Award-winning author Jo Marchant knows a thing or two about science. With a BS in genetics and a PhD in microbiology, Marchant is the perfect candidate to investigate whether the human mind can heal an ailing body. In Cure: A Journey into the Science of Mind over Body, Marchant treks all over the world, meeting with scientists regarding their latest research. Her travels uncover fascinating details about our brains and their abilities. Marchant reports about how variables like the placebo effect, hypnosis, social supports, and belief in God can aid healing. Understandably, this nonfiction is highly scientific and includes a plethora of technical descriptions and terminology. Often Cure reads more like a textbook, which may make it difficult for the casual reader to stay interested and engaged. If readers patiently wade through the technical aspects, Cure will reward them with captivating information.
Review of an Advance Reader’s Copy
This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Random House
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: 1 religious exclamation; 3 scatological terms.
Violence/Gore: Secondhand reports of violence involving an acid attack, avalanche death, self-mutilation, bombs, torture and an autistic child attacking a parent; several brief violent scenes include activating a roadside bomb, a car crash, earthquake, robbery, third degree burns and pouring oil on a victim.
Sex/Nudity: A few sexual references.
Mature Subject Matter:
Death, cancer, sepsis, childbirth, burns, sweat lodge deaths, drug addictions, MS, separation from family, references to teenage drinking and drug use, brief mention of assisted suicide and smoking.
Alcohol / Drug Use:
Drug addictions; an incident of smoking; reference to teenage drinking and drug use.
