Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

In this book, Christofferson argues a new way of looking at health care. Based on historical investigation, modern scientific methods, statistical calculation and the boundless energy and enthusiasm for change harnessed by a group of men determined to make a difference, Christofferson argues that the limping, piecemeal, archaic health care system we have in the United States can be revolutionized and made to work more efficiently. He includes specific modern and historical health care anecdotes as well as scintillating character portrayals of scientists and innovators, both informing and entertaining the reader and engendering excitement about the industry and those dedicated to reforming it.

I found this book quite fascinating, and definitely worth a read if you’re remotely interested in the modern and historical workings of the health care industry. The author’s ability to convey personality within the biographies and his evident enthusiasm for the subject make for an easy and enjoyable read, and the details that are tucked away about the medical system – both historically and today – are thought-provoking. I loved this book as a window into a system that often seems chaotic and inscrutable, though at points it wasn’t really a comforting examination of the system. Christofferson conveys both concern for the current system, and a boundless excitement for what a new, reconceived, truly modern health system could be. While I wasn’t absolutely convinced by some of the bright, shiny ideas that peppered the book, I found a lot to enjoy in the read, and even more to think about. Highly recommended.

This book is not the easiest of reads, but it has valuable things to say about the need for change in how medicine is conducted nowadays. It offers proposed solutions that are worth considering.

I was really enjoying this well-researched look at the history of our medical system until NetGalley's temporary ARC self destructed as I was halfway through it. I loved what I read so far (it's always a good plug for a book when I share interesting information from books with my hubby and older kids) but I'll have to update my review after getting a library copy to finish. I did enjoy it enough that I'm definitely requesting a copy to finish up (after I pay my poor husband's fines for keeping The Coddling of the American Mind and Sergie Boutenko's Wild Edibles out too long on his card). I'm looking forward to reading the second half and really wish Adobe Digital Editions didn't delete their review copies after 50 days. It can be hard to leave thorough reviews of long books when you're reading many books at one time and there's a short window of time for you to properly read them and review them.

CURABLE by Travis Christofferson deals with "The Story of How an Unlikely Group of Radical Innovators is Trying to Transform our Healthcare System." Christofferson, who is a science writer and founder of a cancer charity, seems to definitely have an agenda. He writes about simplifying healthcare and lowering costs while also strongly advocating for changes in treatments like those which his charity prefers. Frankly, it seemed that there was a disconnect with the established medical community and he even describes some of the push-back at his presentations. Society needs to be open to new ideas, but his attitude, (e.g., calling "medicine, an antiquated culture that has always protected a physician's autonomy, intuition, and self-reliance above all else") does not foster dialogue. As medical care becomes increasingly corporate and business-model oriented (what happened to do no harm and put the whole patient first?), it is very difficult to fairly or objectively judge the merits of Christofferson's argument, as written. Perhaps better to look at the actual sources? CURABLE has an index, source notes and a fairly extensive selected bibliography which could be helpful to researchers, especially since Christofferson acknowledges the "heavy lifting" from other writers.

This book is definitely needed now. Our health care system is a bloated juggernaut that seems to do more harm than good to many trapped within it and is only getting more and more costly for everyone, even those not in it. Something needs to change and this book is one of the steps in the right direction. It's not perfect, hence the 4 and not five stars, but it is pretty darn tootin close.

He brings up a lot of good points on how the health care system can be adapted to better serve all, doctors included. 1) salaries for doctors so they don't have to worry about what services to bill for, 2) look at drugs that are out of patent for other diseases they can be used effectively for, 3) data based approach on how to best treat diseases, rather than a different treatment from each doctor, without knowledge of how those different treatments actually work, 4) FOR THE LOVE OF GOODNESS, WASH YOUR FREAKIN HANDS IN A HOSPITAL, 5) checklists before, during and after surgery that have been shown to decrease post-op infections and complications, the list goes on.

This does not take away from our own personal responsibility to make our health our priority and take care of ourselves and educate ourselves on our health issues so we can work WITH the doctors and nurses rather than place the burden of "fixing" us completely on them. But that's my personal pet peeve. :D

I am ordering this book so I can really go in-depth in the bibliography, which is HUGE. Already added a few books he mentioned in the text, so Mt. TBR isn't going down anytime soon.

4.5 stars, rounded down to 4, because he said something positive about statins and I have first hand seen how they DESTROYED someone I love, so EFF STATINS! That is my personal opinion and I am sure there is someone out there who blesses them, but since stars are opinion, I choose to remove one based off of my intense hatred for that drug.

Other than that, highly recommend this book!

My thanks to NetGalley and Chelsea Green Publishing for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

An academic view of the history and evolution of the healthcare system and all its faults. Interesting at times, dry at times, which is understandable. Would recommend if you want a different perspective on the ideas and debates surrounding this topic. Not a book to sit down and read in a setting, but interesting and worth the time.

GoodReads:
I made it only to the start of Chapter 2.
Chapter 1 was so disconnected from health care, that I had to go back and double-check that was indeed what the book was supposed to be about. I understand some information that may seem distant may need to be included, but it's the book's job to make the connections clear, and this does not do that.
When Chapter 2 started out with a mundane quote from a controversial figure for no apparent reason, I decided things were simply not going to get better. An important topic that this book does not do a good job of treating with the clarity and grace it deserves.
*I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*

Curable is a interesting and informative book. It gives you a different perspectives about the issues with the healthcare issued that we face. Well written.

An interesting discussion in a well-laid out format. Illness and disease are on the rise. Medical treatment costs are on the rise. Discussion times in alternatives in care have, however, have decreased. Scrutinizing a system that is merely treading water and engaging in debates on how to frame and address the healthcare dilemmas facing the US has become necessary. Curable, seeks to look at the system through fresh eyes and new perspectives using various theoretical frameworks. I can sum up this book in three words: Informative, well-written and thought-provoking.

Unfortunately, I can only access kindle files and cannot read to review. It is helpful if publishers note in the book description when a book is unavailable in this format.