Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
adventurous
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
not an easy read but an important and illuminating one. maté offers a thorough exposition of all the ways in which our modern society makes us all ill. somehow i hadn't expected this to be as radical as it was but i am very glad it is. i appreciate the lengths he went to offer different perspectives, shine a light on often-ignored issues, and highlight the unique struggles of groups who are most discriminated against like women, indigenous people and people of colour. my only criticism is that the part on the pathway to healing was maybe a little lacking for me. given that the whole book is about how society makes us sick, i would have expected more emphasis on the societal changes that need to happen for people to live happily and healthily, but it was surprisingly mostly focused on the individual. on the other hand i do appreciate him admitting that he does not fully know what that ideal society looks like; i think if more powerful white men would learn to admit when they don't know things instead of just making shit up and pretending they know best, this world would be a way better place. anyways. a book i would recommend to everyone; even if you are sceptic about some of the things he says (as i can understand), it offers a lot of food for reflection and inquiry and is bound to teach you at least a few important lessons.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
a sweeping damnation of western culture at large was too big a project even for this angel from heaven
informative
inspiring
reflective
DNF around 25% because the author has already made his point...about a hundred times. Very repetitive, and an approach to chronic illness that I think is reasonably widely acknowledged (perhaps just in my experience) but with an undercurrent (again, could be my perception) of "if you think positive and don't stress so much your cancer/immune disorder/disease will just heal and disappear" which I didn't love at all.
There felt like a fair bit of 'over-reaching' and cherry-picking of cases to fit too, and whilst I generally agree with his findings/opinions, I didn't love the way it was delivered and couldn't help thinking of the very true phrase of "correlation does not imply causation."
There felt like a fair bit of 'over-reaching' and cherry-picking of cases to fit too, and whilst I generally agree with his findings/opinions, I didn't love the way it was delivered and couldn't help thinking of the very true phrase of "correlation does not imply causation."
Felt like too much flowery language and reiterating the same point repeatedly for me
Mind-blowing and absolutely essential. I know a lot of people will discard this because of its length (18 hours listening to the audio version) but it is so important in this day and age. My only criticism is regarding the audio version- the narrator (and co-author) whose voice is somewhat monotonous and not the easiest to listen to, often attempts to mimic the accents of people quoted in the book (a French doctor, British politician, etc.) and I really wish he didn't. Found it very distracting at times. I will purchase this as a hard copy to re-read from time to time. Highly recommend.
An excellent book that I will continue to revisit even after finishing it. It offers many valuable observations, directions and insights. I read it chapter by chapter, reflecting on each one and considering it in the context of my own life and experiences. I thank the author for having the courage to speak clearly and bluntly, yet with great empathy.