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Not a Scientist: How Politicians Mistake, Misrepresent, and Utterly Mangle Science by Dave Levitan
waterwomanwinters's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
3.5
Useful but also feels outdated. I'd like to see a post-2016 and post-2020 follow up book.
seclement's review against another edition
3.0
This book was okay, at least what there was of it. But there wasn't enough of it, nor enough substance. The book was essentially an explanation of the various types of tactics politicians use in trying to use - yet abuse - "science-y" concepts to their advantage. The premise is that old conservative political trick...the "I am not a scientist, but I am about to pretend to be one and to use scientific ignorance to my political advantage." Levitan picks apart fact more than the subtle subtext sitting under this premise, however. While I think it was interesting that Levitan decided to categorise the various type of deliberate tactics that politicians use, I thought this should have formed only the first part of a book on this topic, with the other half delving deeper into the hows and whys. As it stands, the book is a mere account of various incidents, many of which those of us who follow US politics will already be familiar. I feel this book is either preaching to the choir or informing the uninformed of the various incidents of scientific and political dishonesty on topics like vaccines, homosexuality, and climate change. It is obvious that the author isn't a scientist, but it's also obvious that he is left and he is passionate about science, so in this sense it's really just like reading a Guardian article or a post from within my echo chamber. I needed a lot more depth and breadth, both in terms of topic and underlying drivers, in order to get real benefit from this book. Overall, an interesting book on an important topic, but lacking in several key ways if it is to either have a wider impact or a role in helping science lovers better understand the world.
jennyhickey's review against another edition
5.0
Changed my perspective and inspired me to become more of an activist. Super reliable with all the evidence and citations to back it up. This motivates me to become more involved in politics and pay more attention to new policies. Super important and educational read
megck1999's review against another edition
4.0
sooo interesting how in 2017 most examples here focused on climate change but if it was written today it would almost certainly be all about covid
scottdarrington's review against another edition
3.0
Definitely a 3.5, worth reading and recommended but not the end-all be-all of discussions around issues of reliability of "facts" used in politics. Brings up a lot of interesting questions to chew on though.
readermeginco's review against another edition
4.0
I laughed, I groaned. I laughed, I groaned. That's my best summary of my experience reading this book. It was entirely enjoyable except when I considered the fact that these men (and a few women) direct our national scientific policy. Levitan's method of dividing the different styles of dissing and mis-explaining science was very well conceived. It is also a call to action: Don't be gullible, be informed, America!
7anooch's review against another edition
4.0
Not a bad book, but too much politics for my liking. He does a very thorough job at identifying various logical mistakes politicians (or people) make when talking about science.
aurorabulgaris's review against another edition
3.0
I like factoids. And as I avoid actively listening to politicians, it's nice to read up some of the bigger blunders I've heard of. Then again, a whole book with factoids is a little much. Being a scientist, I kinda hoped for the possible solution to the problem. I guess it'd be more interesting for a non-scientist/non-expert in the fields mentioned. Then again, the proof of the quotes being a BS might be a little to scarce to fully comprehend. Not sure what would make it better. It's interesting, but it could be better. I'd still definitely recommend!
alannabarras's review against another edition
4.0
This book was engaging, informative, and we'll written. Unfortunately due to the topic it was also stress inducing to the point that I couldn't sit down and read it for extended periods. Worth the money I spent on it, but I haven't decided if it's worth keeping around to reread