Review of The Defeat of COVID
-
Dustin Stopher
- Posts: 72
- Joined: 10 Aug 2021, 21:29
- Currently Reading: Perk's of being a Wallflower
- Bookshelf Size: 42
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-dustin-stopher.html
- Latest Review: Reconfigurement by E. Alan Fleischauer
Review of The Defeat of COVID
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Defeat of COVID" by Colleen Huber, NMD.]
The Defeat of COVID, by Colleen Huber, is a research-driven page-turner that relays an extensive list of what works and what does not regarding response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Backed by a multitude of up-to-date studies, the book details various methods proven to ward off coronavirus, such as the upkeep of essential vitamins that build up the immune system, while also delving into government responses to the virus that have had less-than-ideal results, like mask-wearing or lockdown implementations. Puzzlingly, the book takes a stance that is largely at odds with much of what the CDC has recommended throughout the COVID crisis, including the position that the pandemic itself is not a large enough danger to be considered a crisis or pandemic in the first place. Yet, with an abundance of data to back up otherwise contentious claims, a compelling argument is made in opposition to common rhetoric of the virus.
There is a lot to appreciate about this book. With the amount of data present, Huber makes a name for herself as a credible source, which is important given the topic at hand. The presentation of the sources is in an incredibly digestible format, where dense articles are recapped in lay terms with a glossary included to elucidate more scientific subjects. Most surprising however is the entertainment value that is achieved. Being a data-heavy document, many might suspect that the book may be bland read, but this could not be further from the truth. Especially in the second half, the amount of shocking information included leaves you unable to stop reading, as you are constantly wondering what else you haven’t been told about the pandemic.
Such an approach also comes with its flaws. The tone taken that seemingly discredits the CDC comes across as unscientific and unprofessional. Near the end of the book, Huber decidedly drifts from the role of a medical researcher to that of a political whistleblower, as she claims that government authorities have no right to enforce mask mandates and incites civilian disapproval against those that govern them. It also feels irresponsible that while an argument is touted for the entirety of the book that goes against CDC guidelines for the public, the merits of mainstream science are ignored and the reason for such a difference in opinion is never addressed. If the science were clear about masks being ineffective or potentially even dangerous, why would they be suggested by medical officials? A failure to reconcile or explain the gap in belief between the two sides only adds to the mass confusion experienced by the general public, which aids no one.
I would strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in the science of the pandemic, no matter on which side they fall. Because the claims are supported by empirical research, the book is very educational and can foster deep contemplation about what the best approach may be for dealing with COVID. It may be the case that there is no right or wrong answer in that regard, and that everyone can learn something from the research presented in the book.
All in all, I would give The Defeat of COVID 3 out of 4 stars. Grounded in medical literature and engaging for readers, Huber’s dissection of the pandemic is insightful. The only major limitation of the book is its needlessly inflammatory nature. If the author had simply given more attention as to why the book deviates so much from the mainline narrative, what aspects of national and state guidelines are trustworthy, or why so much misinformation exists if the CDC is indeed wrong in its recommendations, the rating would be higher. As it is written, the book may actually be dangerous in the sense that it furthers the divide in belief when what we need to truly defeat COVID is unity in action.
******
The Defeat of COVID
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The Defeat of COVID, by Colleen Huber, is a research-driven page-turner that relays an extensive list of what works and what does not regarding response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Backed by a multitude of up-to-date studies, the book details various methods proven to ward off coronavirus, such as the upkeep of essential vitamins that build up the immune system, while also delving into government responses to the virus that have had less-than-ideal results, like mask-wearing or lockdown implementations. Puzzlingly, the book takes a stance that is largely at odds with much of what the CDC has recommended throughout the COVID crisis, including the position that the pandemic itself is not a large enough danger to be considered a crisis or pandemic in the first place. Yet, with an abundance of data to back up otherwise contentious claims, a compelling argument is made in opposition to common rhetoric of the virus.
There is a lot to appreciate about this book. With the amount of data present, Huber makes a name for herself as a credible source, which is important given the topic at hand. The presentation of the sources is in an incredibly digestible format, where dense articles are recapped in lay terms with a glossary included to elucidate more scientific subjects. Most surprising however is the entertainment value that is achieved. Being a data-heavy document, many might suspect that the book may be bland read, but this could not be further from the truth. Especially in the second half, the amount of shocking information included leaves you unable to stop reading, as you are constantly wondering what else you haven’t been told about the pandemic.
Such an approach also comes with its flaws. The tone taken that seemingly discredits the CDC comes across as unscientific and unprofessional. Near the end of the book, Huber decidedly drifts from the role of a medical researcher to that of a political whistleblower, as she claims that government authorities have no right to enforce mask mandates and incites civilian disapproval against those that govern them. It also feels irresponsible that while an argument is touted for the entirety of the book that goes against CDC guidelines for the public, the merits of mainstream science are ignored and the reason for such a difference in opinion is never addressed. If the science were clear about masks being ineffective or potentially even dangerous, why would they be suggested by medical officials? A failure to reconcile or explain the gap in belief between the two sides only adds to the mass confusion experienced by the general public, which aids no one.
I would strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in the science of the pandemic, no matter on which side they fall. Because the claims are supported by empirical research, the book is very educational and can foster deep contemplation about what the best approach may be for dealing with COVID. It may be the case that there is no right or wrong answer in that regard, and that everyone can learn something from the research presented in the book.
All in all, I would give The Defeat of COVID 3 out of 4 stars. Grounded in medical literature and engaging for readers, Huber’s dissection of the pandemic is insightful. The only major limitation of the book is its needlessly inflammatory nature. If the author had simply given more attention as to why the book deviates so much from the mainline narrative, what aspects of national and state guidelines are trustworthy, or why so much misinformation exists if the CDC is indeed wrong in its recommendations, the rating would be higher. As it is written, the book may actually be dangerous in the sense that it furthers the divide in belief when what we need to truly defeat COVID is unity in action.
******
The Defeat of COVID
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Reconfigurement by E. Alan Fleischauer
