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kjurewicz's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
I think this book was a good introduction into several different controversial scientific studies/theories. Although the illustrations made the science easier to understand and more entertaining, I still feel that I didn’t get a full understanding of some of topics and some of them were a little dry. It might have helped to focus on less topics, but more in-depth. Since the book was published in 2013, I would be curious to read an updated version, especially on the chapter regarding vaccination. I also think the last chapter might have made more sense at the beginning of the book. Finally, I thought it was interesting that Revkin, who wrote the introduction to the book, seemed to disagree with some aspect of Cunningham’s analysis/approach and that he encouraged the reader to also question what they read and draw conclusions for themselves. I think this sums up how I feel - after reading, I have more curiosity (and questions)than when I started…but that might be a good thing.
reading_rachel's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this as a jumping off point for students (or anyone) who maybe don't read too much nonfiction. The style of a graphic novel is accessible, and most middle school students could probably understand the discussion.
This book has also inspired me to read up some more on important issues like fracking.
This book has also inspired me to read up some more on important issues like fracking.
linzer712's review against another edition
2.0
This graphic novel-esque analysis breaks down some common myths of science denial, and, at times, it was interesting. But often it felt ranty and I'm guessing would even further anger those who actually don't believe the moon landing happened or that climate change is real. I found the chiropractic chapter most interesting and actually thought it was more of a hard science than Cunningham explains.
saidtheraina's review against another edition
1.0
I just do not connect with Cunningham's work. I'm actually pretty surprised that I gave [b:Psychiatric Tales|8126017|Psychiatric Tales|Darryl Cunningham|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1327878193s/8126017.jpg|12921690] three stars, because I don't remember liking it at all.
This one has been getting a lot of buzz, and has a great cover, so I decided to try it (and suggest it for a book group I'm in) despite my negative feelings about his previous work.
And yeah, I learned a few things. About the history of Homeopathy, and Chiropractic treatment - oh, and about how the moon landing couldn't have been faked, too (part of his argument revolves around a Mythbusters episode).
It's not that I disagree with anything he says (when I know enough about the subject to have an opinion). It's just that the title is a mis-sell, and his delivery is SO DRY, and he doesn't use the graphic novel medium very effectively.
Each chapter feels like an essay. Not like any kind of original thought. And there's no real narrative through-line. I found the Preface (written in prose) more engagingly written and enlightening than most of the chapters. And I stopped most of the way through the penultimate chapter. Cunningham presents facts (and/or his opinions) - he is not a storyteller. At least, not in my experience. I believe he's got it in him, but I wish... I wish I'd skipped this one.
Honestly, I'd go on, but I have other books to review.
SO freaking meh.
This one has been getting a lot of buzz, and has a great cover, so I decided to try it (and suggest it for a book group I'm in) despite my negative feelings about his previous work.
And yeah, I learned a few things. About the history of Homeopathy, and Chiropractic treatment - oh, and about how the moon landing couldn't have been faked, too (part of his argument revolves around a Mythbusters episode).
It's not that I disagree with anything he says (when I know enough about the subject to have an opinion). It's just that the title is a mis-sell, and his delivery is SO DRY, and he doesn't use the graphic novel medium very effectively.
Each chapter feels like an essay. Not like any kind of original thought. And there's no real narrative through-line. I found the Preface (written in prose) more engagingly written and enlightening than most of the chapters. And I stopped most of the way through the penultimate chapter. Cunningham presents facts (and/or his opinions) - he is not a storyteller. At least, not in my experience. I believe he's got it in him, but I wish... I wish I'd skipped this one.
Honestly, I'd go on, but I have other books to review.
SO freaking meh.
ghoulicious's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastically simple comic book style.
Easy to read explanations of scientific findings and the false perceptions that battle the truth out of fear, willful ignorance, and greed.
Which is good, seeing as most people who believe in the things that the book refutes make it very clear they can't handle very complicated material.
Easy to read explanations of scientific findings and the false perceptions that battle the truth out of fear, willful ignorance, and greed.
Which is good, seeing as most people who believe in the things that the book refutes make it very clear they can't handle very complicated material.
asimilarkite's review against another edition
3.0
Darryl Cunningham really builds himself up in the preface of this book. He touts that this graphic novel will be an achievement of championing the scientific method and prove that rational and logical thinking shall always triumph over everything else.
Aaaaand it sorta does that? Kind of? But not that well? And all in a kind of smug tone? And the art is kind of unnecessary and doesn't really add anything to the text? I dunno, I wasn't overly impressed. It was fine. It was a decent intro to science denial, and I did learn some new information that I didn't know before (admission: I didn't even know what homeopathy really was until I read this book), but, it just didn't live up to the expectation that the author set for himself.
Aaaaand it sorta does that? Kind of? But not that well? And all in a kind of smug tone? And the art is kind of unnecessary and doesn't really add anything to the text? I dunno, I wasn't overly impressed. It was fine. It was a decent intro to science denial, and I did learn some new information that I didn't know before (admission: I didn't even know what homeopathy really was until I read this book), but, it just didn't live up to the expectation that the author set for himself.
danchibnall's review against another edition
3.0
This is a fun little graphic novel that covers some of the ridiculous controversies of the past 50 years. The author does a nice job of showing pseudoscience in a critical light.
ali_brarian's review against another edition
1.0
Most boring graphic novel I have ever read. The information didn't seem right in this format and I was only mildly interested in the first myth about the moon landing. The others got into medicine and didn't really present anything new or shocking as even juvenile nonfiction has for me in the past.
sarahannkateri's review against another edition
2.0
Important stuff, but not particularly enjoyable. The text is dry and angry, and the art is pretty weak.
However, it definitely could be good to use in schools.
However, it definitely could be good to use in schools.