Books

Book Reviews
Bad Pharma
Ben Goldacre
2012
This is a very informative book about the lack of evidence-based science behind the drugs on the market. It is also a disturbing book. The author presents a well researched argument that explains in great detail the significant problems associated with the regulation of drugs. He explains how flawed the science is behind the studies concerned with the safety of drugs and how the regulators do little to protect the public. Most disturbing, is the data pointing up how so few studies showing poor results for a drug ever get published. This book is certainly a must read for anyone who has to take medications. It is a book that will certainly encourage you to ask your physician many questions before you take any prescribed pills.

Fast Fish
Hugh Carpenter & Teri Sandison
2005
If you love fish, love to cook it and love novel recipes Fast Fish is the cookbook for you. The authors provide you with eight to twelve easy to follow receipes for each of nine different fish. The fish are Black Cod, Catfish, Halibut, Salmon, Snapper, Sole , Swordfish, Trout and Tuna. They run the whole gamut when it comes to the various ways of cooking fish. There is a wide selection of recipes whether your preference is to bake, fry, barbecue, poach or grill your fish. Another neat thing is the flexibility of the recipes. I often pick and choose from several recipes to make my own nivel fish dinner. The cookbook also has a section at the end that includes recipes for a variety of tartar sauces, salsas and relishes that work with fish.

Canadian Short Stories
edited by Jane Urquhart
2007
An excellent bedside book for the short story reader. Ms. Urquhart has selected a very diverse collection of stories. She includes the works of writers born between the 1860's (Stephen Leacock) and the 1970's (Vincent Lam). The line-up of authors who have won such prestigious awards as the Giller Prize and the Commonwealth Writers' Prize gives you a good indication of the calibre of writer chosen for this anthology of Canadian short stories. The works come from the pens of early twentieth century masters such as Morley Callaghan, Ethel Wilson and Sinclair Ross as well as our more contemporary writers such as Michael Ondaatje and Madeleine Thien.
This rich collection certainly has more than a few great stories for every reader.

Harperland: The Politics of Control
Lawrence Martin
2010
This book examines Stephen Harper's time as Canada's Prime Minister during the years 2006-2010 when his party held a minority of the seats in the House of Commons.  Martin provides an in-depth description of the tactics Harper successfully employed to implement his political agenda with only a minority government. The book is really about the exercise of power. It provides an intriguing look into the prime ministers office where the critical decision making takes place. Other topics covered include how Harper survived the coalition threat, pushed his law and order agenda and controlled the message going out to the public. I found his analysis of Harper's authoritarian methods and 'control fixation ' interesting reading. The book is a critical , but objective. Lawrence Martin is an old time political pundit who has also written a critical book on Chretien's years in power.

A Good Night's Sleep
Lawrence J. Epstein
2007
This is one of the publications of the Harvard Medical School's series of books on health issues. It may be quite helpful for seniors who are experiencing difficulties with sleep. The author begins by explaining why sleep is so important, how sleep disorders are diagnosed, what occurs during sleep and what happens when we do not get sufficient sleep. There is also an interesting chapter that covers a host of myths and facts regarding sleep. However, the core of the book is the six-step plan put forward for getting a night of sound sleeping. Other chapters of interest are the ones dealing with the various sleep disorders and the treatments for them. The section on medications is also informative.

Dependent America?
Stephen Clarkson & Matto Mildenberger
2011
This is a really interesting book that examines the relationship between the United States and Mexico and Canada. The authors argue, and quite convincingly, that the United States is deeply dependent on its two neighbours for its prosperity and security. A major theme of the book focuses on explaining how the United States has managed its relationships with Mexico and Canada to maintain their world dominance. Throughout the book, they show how the internal autonomy of Mexico and Canada has been consistently constricted in terms of both economics and security without them gaining any offsetting capacity in Washington. Furthermore, the US has gained this advantage without losing any domestic autonomy. An interesting and provocative read for those interested in North American relations.

Psychiatric Medications For Older Adults
Carl Salzman
2001
This is a very helpful read for anyone being prescribed medications to treat depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, diminished memory or any other psychological or psychiatric problem. The book is somewhat technical at points, but on the overall the lay person should find it readable. The author provides a thorough description of the popular drugs on the market for treating older people's psychological problems. More importantly, it highlights the unique issues surrounding the prescribing of drugs to seniors. The book is a good primer that will equip readers with the basic knowledge required to have an informed discussion with their physician in the event that they are prescribed drugs.

If any readers wish to have a book review added to this page just email me your review and I will post it. Please let me know if you want your name attached to the review.
Larry
drlarrymcconnell@gmail.com