14. Information on how to set up and use OverDrive is available on the Library’s OverDrive information page.
Book Discussions and Book Discussion Training Sessions
Join the NIH Library for a thought-provoking discussion of the 2019 NIH Big Read book. Hosted by NIH librarians, these stand-alone, one-hour discussions explore the themes in the book and the reading experience. Questions raised by participants during these sessions will be shared with the author and NIH Director Dr. Collins as possible themes for their discussion in Masur Auditorium on June 7 (see below for details). Register to participate in a book discussion through one of the links below.
- Tuesday, April 23, 11:30 a.m.
- Thursday, May 16, 12:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 21, 1:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, June 4, 1:00 p.m.
Get tips on holding an NIH Big Read book discussion of your own. Presented by NIH librarians, these stand-alone, one-hour sessions are focused specifically on the 2019 NIH Big Read book. Register to participate in a training session through one of the links below. Both in-person and webinar options are available.
NIH Big Read Author Event: Friday, June 7, 1:00 p.m.
Helen Thomson in Conversation with NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins
Author and science journalist Helen Thomson visits NIH to discuss her book with Dr. Collins in an informal conversation on Friday, June 7, 1:00–2:00 p.m. The event will be held in Masur Auditorium (Building 10) and via live videocast (videocast session will also be archived for later viewing). Afterwards, all are invited to a meet and greet and reception with the author on the FAES Terrace (Building 10), 2:00–3:00 p.m.
For questions about the NIH Big Read program, contact Kathleen McGlaughlin, kathleen.mcglaughlin@nih.gov.
Last modified date: Wed, 04/17/2019 - 4:35pm