Never Shower in a Thunderstorm
by Anahad O'Connor
Published by Times Books, Henry Holt and Co
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Reviewed by Maria Hoeffer
Subtitled: Surprising Facts and Misleading Myths about Our Health and the World We Live In
“Wait half and hour after eating before swimming.”
“Cover your head in the winter so you don’t catch a cold.”
“Cracking your knuckles will give you arthritis.”
We’ve all heard the old wives tales, but which ones are really true? Based on his New York Times column, “Really?,” Anahad O’Connor sets out to tell us just that.
In an easy-to-read question and answer format, Never Shower in a Thunderstorm analyzes dozens of commonly held beliefs about health. Some are verified and some are debunked, though which is which may really surprise you. Fully supported by current research and interviews with field experts, O’Connor takes a neutral middle ground, being neither too liberal and “new age-y” nor conservative and cynical in his assessments. His conversational writing style is clever and engaging, as if talking with a witty friend over a coffee or beer. References to current pop culture keep the tone light and entertaining. Several of his answers actually caused me to laugh out loud and read sections to friends.
My only wish would be to have included a bibliography or footnotes for those interested a bit more in the science behind the answers. So many of the research articles O’Connor refers to sounded interesting enough to have warranted reading them firsthand.
Overall, Never Shower in a Thunderstorm is a thoroughly enjoyable and informative read for all folks, not just those with a scientific bent.
Armchair Interviews says: True or false? This book will tell you.