Have you ever wondered how one day the media can assert that alcohol is bad for us and the next unashamedly run a story touting the benefits of daily alcohol consumption? Or how a drug that is pulled off the market for causing heart attacks ever got approved in the first place? How can average readers, who aren't medical doctors or Ph.D.s in biochemistry, tell what they should be paying attention to and what's, well, just more bullshit?
Ben Goldacre has made a point of exposing quack doctors and nutritionists, bogus credentialing programs, and biased scientific studies. He has also taken the media to task for its willingness to throw facts and proof out the window. But he's not here just to tell you what's wrong. Goldacre is here to teach you how to evaluate placebo effects, double-blind studies, and sample sizes, so that you can recognize bad science when you see it. You're about to feel a whole lot better.
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"Although sometimes a little heavy on the science in places (and he does warn you in advance when this is going to feature) this is a very enjoyable and informative book written in a friendly and forthright style. I would go as far as to say this should be on your essential reading list as we all need to be armed against PRs and charlatans."
— E.H. (5 out of 5 stars)
“Great fun for science and statistics geeks, this is challenging in the best sense of the word.”
— Library JournalGreat fun for science and statistics geeks, this is challenging in the best sense of the word.
— Library Journal“One of the best books I’ve ever read. It completely changed the way I saw the world. And I actually mean it.”
— Tim Harford, author of The Undercover Economist“Narrator Jonathan Cowley’s British accent and ironic twist to his voice is perfectly suited to Dr. Goldacre’s Bad Medicine. One can easily picture him in a book-lined office going through his pile of notes or making a speech to appreciative crowds wearing a lab coat.”
— Sound Commentary Audio Review" While the author proposes some interesting ideas and self studies to bunk common fads and fake claims made by advertisers, he does it in such a way to try and prove that others are idiots and less enlightened than himself. He spends an equal of time convincing you of his intellectual elitism as he does on the actual topics. The book was too negative for me and left me feeling cynical. The same material, while interesting, could have been presented in a more positive and enlightening way. "
— Dansage, 2/9/2014" Very amusing, surprising how people can be so stupid. Because of this book I'm a follower of Goldacre column and blog. "
— Daniel, 2/8/2014" A really interesting book - but very hard going. Far too much self- justification and self-promotion. Which is a shame because it's an important topic. "
— Swardlaw, 2/3/2014" I don't know how anyone can follow this book. I was really intrigued by the topic and hoped for a few ah-ha moments but after the brief digression about Kellog's theories on "self-abuse" I had to put it down. It was liked reading the first draft of a blog post: meandering, rant-filled and with unfinished thoughts (bringing up Vitamin C and claims of assisting the the immune system, then promptly dropping the topic). Unless you've completely forgotten everything from Psych 101 and biology, move on. "
— MC, 1/20/2014" Excellent book! I think everyone who has an interest in truly understanding what claims can and can't be made about research findings should read this. "
— Irene, 1/15/2014" It took me a few chapters to get into this, but once I did, I was hooked. Gave me a lot to think about, particularly in evaluating information in textbooks and course materials I use. "
— Krissy, 1/10/2014" A great book which has taught me absolutely loads about science and how the media covers it. I recommend it. "
— Louise, 1/8/2014" Hooked already - wonderful, amusing debunking of the "self-regarding, know-nothing orthodoxies of the middle classes". Not recommended for those who believe in toxins, homeopathy etc... "
— Carey, 12/12/2013" Everyone should read this book. "
— Alison, 12/8/2013" Quite simply, this book should be required reading for all high school pupils. Goldacre is passionate about debunking bad science and irrational thinking wherever he can, but especially in the media. This book shows why one of the most important thing kids can be taught is critical thinking. "
— Iain, 12/4/2013" A fun skeptical book written with a sense of humor. "
— Carolyn, 11/25/2013" Fascinating and disturbing. Could have done with tighter editing and some re-writing, but highly recommended. "
— Emma, 5/15/2013" Thank the gods for Ben Goldacre. But is anyone listening? "
— Hazel, 4/25/2013" Best science book I've ever read. "
— Margaret, 4/7/2013" If you've ever read science or health coverage in the media and thought you could detect the unmistakable scent of bullcrap, here is some reassurance that it's not just your imagination. "
— Colin, 3/2/2013" A book that opens up a problem that I did not even know existed. Dropped a star because the authors voice is too strident at times. Highly recommend. "
— Robert, 8/5/2012" Ok, bit to many figures but good message "
— Liz, 7/22/2012" A little out of date, but an awesome read. "
— Marcus, 2/5/2012Ben Goldacre is a doctor and science writer who has written the “Bad Science” column in the Guardian since 2003. He lives in London.
Jonathan Cowley, an Earphones Award–winning narrator, is a British actor hailing from Eastbourne, East Sussex, but he currently calls Los Angeles home. He has narrated many audiobooks and can also be heard on both sides of the Atlantic narrating film trailers and documentaries. He is also an active television and film actor who has appeared in Grey’s Anatomy, Veep, and WestWorld.