Natural Causes

I have no idea what I've just read. It began as I had expected: ranting against the American overtreat/overworry medical system and against the insane microoptimizations so many people obsess over in diet, exercise, “wellness”. Then... I'm not sure. Ehrenreich took me on a careening tour of medical history, molecular biology, comparative religions, and eventually metaphysical questions of self and facing death. Plus occasional detours to snipe at Silicon Valley. It was rather more than I was prepared for; in a good way, absolutely, but I was just not in the proper mindframe for it. If I'm still around in a year or two, I may want to reread this.

For the one or two people who might read my words: do read it, just, be prepared for what feel like digressions. The content is insightful, educational, even enjoyable. I gained new perspectives on subjects I thought myself informed about (scientific mindset, immunology, religion) and some I was and still am woefully ignorant of (a woman's-eye view of gynecology). I paused often to digest. This is worthwhile material, just, I had trouble figuring out what her central argument is. If you're reading this, you may be better prepared and may then get more out of the book. I hope you do.

Oh, and if anyone reading this happens to know Ehrenreich, I have a recommendation to pass along to her: I encourage her to find a trustworthy guide and to take one of the spiritual journeys she writes too briefly about. I think she could learn more than she can imagine right now, and I think she's prepared for it.