REVIEW: 'Bad Science' by Ben Goldacre

I have just finished reading 'Bad Science' by Dr Ben Goldacre, and I wanted to review it straight away.

Ben Goldacre writes the 'Bad Science' column for the Guardian newspaper each week. The Guardian website has the following to say about the 'Bad Science' column: 'Each week Ben Goldacre skewers the enemies of reason. If you're a journalist who misrepresents science for the sake of a headline, a politician more interested in spin than evidence, or an advertiser who loves pictures of molecules in little white coats, then beware: your days are numbered.'

I think this is a very good introduction to what to expect from the book!

What's it about?
'How do we know if a treatment works, or if something causes cancer? Can the claims of homeopaths ever be as true – or as interesting as the improbable research into the placebo effect? Who created the MMR hoax? Do journalists understand science? Why do we seek scientific explanations for social, personal and political problems? Are alternative therapists and the pharmaceutical companies really so different, or do they just use the same old tricks to sell different types of pill? We are obsessed with our health, and yet – from the media’s ‘world-expert microbiologist’ with a mail-order PhD in his garden shed laboratory, multiple health scares and miracle cures, to the million pound trial that Durham Council now denies ever existed – we are constantly bombarded with inaccurate, contradictory and sometimes even misleading information. Until now. Ben Goldacre masterfully dismantles the dodgy science behind some of the great drug trials, court cases and missed opportunities of our time, but he also goes further: out of the bulls---, he shows us the fascinating story of how we know what we know, and gives us the tools to uncover bad science for ourselves.' summary from Amazon.

What did I think of it?

'Bad Science' was a fascinating read! Although I had some knowledge of  problems with several of the topics discussed, I was still constantly amazed at what the media is allowed to get away with in terms of reporting science, what individuals could do with their own crazy ideas, what poor trials are conducted and what the pharmaceutical and nutrition industries really get up to.  Goldacre does a great job of teaching us to spot the failures of Big Pharma, alternative medicine, dodgy statistics and journalism. He manages to do this in an entertaining way using real life examples from the the newspapers, television and scientific literature. 

Goldacre begins by describing some totally bogus science that has infiltrated into society, and it's such a great example to give you a taste of this book, I'll summarise it here. Goldacre saw someone on daytime TV dipping her feet in an 'Aqua Detox' footbath, releasing her toxins into the water, turning it brown, he thought he'd try the same at home, but instead of using his own feet- he used his girlfriend's Barbie doll. He gently passed an electrical current through the warm salt water. It turned brown. In his words: 'before my very eyes, the world's first Detox Barbie was sat, with her feet in a pool of brown sludge, purged of a weekend's immorality.'  A clear demonstration of some of the nonsense people will believe when they can't spot bad science or simply do not have any common sense. 

I think this anecdote also helps to illustrate the easy, witty and humorous writing style of Goldacre. You are learning in this book as Goldacre takes a fair amount of time and effort to truly explain what makes a good, fair scientific trial, and how to spot bad science yourself, but the learning is very easy to understand and follow, and it never felt like a chore. The book is clearly laid out, easy to understand, and doesn't assume you're an idiot. Goldacre takes the attitude that if you explain something difficult clearly enough, you'll be able to understand it. 

I particularly enjoyed the chapters on homeopathy, Gillian McKeith and nutrition. It was hard to pick just a few as the whole book was incredibly engaging and interesting. The book is filled with examples of stupidity that made me cry out in horror (Brain Gym for instance!) and examples of events that are truly evil (Matthias Rath- this chapter is available  on the Bad Science website here. I recommend you read it! You will be disgusted).  Actually, it's worth pointing out that all of Goldacre's newspaper columns from 2003 are on his website if you want to read more about any of the particular topics I've mentioned, but haven't time to read the entire book. 

I really recommend this book, it was a real eye opener and it also made me laugh! One thing to note, is that I think several of the examples used to illustrate points in the book may only be known to the British audience, but there are plenty of chapters where this is not the case, and the book has something to teach people worldwide. 

Rating

Goodreads Reading Challenge
This book is number 7 out of 50

WWW Wednesday (July 11)

This is a meme hosted by MizB- I thought I'd play along this week.

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading? Bad Science by Ben Goldacre. - This is a non-fiction book which is unusual for me- it criticises mainstream media reporting on health and science issues and is very interesting, and even amusing in parts.

• What did you recently finish reading? Alex Rider: Crocodile Tears by Anthony Horowitz. Yep, I'm aware this book is a children's book, but been reading the Alex Rider books for years and this one has been on my shelf waiting to be read for quite a while, and after finishing 'The Song of Ice and Fire' series I hit a serious reading slump- all I wanted was more books for that series. I eased myself back into reading with Alex Rider! 

• What do you think you’ll read next? The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi.  I bought this awhile a go, and I think it's time to give it a whirl. It's won lots of awards so should hopefully be good. Wikipedia describes it as BioPunk science fiction, and that's something I reckon I'll enjoy reading.


Join in and tell me your WWW for this week either on your blog or in the comments.

'The Maze Runner' by James Dashner

I got bored with reviewing my goodreads list in order, so I thought I'd jump ahead to 'The Maze Runner' by James Dashner, as this was a very different reading experience for me, as I don't usually gravitate towards slightly frightening thrillers, despite the fact I always enjoy them. I really should learn to pick them up more often!

What's it about?
'When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse enclosed by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them, open. Every night they are closed tight. And that every 30 days a new boy is delivered in the lift.

Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets that are buried within his mind.' Goodreads summary. 


What did I think of it?
I was really surprised by this book. It was not what I was expecting at all. The booktube community kept recommending this book for fans of 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins, and saying that is was a brilliant book. I was looking for something similar to 'The Hunger Games' so I thought I'd give it a go. Personally I wouldn't compare the two. Okay, the concept of being trapped in an arena/maze idea can be considered similar, but the feel and ideas of the books were very different. 

I started reading 'The Maze Runner' about 10:30pm and I only planned to read until midnight, then I would get some sleep. This did not happen! I had to keep reading as I found it a little scary and I couldn't sleep until I knew what happened. Plus, once I got past the fear, I was hooked on the plot. I just had to find out what was going on, and how the Gladers were going to resolve the situation. I found this an incredibly addicting read, and I was left feeling rather worn out after this book. It is a great thriller! 

Dashner creates a creepy yet enthralling world that the Gladers live in. The book has a real sense of urgency, and continually builds the suspense, revealing small plot points whilst at the same time creating even more mysteries as the book goes on. I think Dasher does an excellent job in describing the forbidding maze, and letting you picture the dark and foreboding place in your head. 

I thought the characters were a little under developed and that the remembering memories at convenient moments was a slightly contrived plot device but none of these things ruined the book for me.  I am very much a plot driven reader, I empathise and get attached to characters fairly easily so it doesn't usually matter too much to me if characters aren't as developed as they could be, as long as the plot interests me. I was so intrigued by the plot of 'The Maze Runner'- what was outside the maze? Why were they in the maze in the first place? Where did the monster Grievers come from? Why does the Changing occur? Why is the maze stepping up a notch? Who are the 'Creators'? 

It is a fairly cheerless, unrelenting and dark book in many respects but it drags you in, and compels you to read more.  From reading other people's reviews, I have found that it splits the jury- a lot of people seem to have gripes with the made up slang, and 2D characters, though everyone seems to love the idea of the maze runner. I personally thoroughly enjoyed 'The Maze Runner' and I would recommend it to my friends. 

Rating

Goodreads Reading Challenge
This book is number 6 out of 50

Inside & Out tag

Time for another tag post. I saw this on elizziebook's youtube channel but it was created by Mathom Books. Both great channels and booktubers.   I thought it was a fun idea for a post and a great way to understand reading habits.

Let's get started! 


I Inside flap/Back of the book summaries: Too much info? Or not enough (Discuss) 

I think it really varies. Most books I think the blurb is usually sufficient to give enough information to make me read a book. Occasionally I do come across books, which people have recommended to me, that I am at first reluctant to read based on the blurb as the blurb didn't entice me. That said, I don't like to know too much before I begin a book, I like it to be a nice surprise when I'm reading.

N New book: What form do you want it in? Be honest: Audiobook, E-Book, Paperback, or Hardcover?

Paperback! I prefer paperbacks. Hardcovers look nicer on the shelf but I find are more awkward to read. They are often heavier and more difficult to hold. Audiobooks- great for the car, but not a huge fan as I read so much faster than the audiobook reads.. I really should get some for the car though. I used to love listening to Harry Potter in the car with my friend's family. E-books - I don't have an e-reader, otherwise I would consider buying the e-book version if I knew it wasn't a book I would re-read a lot and really adore, as those I like to have on my shelf

S Scribble while you read? Do you like to write in your books, taking notes, making comments, or do you keep your books clean clean clean? (Tell us why)
No I don't write in my books. It never occurs to me to make a note of anything, I am too busy enjoying the plot. During 'The Fault In Our Stars' by John Green I did have a few moments where I found beautiful quotations that I wanted to make a note of, but didn't as I wanted to keep reading! I think when I re-read it (which I will soon) I'll pop a few page markers in. Perhaps I should start jotting down a few thoughts on paper as I read though, as could be useful for reviewing. 

I In your best voice, read for us your favorite 1st sentence from a book.
 This is more a video question... and I haven't the foggiest idea what my favourite first sentence is otherwise I would record it and post it.

D Does it matter to you whether the author is male of female when you're deciding on a book? What if you're unsure of the author's gender?
To me it's completely irrelevant. I'm choosing on the plot and the genre, not the gender of the author. Maybe if it was a chicklit book like the ones that Marian Keyes and Sophie Kinsella write, but I don't think I've ever seen one written by a male author.  

E Ever read ahead? or have you ever read the last page way before you got there? (Do confess thy sins, foul demon!) :)

Occasionally. I may skip ahead a few chapters and skim a line or two if I'm fearful of something happening to the characters and I want to know they are still alive. I never read the last page though! If I want to know how many pages it has, I look at the number on the last page but make sure I don't even glance at the text.

&

O Organized bookshelves, or Outrageous bookshelves? 

Outrageous with some patches of organised -you could argue that my shelves are amorphous in that respect (geeky chemistry joke...). Moving on! I try to put series together but I haven't organised by genre or alphabetically. I would like to organise alphabetically but I've never got around to it.

U Under oath: have you ever bought a book based on the cover (alone)? 

No I don't think I have. I can quite often be influenced the cover when in the shop if I'm just looking around for a book, but I won't buy it if the blurb doesn't interest me.

T Take it outside to read, or stay in?

Stay in usually. I find outside can be less comfortable and bit distracting, apart from on holiday, where I love lounging by the pool and reading a book a day. 

So those are my answers. Leave your own responses in the comments or on your own blog! 

'Specials' by Scott Westerfeld

'Specials' by Scott Westerfeld is the last in his trilogy, but not the last set in his post-apocalyptic world. There is a fourth novel - 'Extras'- which is set in the same universe but in a different city, with a very different plot premise to the Ugly series. I reviewed the first two books , 'Uglies' and 'Pretties' in previous posts. There will be spoilers for the first books within this review, so if you haven't read the first two books, you may not want to read on.

What's it about?
It is set in a world which has been destroyed by the a bacterium that de-stablises petroleum, and the human race has rebuilt society in a very different manner. It is place where every one is 'ugly' until they reach the age of sixteen.  The Uglies are ordinary human faces, but when they turn sixteeen everyone undergoes a transformation into a 'Pretty'. The operation is to make everyone equal in terms of looks, and it makes everyone 'bubbly'. Once 'Pretty' the teenagers are allowed to cross the bridge and move into Pretty Town, where their only purpose it have a good time.

The novel begins after Tally and Zane have been captured by the Special Circumstance in the Smokies camp. She is turned into a 'Special' - an operation that gives super human powers,  a terrifying appearance, and heightened feelings of superiority, rage and euphoria.  Tally is not just any 'Special', she is part of an elite group called 'The Cutters', led by her old friend Shay. Zane is too sick from the brain lesion cure issue in the previous book to undergo the operation.  After crashing an Ugly party they realise a girl is attempting to deliver the pills that cure the brain lesions to Zane. as well as recruiting the Crims to join the Smokies in a city called the New Smoke (or Diego). Tally and Shay, eager to have Zane join them, help him escape in order for to help them find the New Smoke and be heralded as a hero to the Special Circumstances, who would then have to turn him 'Special'. The Cutters begin to track  Zane and the Crims on their journey to the New Smoke, and Tally must decide what side she truly supports. 

What did I think of it?
I really wasn't as keen on this instalment. There were a two major things that I thought were disappointing. Let's start with The Cutters! The Cutters get their kicks from cutting themselves in a ritual, which makes them 'bubbly' and gives a heightened sense of clarity. I thought this was a very irresponsible plot device in a novel of this type, especially as it is a novel aimed at teenagers. The idea, in the novel, that cutting makes them feel better and helps them deal with issues they may be having, I think is quite inappropriate, and there should be a warning on the book as a possible trigger for those who struggle with cutting. Tally does stop cutting eventually, but I still wasn't keen on this plot idea. 

My second dislike was the character of Tally. In each book it feels like she has a different personality due to the being Ugly, Pretty and Special. Sadly, her Special personality is not likeable. It was hard to identify with her, and she just irritated me thorough out the book. I find that an unlikeable character really puts me off a book. eg. 'The Catcher In The Rye' by J. D. Salinger. In the 'Bartimaeus' series by Jonathan Stroud, the lead character Nathaniel is not a particularly pleasant human being, but you still like him enough to root for his cause. Tally in 'Specials' just doesn't make you like her enough to care and I found myself hoping she'd either be cured a.s.a.p or be killed off. 

This book does make you think about government, humanity, the human race's effect on the planet, society and freedom of speech. So it has interesting concepts to mull over once you've finished the book, or even whilst still reading and experiencing Diego. I found that the plot of the book was slightly less gripping than the previous books, but it was interesting to see how the whole plot of the three novels was resolved, and that keeps you reading.  Learning about the world of the New Smoke was something I particularly enjoyed. Seeing what happens when a whole city is set free and brought to the Smokies way of life, and the effect that had on resources for instance.  I was left severely disappointed by 'Specials'. I expected more, and it was a shame for the series to end with a less satisfying book!  Thankfully 'Extras' is much better and I shall be reviewing that shortly.

Rating

I think perhaps this is more of a two and half star occasion, as I felt it was between 'It was ok' and 'I liked it' as I did enjoy the resolving of the plot.  Sadly, I don't have a graphic for 2.5 stars yet. 


Goodreads Reading Challenge
This book is number 5 out of 50

'Pretties' by Scott Westerfeld

The fourth book I read for the Goodreads challenge was 'Pretties' by Scott Westerfeld. This is the second book in the series, and I reviewed the first book - 'Uglies'- here. This review will contain a few spoilers from the first book, I do try to avoid spoilers but it's impossible to discuss 'Pretties' without revealing some plot points from 'Uglies'. I won't be spoiling anything from 'Pretties' though, so as long as you've read the first book, feel free to read on!

What's it about?
It is set in a world which has been destroyed by the human race, and has had to rebuild society. It is place where every one is 'ugly' until they reach the age of sixteen.  The Uglies are ordinary human faces, but when they turn sixteeen everyone undergoes a transformation into a 'Pretty'. The operation is to make everyone equal in terms of looks, and it makes everyone 'bubbly'. Once 'Pretty' the teenagers are allowed to cross the bridge and move into Pretty Town, where their only purpose it have a good time.

The novel begins after Tally has been captured by the specials and has finally been turned Pretty. She fully embraces the Pretty lifestyle - non stop parties, high-tech gadgets and becoming a Crim. Underneath all the fun and bubbly activities, she has a nagging feeling that there is something wrong. that she's forgotten something important. She then receives a message from her past that reminds her what is wrong with her Pretty life, and her she's soon fighting for her life. 

What did I think of it?
I enjoyed 'Pretties' a little less than 'Uglies' for a few reasons that I'll detail below. I found this book to be a just as addictive as the first, and read it in once sitting again. The writing style, as expected, is much like the first book, easy to read and fast paced.

This book introduces a whole new set of characters who belong to a gang called the Crims. The Crims are a group of Pretties who enjoy feeling bubbly and pursue bubble-making behaviour, usually in the form of reckless, but since its Pretty Town, perfectly safe, activities. The leader of the Crims is Zane, who is with Tally when she receives the message from her past explaining what is wrong with Pretty. They are a double act in the book, working together and helping each out in their pursuit of escaping their brain control, and leaving Pretty Town. Zane, although incredibly likeable, just didn't match up to David from the first book for me, and that took a bit of the enjoyment away but only a tiny amount. I have read plenty of reviews that prefer Zane, so it seems to divide the readers 50:50 to whether you are a David or a Zane person, but the book never tries to make it a Team Edward vs Team Jacob scenario. Both David and Zane have parts to play, and different merits, but they aren't the focus of the book. The love story isn't the important part! The main focus of this time is trying to cure the brain of the mind control chip and return to the Smokies.

I enjoyed seeing the effect the brain chip had on Tally, after knowing her in the original book as an Ugly, it was a very different Tally you meet in the second book. The focus of the Pretties is to have as much fun as possible and never worry about anything, which is a fantastic way to control a population, as they have no need to question or complain, as they live very enjoyable lives.

I found with this book that the plot wasn't quite as intriguing as the first one, since you know about the brain washing and you know the truth about the Smokies lifestyle and where they came from. This all causes the plot of the second book not have the same mystery and intrigue as the first one. I think that can often be the case with a second book as a lot of the world has been explained to the reader, but it didn't stop the book from being an enjoyable. I found that the plot of the book, although less mysterious, was still interesting and exciting. I wanted to know how Tally would clear her head and escape Special Circumstances to reunite in the wastelands with the Smokies, and that kept me turning page after page.  It was great to see the Pretty side of life, and what concerns filled a Pretty mind. The world was just as wonderful and immersive as the first book, and it was a joy to have another book in this world Westerfeld has created. I was certainly left desperate for the third book!


Rating

Goodreads Reading Challenge
This book is number 4 out of 50

'The Summer I Turned Pretty' by Jenny Han

The third book I read for the Goodreads challenge was 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' by Jenny Han. This is part of a trilogy, though when I read the first two books, the third wasn't released yet. It is now out, but I haven't the funds to buy it. Perhaps by the end of the year, as it would be nice to review all the books in the trilogy.

What's it about?
Fifteen year old Isabel (or Belly) measures her life in summers, always willing the winter months away so she can go to the beach house that her mother's best friend, Susannah, owns. Susannah's has two sons, eighteen year old Conrad who Belly's been in love with since she was ten, and sixteen year old Jeremiah, is full of jokes and like a brother to Belly. After spending every summer with Conrad and Jeremiah always doing things with her older brother Steven and leaving her out - Belly is finally a included, and the boys aren't looking at her like a little sister any more.

What did I think of it?
This book is very much a quick and easy beach read, but one that is surprisingly touching. The author switches back and forth from the present to past summers which helps you to understand the relationship between all the characters. It is written in the first person from the perspective of Belly (Isabel), which is one of the things I disliked about the book. I do really like first person narration, but Belly is an irritating and whiny character. It's her personality which really lets this book down. The plot line itself is decent enough, with enough love triangle and some other intrigues to keep you interested but I did find myself tiring of Belly's commentary. It wasn't quite enough to make me dislike the book but I think the book would have been much more enjoyable if Belly was more likeable. I understand she's supposed to be flawed and in the process of growing up, but I feel that other books manage to have a childish character maturing in a far less annoying way.

Enough about Belly, what about the other characters? Well Conrad is aloof, moody and the silent type struggling with a few issues, whilst his brother Jeremiah is the opposite- friendly, ready for fun and smiling. I enjoyed the relationship between the brothers but I felt that you didn't learn too much about them in this book, but it is the first of the trilogy. Although I feel that the book could have benefited from exploring the brothers characters a little more, as I felt I was supposed to like Conrad, but I couldn't because not much is given away about his personality. If I were Belly, I'd choose Jeremiah!

I did enjoy this book despite my grumblings about Belly, and although the secondary characters aren't as well developed as I'd have liked, and it hasn't got much in the way of a traditional plot as such, it kept me interested, and intrigued enough to buy the sequel. The blurb makes it sound like a summer of unrequited love and love triangles but there are other plot points ticking away in the background and revealed in the last few chapters. It's definitely a mixed bag, but I can imagine tweens adoring it. It won't be everyone's cup of tea. If whiny, self absorbed teenagers aren't your thing, stay well clear!

Rating

Goodreads Reading Challenge
This book is number 3 out of 50