NF Reads is a nonfiction book club that engages with contemporary thought while exploring how history and past events continue to shape our present. Through insightful and welcoming discussions, we examine the connections between past and present, uncovering ideas that influence the world we live in today. 

Upcoming Meetings: 

• October 30 -- “On the Hippie Trail” by Rick Steves 
• December 10 – “The Ideological Brain” by Leor Zmigrod *Date Updated - Originally 12/18*
• January 26 -- “Empire of AI” by Karen Hao 
• March 16 -- “Nightwalking” by Matthew Beaumont 

December’s NF Read 

The Ideological Brain: The Radical Science of Flexible Thinking - Leor Zmigrod

(Published March 25, 2025) 

In this groundbreaking work, cognitive neuroscientist Leor Zmigrod explores the deep entanglement between our political beliefs and our neural architecture. Drawing on innovative experiments—from card‑sorting tasks to creativity challenges—she demonstrates how cognitive rigidity often corresponds with ideological rigidity: those less able to adapt or generate novel ideas tend to cling more tightly to dogmatic belief systems across the political spectrum. 

Zmigrod goes further, revealing biological correlates: variations in dopamine distribution and brain structure appear linked to our susceptibility to rigid thinking. Yet she emphasizes that environment and experience also shape our mental flexibility, pointing to the brain’s plasticity and our potential for change. 

Ultimately, this book isn’t just a diagnostic of dogmatism—it’s a call to nurture cognitive flexibility. By understanding how ideology can shape our brains, Zmigrod offers insight—and hope—for fostering more open, adaptable minds in a polarized world.

The above book is available for request through the TLN Network and our eServices platforms. Stop by one of our reference desks for assistance in reserving your copy today.