Reviews

Allergic: Our Irritated Bodies in a Changing World by Theresa MacPhail

ohcorrica's review

Go to review page

5.0

I could not put this book down. It was fascinating to read the history, science, and theories behind allergies. I have a autoimmune condition that presents itself as allergies. This book gave me a lot of insight into what is going on in my body. Required reading for anyone who has allergies, the parent of a child with allergies, and anyone who cares for patients with allergies!

*I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.

some_things_cosmic's review

Go to review page

too much nonfiction reading for school, i simply didn’t have the bandwidth!

rachelke95's review

Go to review page

3.0

This book was interesting and very well written. Theresa is a talented writer and researcher. I just couldn’t stick with it and rushed through the end

maxthefish's review against another edition

Go to review page

No idea why I never finished this. I follow the author on social media and she's great.

andy_acid's review

Go to review page

informative

4.0

 
Although the first few chapters of the book, which deal with the aftermath and an investigation into the author's father's death from severe anaphylactic shock caused by a bee sting, felt like an abrupt starting point for a book like this, I wasn’t thrilled about it. However, the book made up for it with its later content. While it includes anecdotes, it’s a well-written, accessible, yet reasonably in-depth primer on the topic. My favorite sections were the possible hypotheses for rising allergy rates, past/present/future allergy treatments, and the connection between the climate crisis and the rise of allergies.

 

sgries's review

Go to review page

informative medium-paced

4.5

Great read, really interesting journey into the world of allergies, their causes and treatments

chungfish's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

An amazing and well researched book. Interesting throughout with a mix of amazing asides (political immunity predates medical immunity) while staying focused. The medical anthropology done in this book is outstanding and involved research with dozens if not hundreds of people. My understanding of allergies has expanded as well as my knowledge of treatments. Allergies are extremely complicated and overlooked. I’d recommend this book to anyone.

leilanidavenberry's review

Go to review page

5.0

As someone allergic to m some things, sensitive and intolerant of some other things this book was super validating and informative! Highly recommend!

kiwikathleen's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Thorough but ultimately inconclusive. Not the author's fault, but I'm glad I didn't spend money on this book.

hawkpepperoni's review against another edition

Go to review page

informative reflective slow-paced

4.0