Hi everyone! I’m looking for recommendations for books or other materials to help me understand how the brain functions. I’ve developed a hobbyist interest in the subject and want to explore things like memory storage, learning processes, neural communication, and the visual system. I’m eager to learn as much as possible, even though I know it’s a massive undertaking. If you have any suggestions for deep-dive books, YouTube channels, or a learning path that worked for you, please let me know! Thanks!
Check out the ‘Exploring Neuroscience’ playlist by Artem Kirsanov on YouTube. He’s excellent at breaking down complex topics into understandable segments.
For a comprehensive text, Eric Kandel’s ‘Principles of Neural Science’ is the gold standard. If you’re interested in modeling neural units, Abbott and Dayan’s ‘Theoretical Neuroscience’ is great, though you’ll need a solid grasp of math and basic neuroscience first. For a lighter introduction to theoretical concepts, try ‘Models of the Mind’ by Grace Lindsay. Additionally, Sara Shettleworth’s ‘Cognition, Evolution, and Behavior’ offers a fantastic look at how evolution shapes cognitive processes.
I’d suggest ‘Cognitive Neuroscience: The Biology of the Mind’ by Gazzaniga, Ivry, and Mangun, or ‘Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain’ by Bear, Connors, and Paradiso. These were staples in my university courses. They provide a very structured and thorough overview of the field, even if they don’t cover every niche topic in extreme detail.
You might want to begin with the history of brain physiology, specifically looking into Dr. Brodmann’s work. Stick to academic textbooks rather than sensationalist pop-science. The journal ‘The Brain’ is a key resource. Also, Dr. Suzana Herculano-Houzel has published fascinating research on neuron counts in humans and elephants.
Robert Sapolsky’s ‘Behave’ was a total game-changer for me. I’m obsessed with studying the link between the brain and human behavior, and that book is a must-read! 
You might enjoy Sam Harris’s podcast; he’s a neuroscientist, and his episodes that avoid politics are quite fascinating. Also, check out ‘The Master and His Emissary’ and ‘Thinking Fast and Slow’.
You should look into Catherine Malabou’s work, particularly her book ‘What Should We Do with Our Brain?’