I loved this as an audiobook. In audio form, its rapid fire facts grouped into categories. It is full of obscure medical facts that have no business coming up in most conversations; those are facts I want to hear! As a children’s book, I think the appropriateness depends on the child. I’d argue there’s nothing straight vulgar or inappropriate in this book. However, I would also say my 8 year old is too immature to handle the amount of poop fact ammunition this book provides. So, it’s inappropriate for him but not all 8 year olds.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Jelena Poleskic; Neon Squid, and Macmillan audio for this audiobook ARC.

The content of this audiobook is an absolute delight but we found the background music throughout distracting. A perfect read (or listen) for any young readers with an interest in the slightly macabre. If your kids are fans of Horrible Histories, this is a must! A good fit for late elementary. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy. All opinions are entirely my own.

Narrator:
I loved the energy and enthusiasm that the narrator brought to this children’s reference book about the early history of medicine. It reminded me a bit of the ways in which Bill Nye ‘the Science Guy’ often delivered facts. The narrator presented each fact with a clear title and then very brief description of what horrific way we used to treat patients, precedures or unsanitary conditions and tools utilized by doctors in the past or how we discovered and experimented with new medications.
It is read in a way that is engaging and fun for kids to listen to and learn, without getting bored or feeling dry. For example he used voices for males and females as well as different accents that were relevant and funny.



Content

Was great first reference book for kids and even teens. I loved listening to this audiobook. I found it age appropriate, not too scary but also a great introduction to the history of medicine.

A book of random compilations of remedies cherry-picked from history and different places of the world. It's a fun, silly book that even my 4 year old thought was an enjoyable listen. They're really into medical/doctor information so this was right up their ally.

I like that it noted that women's contributions were often stolen or not noted; but it probably would have been more impactful if the contributions by women were woven in through whole book instead of clumping them together near the end (at least it would make it seem normal for women to contribute). Also, at least on the audiobook, years/time-spans were missing on a fair few.

Audio-wise, overall the narrator was good; BUT the background music is too loud and often competes with the narrator and sound effects.

I don't know if I will be adding this to their collection, but would probably check it out from the library so they can listen and read it again.

Interesting, definitely aimed for children, and I found myself enjoying the music more than the book itself at times.

3.5 stars.

I got an audio copy of A Sick History of Medicine through netgalley. It's a fun introduction to the weird and gross side of the history of medicine, offering a ton of fun facts about different aspects of that history. I've enjoyed Tim Campbell's narration in the past, and he was a good fit here. I do feel like this is one of those books I would have enjoyed more if I had read with my eyes, as the facts presented here are quite rapid fire and I feel like that works better visually. It's still a cute book that makes for good fun for kids who like their history and science on the gross side. Recommended!

As someone deeply interested in the intersections of history, science, and societal change, A Sick History of Medicine by Jelena Poleksic was an absolutely riveting read. Having had the opportunity to listen to this as an Advanced Reader Copy through NetGalley, I found myself fascinated by the dark and often unsettling truths Poleksic brings to light about the evolution of medicine.

Poleksic doesn't shy away from exploring the grim and sometimes unethical practices that shaped modern medicine. From misguided experiments to controversial breakthroughs, this book provides a comprehensive yet accessible examination of how humanity’s pursuit of healing has often been fraught with moral ambiguity and missteps.

The author has a gift for weaving historical narratives with sharp social commentary, making the book both informative and thought-provoking. The balance of well-researched facts and engaging storytelling makes it an enjoyable read for history buffs, healthcare professionals, and casual readers alike.

The information is great and in an easy to understand format.

However- the audiobook has a horrific trumpet-y melody playing behind the narrator. As someone who listens to books faster than 1x speed, I could hardly hear the book.

My rating is strictly for the audiobook version - the regular ebook/physical book would be 5 stars.

I listened to the audiobook of A Sick History of Medicine, and it was just as engaging as I imagine the print version would be! The facts are delightfully gross, making it both fascinating and entertaining. The storytelling keeps you hooked, blending bizarre medical history with humor. Highly recommend for fans of weird, fun nonfiction!

I received a copy of this audiobook from netGalley for a honest review.

I enjoyed this creepy, gross telling of the history of medicine. The music in the audiobook was lively too.

wow! That was incredibly interesting and informative. its great for any age. def one for the school library. i highly recommend it.

This book, written by a doctor, is filled with fascinating facts about the history of medicine. The author's passion for both the history of medicine and science adds authority to the title. It is packed with captivating historical information while maintaining an engaging tone. The audiobook's narration is clear and well-paced. My 9-year-old loved it and has listened to it several times. Books like this, exploring the history of medicine, are excellent additions to public and school libraries. This audiobook was kindly provided to be as an advance reader copy by NetGalley.

This is a interesting book on a niche subject. It is written well and at a level that children of the intended age will understand. The audiobook is not just a listening but an experience. It has nice background sounds as well as the narrator having a good and engaging rate and tone for the subject matter.

Thank you Macmillan Audio for providing this ARC audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own

A good audiobook filled with fun, gross facts on medicine while you prepare dinner for the kids… if you have the stomach for it. As is the custom for these types of books, I still wish it were longer.

Recommend as a quick read to pass the time, but not for the squeamish.

(I received this ALC via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you.)

A Sick History of Medicine is a no-holds-barred look at the ickiest, grossest parts of medical history. The content of the book is really interesting and offers a new perspective on the topic. My rating of this book, however, is lower because of the production value. As seems to be the trend with many kids offerings lately, this audiobook is just over-done. The narration was over the top, sound effects were obnoxious, and on top of it all, there was music playing in the background. It was sensory overload, and I did not enjoy listening to this with my kids. Can we stop over-stimulating the kids and just let interesting information stand on its own merit?

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for gifting my family with an ALC to review. All opinions are my own.

Great historical facts read in succession but unfortunately not captivating enough of an audio for my 3yo. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC though. I think I would love it as a hard copy

A Sick History of Medicine will teach you all kinds of fascinating, strange, and sometimes gross things about medicine from ages long past to now.

With jaunty jazz playing in the background, we learn how doctors used the heads of ants and beetles during surgery, what weird things medicines from an apothecary might contain, how maggots and leeches have historically been used in medicine and how they're still used today. We'll learn how a pee wheel might help diagnose an illness and how a fecal transplant could help cure what ails you. Long ago, you might have had a barber working on you instead of a surgeon or a blacksmith in place of a dentist. We learn about dissection parties, and amputation competitions, and so many other weird and wonderful things from the history of medicine. I think my favorite part was learning how frogs may have helped inspire Mary Shelley's Frankenstein story.

This is a collection of interesting and somewhat gross facts about how medicine was practiced in the past, and occasionally even now. I liked the audio effects, and I think it will certainly entertain any kids who listen.

A short concise over view of all the interesting things we use to believe and do in the name of medicine and healthcare. This book is perfect for kids interested in how medicine works or why we do things the way we do now. Some of this stuff I had no clue about and a lot of it is bound to make your kid giggle and laugh and maybe say ewwww. This is a great little book for kids peaking their interest in medicine and the human body. The audio version of the book is even better because they make sure to have fun sound effects in the book and the narrators tone keeps you listening and interested.

"A Sick History of Medicine" by Jelena Poleksic offers a fascinating dive into the gross and gritty aspects of medical history that are sure to captivate older children. The book presents an array of interesting and often revolting facts, such as the bizarre methods of wound cleaning, peculiar ancient bowel remedies, and the use of leeches and worms in treatment.

For curious young minds with a penchant for the macabre, this book delivers on its promise of intriguing true stories from medicine's early beginnings. The humor and quirky details keep the reading engaging, making it an excellent choice for kids eager to learn about the more outrageous side of healthcare.

While the audiobook format is decent, the print version likely enhances the experience, allowing readers to fully appreciate the illustrations and layout that complement the text. Overall, "A Sick History of Medicine" is a fun and educational read that appeals to children’s natural curiosity about the strange and gross realities of the past.