I'm actually surprised that the benefits of altruism are considered a superpower, consider how rare it appears to be in the world.
I'm a proponent of the pay it forward movement, and I practice it myself, so a lot of this book made me feel good about those choices, but I've got to be honest, it was a little bit preachy in places, and I may have missed it, but I didn't see any explanation to prevent it from turning toxic.
All in all though, it was an interesting read, though I think the title is misleading and plays into stigmas, it's worth reading.

It is somewhat disheartening that a book like this is necessary, that the authors felt compelled to write such a lengthy book about the benefits of altruism/serving others. However, I am glad they did, as it is an interesting book. I particularly liked that the authors gave numerous examples, backed up by their experiences and scientific studies, of the different ways that serving other people benefits one physically and mentally, including increasing the likelihood of an overall sense of happiness and success. Not that being altruistic will protect you from all harm and misfortune, but it likely will make it easier to weather the downturns. I also appreciated that the authors set forth practical ways to develop and practice the serving attitude and emphasized that regular smaller acts of service (which everyone can do) are often more beneficial than grand displays (which many people are not equipped to do).

Interesting! I would like to have read their first book. Having been a registered nurse for 45 years I enjoyed the medical references and how their attitudes were changed. Now if they can get that information into more MD's while they are in their residency there would be a lot more satisfied patients. When I hear some of the things these doctors today say to people I wonder why they bothered to be an MD. There is a lot of research and data discussed that you can get bogged down in but push on through. The main point is repeated throughout the book I guess some people really need convincing!
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book but was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions expressed are my own. Thanks to the authors,publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to peruse this book.

What a great informational read! I was really impressed with the writing style and how they made scientific terms become easier to understand. I learned a lot!

The Secret to Health and Happiness: Help Others

This well-documented book gives a series of doable steps to reorient your life toward better health and more fulfillment. In their previous book, the authors looked at healthcare and healthcare workers. Their conclusion that more compassion leads to better patient outcome and less burnout in staff led to the present book which extends their ideas to the general public.

The book is very readable for a general audience. The authors present lots of research from around the world, but make it understandable and interesting. The anecdotes help a great deal. They support the research with concrete examples of how helping people can change the life of the helper. This attitude is refreshingly different from that preached by many self-help books that talk about the importance of “me time” and putting yourself first.

This is a book anyone can read and learn from. I enjoyed it and think it can help orient your life toward better health and happiness.

I received this book from St. Martin’s Press for this review.

With WONDER DRUG, Doctors Stephen Trzeciak and Anthony Mozzarella present a clear, well-written case for how doing good is the ultimate in positive energy:. Giving of yourself to others benefits the giver as well as the receiver. I was heartened by the premise and the support given to what feels like a very small, very manageable way we can make the world a better place, especially important as we emerge from lockdown and find new ways to cooperate and to live well. I received an early copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

Wonderful cross-cutting review of the science relevant to service and prosocial behavior. Shares relevant empirically-supported research on a host of benefits of giving and serving others and the mechanisms that make them possible. Ideal reading for those considering a more servant-oriented leadership philosophy or those not yet convinced of the value of giving and supporting others.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: June 21, 2022
“Wonder Drug” is a non-fiction work by doctors (and authors), Dr. Stephen Trzeciak and Dr. Anthony Mazzarelli, that focuses on changing the way we look at how we serve others, and how we serve ourselves. The authors use a large compilation of studies from across the globe to convince readers that the best way to help ourselves is to help other people, in any and every way we can.
Trzeciak and Mazzarelli identify that the selfie-taking, self-care focused, “me first” attitude of millennials is the exact antithesis of what they preach, but they are okay with that. Both authors acknowledge their attitude is difficult to comprehend and it goes against what we’ve been told for the last few years- but they’re okay with that, too, because to them, their “Live to Give” lifestyle is the key to happiness, health and longevity.
“Wonder Drug” is broken down into sections and uses personal anecdotes (and most importantly, scientific data) to make the information readable, even humours at times, and generalizable for everyone. There isn’t a generation, a social class or a personality trait that wouldn’t benefit from the “Life to Give” lifestyle, if you go by the authors’ extensive research.
The book is very scientific, as every research paper on the subject is discussed and analyzed (or so it seems), so be prepared to have a huge chunk of knowledge thrown your way. But the theory is easy, relatable and, actually, doable, which is a nice change of pace. The authors prepare for every argument, and have an equally valid argument to back it up (often with a quip or two thrown in), and I actually found myself believing in their philosophy. If nothing else, being kind to people doesn’t hurt anything, so if it could actually benefit you, why not give it a shot?
I’m intrigued in the “Live to Give” lifestyle that the doctors present in “Wonder Drug”, and I would love to see the long-term results of a study helmed by these two down the road, in relation to their theory here. The book is completely appropriate for every reader, especially someone who is looking to make a difference in others’ lives (and maybe adding a few more years to their own for good measure).

The authors' framing their "change of attitude" advice as a wonder drug is brilliant. Readers will routinely pick up successive books on miracle diets, wonder drugs and achieving success, looking for that magical elixir for happiness, when in reality, happiness can be had for much less effort and no gimmicks. Using storytelling, anecdotes and science, Trzeciak and Mazzarelli show how happiness can be had by bringing happiness to others. And then step-by-step, they demonstrate how to do that. A simple and powerful concept. This will be a transformative book for many.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for inviting me to read Wonder Drug: 7 Scientifically Proven Ways That Serving Others Is the Best Medicine For Yourself by Stephen Trzeciak MD and Anthony Massarelli MD in exchange for an honest review.

I love the idea the helping others will in the long run help you medically. I hope that I am able to implement some of the tips that are given in this book, so that I can live a longer life. This book is not preaching at you, it is giving adivce that you can either choose to accept or ignore. I really enjoyed reading this book and I know that others will as well.

Wonder Drug: 7 Scientifically Proven Ways That Serving Others Is the Best Medicine for Yourself by Stephen Trzeciak, M.D.; Anthony Mazzarelli, M.D.

Wonder Drug did not make me feel guilty! This book provided practical, small steps to take to help others. The authors provided insightful information, which was presented well, and the information was easy to follow. While the information was not all new, it was still very good in how it was presented. I did receive a C score on the quiz, but that could also be because of how the questions were worded. While I don't mind helping others, I like to do it anonymously and behind the scenes.

One of the things I liked and noted was listening more and not interrupting people. That is one thing I need to work on. The authors mentioned that the key to good health and happiness is to serve others. I think that serving others does help boost our mood and make us feel connected to each other.

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