Category: Book & movie reviews
The Facemaker
Lindsey Fitzharris' book describes the amazing innovations in plastic surgery brought about because of the horrors of World War I.
Announcing a New Children’s Book that Promotes Critical Thinking
A new book teaches young children about critical thinking and evidence. It's not only educational but colorful and funny. Too many adults are like Henry, the little boy in the story who rejects clear evidence and persists in what he wants to believe.
In What Is a Woman?, Matt Walsh asks a question, but doesn’t like the answers
Matt Walsh's documentary asks What Is a Woman? Unfortunately, his documentary is every bit as much of a science denying propaganda film disguised as a documentary as antivax films like VAXXED or the anti-evolution film Expelled!, and such films tend to be potent messaging tools.
Patients Who Deceive
Loren Pankratz's book Patients Who Deceive covers the whole spectrum of different kinds of deception. It is well written, informative, and entertaining, with case examples that read like detective stories.
Deciding Which Risks to Take
No medical treatment is risk-free. Paul Offit's new book covers the history of innovations that went awry and advises how to balance the risks of new medical innovations with the risk of not treating.
Prince Charles and Alternative Medicine
Prince Charles is a strong advocate for alternative medicine and is proud to be "the enemy of the Enlightenment." For the first time, Edzard Ernst tells the full story of Charles' ignorance and folly.
Culture-Bound Psychosomatic Syndromes
In her book Sleeping Beauties, neurologist Suzanne O'Sullivan travels the world to investigate fascinating stories of mass psychogenic illness where social and cultural factors result in symptoms that give voiceless people a way to be heard.
Eat for Life: Joel Fuhrman’s Nutritarian Diet
Joel Fuhrman thinks his Nutritarian diet will increase longevity and prevent or treat most chronic diseases. He claims it is based on science, but his evidence is far from convincing.
Guide to the Emergency Department
This book is a handy reference that explains what happens when you visit the Emergency Department and provides tips on how you can handle some problems at home.
A Good Book
Craig Good's new book explains that all food is good and urges us to relax and enjoy rather than worrying and feeling guilty. Good advice, indeed! And solidly based on science.