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Hampered by voice work, still excellent

Revisado: 05-02-25

I don't know if the narrator is the author's brother or husband, but it's very unfortunate she looked within her family tree when it came time to choose a voice. I'm guessing David Minger's tone might work in person to convey humor or perhaps combined with his personality he seemed like a good choice. But there is very little personality in the voiceover here and while I can feel the author's fantastic sense of humor struggling to get past the deadpan delivery, it nearly doesn't succeed. I would really encourage Ms. Minger to re-record the audio. Perhaps she could read it. As a listener, I prefer hearing from the actual author even if they aren't a natural narrator.

That rant aside, this is a great book. Ms. Minger mixes humor with science and journalism that keeps it entertaining, despite the soporific voice delivering it. The subject matter is fascinating and important or read/listen if ONLY for the chapter explaining how scientific studies should work, which is worth the cost alone. I also bought a hard copy to try to forget the audio version.

This is really an excellent book. Please, please re-record the narration.

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Some truth, but self-aggrandizing and dangerous

Revisado: 11-16-21

I think "Laur's" review of 2-23-20 will do a better job than I of reviewing this book, also because I listened to it four months ago, mostly while running where I couldn't write down all the stuff that bothered me. Laur does a nice job of reviewing many of the logical fallacies.

There were nuggets of truth in this book, often presented like Dr. Berry discovered them and the entire medical establishment hasn't caught up, In total, there's a lot of "me against the establishment" and even the forward positions both men as some kind of heroes fighting against the mighty, evil AMA and that this book is the lone voice pushing against the dogma.

I think some of the most useful stuff in the book is about re-thinking nutrition science and there are things that I'm going to look into further, but I just don't trust Dr. Berry to deliver it to me straight. It's almost amusing that he started off the book stating that he wouldn't actually cite sources because he wasn't writing the book to make lots of money but finishes the book encouraging people to check out his social media channels. #1, he is selling the book to make money - in fact he encourages people to buy the book for others repeatedly throughout, and #2, he clearly is selling his brand and I'm preeeeetty sure he'd be open to writing a sequel. He is a man of science, we hope. It is absolutely necessary to cite sources so that readers can pursue them to do their own research.

But then Dr. Berry likes to dance back and forth between drawing conclusions from his own clinical observations and actual studies to make his declarations of truth. Clinical observations are anecdotal and biased and don't hold up to the rigor of a double blind or at least a hearty epidemiological study of a large number of subjects.

Many of his world-rocking observations are hardly revelations. Yes, it's true that there are still doctors who believe these myths, but he almost presents them as his own... as if only HE will tell you you don't need to stretch cold muscles before you run or that stress doesn't cause ulcers (actually I forget if he mentioned that but same idea).

I think by FAR the most damaging part of this book is that he encourages people to "do their own research" over taking their doctor's advice. Look, I'm all for challenging docs and asking questions. Get second options. Print out research and ask your doctor about it. Listen to multiple sources. YES, there are doctors out there who haven't updated their views since the 60s but those are in the great minority. We are in an age where someone can do their own research to confirm whatever belief they want to have. In this time of COVID and vaccine denialism, this kind of advice is downright dangerous.

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Really enjoy Novella's lecture

Revisado: 11-01-13

Would you listen to Medical Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths: What We Think We Know May Be Hurting Us again? Why?

There is such a wealth of material here that I would love to relay to others, a second (or beyond) listen would be helpful for me to retain. I will likely listen again after a few months.

What did you like best about this story?

I like Novella's style of lecture. He's also self effacing about the fallibility of trusting any source, including him. It does challenge things you may be comfortable believing. I'll have to be careful about wanting to pop other's belief bubbles. After all, my only authority would be this lecture.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened to it during my commute and loved it. It was a nice escape from the subject matter I deal with at work or the demands of family at home.

Any additional comments?

If Novella had another lecture, perhaps further in depth in a medical area, I would purchase it in a second. I also enjoyed his lecture on critical thinking.

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