Book!

[undyingking]

Just learned that Bob Lloyd, who I haven't seen in ages (as he went to live in Spain, and me in Ipswich) has got his book out -- Leaving the Land of Woo.

"Leaving The Land Of Woo takes a critical look at the strange theories underpinning the claims of alternative medicine, food therapies such as diets and detox, religion, and the paranormal. Whether it is a claim to talk to supernatural being, or to be able to detox our bodies with a special, whether it is to be able to cure us with homeopathy, or align our chakras, these claims rely on untestable theory and a belief in undetectable forces and energies. They require us to be believers rather than critical consumers. Leaving The Land of Woo shows how these areas of irrationality are closely related, and how to leave them behind."

I haven't read it myself, but Bob is a very decent sort as well as being a funny guy, so give it a go if you think it sounds like your cup of detox tea. He used to be in the Donnington Arms B pub quiz team, with me, also with such luminaries as venta and quantumboo, back in the day -- that's how I first knew him.

Comments

[bateleur.livejournal.com]

...neatly bisecting the world into people who already know everything the book is telling them and those who won't want to read it!

[undyingking.livejournal.com]

He adds in his forewordy bit: "Have you ever been sat with friends when someone tells a story of their latest wacky [...]? I wrote the book to help those willing to raise a questioning voice, those asking to see the evidence, those unwilling to go along with creeping irrationalism. I hope it will help those with doubts to drop their beliefs in Woo and adopt a more rational, confident, informed approach to the real world."

Which sounds like: "I know you (my dear reader) already know all this, but I can help you bludgeon it into the minds of those who won't want to read the book themselves."

If only it added "... without destroying your friendships", that would be a great pitch I think.

[bateleur.livejournal.com]

Hehe - well, you could always suggest that for the second edition!

[mrlloyd.livejournal.com]

Yes - "Rescue your friends from Woo" could be a fine title.