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bookph1le's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
This book was fascinating and funnier than I expected. I really appreciated the author's wry and accessible style of writing, which made it both informative and a pleasure for a layperson like me to read. I got a lot out of it, and he made me think a great deal about my own habits and the kinds of changes I might want to make, changes that would be beneficial to both my own health and to the environment. Microbiome research is an exciting field, and I'm always glad to see books shining a light on it. I'm optimistic that the field will lead to some real innovations in health care, and I appreciated the scientists highlighted in this book.
This book was fascinating and funnier than I expected. I really appreciated the author's wry and accessible style of writing, which made it both informative and a pleasure for a layperson like me to read. I got a lot out of it, and he made me think a great deal about my own habits and the kinds of changes I might want to make, changes that would be beneficial to both my own health and to the environment. Microbiome research is an exciting field, and I'm always glad to see books shining a light on it. I'm optimistic that the field will lead to some real innovations in health care, and I appreciated the scientists highlighted in this book.
janiswong's review against another edition
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
A really interesting short read, slightly more academic and formal in writing style than anticipated. I enjoyed the wide range of topics discussed around the science, culture, and norms of cleanliness. The individual chapters were well put together but felt quite distinct so wasn't as fluid in between them as I would have liked. Still learnt a fair bit and enjoyed it.
nickedkins's review against another edition
3.0
I've wanted to read a popular science book about skin and skincare for a long time, so had high hopes for this one, especially since I've enjoyed Hamblin's articles elsewhere.
It mostly delivered, but I did find myself wanting more detailed descriptions about how products actually act on skin, and less puff about indie skincare manufacturers. That's not to say that the sociological aspects of cleanliness weren't interesting—they were generally some of the most engaging sections—just that I felt the rigour was slipping a bit there.
Overall, the most clear-headed account of the topic I've seen, and very much worth reading.
It mostly delivered, but I did find myself wanting more detailed descriptions about how products actually act on skin, and less puff about indie skincare manufacturers. That's not to say that the sociological aspects of cleanliness weren't interesting—they were generally some of the most engaging sections—just that I felt the rigour was slipping a bit there.
Overall, the most clear-headed account of the topic I've seen, and very much worth reading.
marykohl's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I really expected to hate this book
usernamemustbeunique's review against another edition
4.0
This is the second book by Hamblin I’ve read. It is not as packed with information as his previous work. I was expecting a bit more from it, but I am still quite happy to have read it.