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Paul Offit, M.D., tackles a grim but important subject in "Do You Believe in Magic?" He writes in depth about the confusing world of alternative medicine, and helps us make some sense of when it can help us, and when it can hurt us.

Offit relates sobering tales of famous people like Steve McQueen and Steve Jobs and their attempts at circumventing proven medical practices, trying to cure their illnesses with holistic or alternative approaches. Both stories, as we know, ended badly--and Offit tells many other stories like them. Since Offit is a doctor, a person might dismiss his explanations, and possibly the entire thesis of the book, as merely supporting his profession and the medical industry. But if you are quick to dismiss accepted medical practices as "conspiracy," this book will provide an abundance of information to make you question alternative medicine as the answer.

Offit describes in detail the people who are the celebrities of alternative medicine and the sketchy underpinnings of the "science" of their practices. Even if you feel strongly about the wisdom people like Dr. Oz and Suzanne Somers, you will learn some things about their teachings that will make you question their infallibility--particularly as Offit relates the huge sums of money these people make selling their alternative therapies.

What Dr. Offit does perhaps best in his narrative is explain the power of alternative therapies--that they offer hope where proven medicine cannot. Probably every one of us has been touched by cancer, autism, or other incurable conditions at some point. We know that at the moment that doctors say nothing can be done, we will do anything to fight against the diagnosis. Alternative medicine can't offer proven results, but it can offer hope. Sometimes, as Offit explains, alternative medicine can prevent us from pursuing treatment that can make a difference, an extreme example being Steve Jobs' insistence on yoga and vegetarianism to try to fight his cancer. But chillingly, we need to realize that selling us this hope can be big business for some, who stand to gain a fortune shipping us vitamins and exotic supplements--the alternative and supplement industry grosses $34 billion dollars a year.

Offit's account is not a balanced, two-sided study of the topic--he clearly feels strongly about science and proven medical practices, and lays out a solid argument for why data-driven studies to prove the validity of treatments is so important. But if you or someone you care about is considering an alternative treatment, this book is a must read. "Do You Believe in Magic" will make you a critical thinker about the alternative medicine industry, making you a better-educated consumer.