New book by Birkbeck psychologist explores how the brain invents your reality

Dr Daniel Yon, Reader in Cognitive Neuroscience at Birkbeck, University of London, has published a new popular science book exploring how our brains construct our experience of the world around us.

A Trick of the Mind: How the Brain Invents Your Reality is published by Cornerstone (Penguin Random House) on 26 June 2025. Drawing on research in neuroscience and psychology – including studies from Dr Yon’s own Uncertainty Lab at Birkbeck – the book argues that your brain is ‘like a scientist’, using past experiences to build theories about the world, other people, and yourself. This new way of thinking has profound implications for our understanding of mental health, neurodiversity, relationships, and how to navigate uncertainty in everyday life.

Described by early reviewers as “dazzling,” “profound,” and “entertaining,” the book offers readers a window into how the brain juggles information, fills in gaps, and sometimes leaves us with dangerous biases and false impressions. Written for a general audience, A Trick of the Mind uses science to explain some surprising real-life examples – ranging from medieval mystics, misheard song lyrics, to the experiences of soldiers and sports coaches, to how uncertain times like the pandemic can leave us believing in conspiracy theories.

The book has already attracted national media attention, as Book of the Day in The Guardian, calling it “immensely readable… Yon is an excellent guide, both as a scientist working at the leading edge of this field and as a writer of great clarity.” Separately, leading neuroscientist Professor Chris Frith also wrote: “You will not find a more up-to-date or compelling account of how a mind emerges from the brain… Yon’s story is firmly based on empirical studies, many conducted by him and his colleagues. He guides the reader through them all with wit and clarity.”

Dr Yon commented:

“This book is the culmination of years of collaborative work exploring the ways our brains interpret and re-interpret our worlds. I’m so excited to be able to share this science more widely, and to show the value of research happening here at Birkbeck and what it means for everyone – scientist and non-scientist alike.”

The book was previously selected for a prestigious nonfiction showcase hosted by Penguin Random House, where it was highlighted as one of the publisher’s most anticipated titles of 2025. Dr Yon has also spoken about the book on BBC Radio 4’s Start the Week and was the most recent guest on the BBC Instant Genius Podcast.