Magic books have long been a fascination for people across the world. These books are often depicted as possessing supernatural powers and the ability to grant the reader extraordinary abilities or knowledge. While some may dismiss it as pure fantasy, there are those who firmly believe in the existence and power of magic books. Those who believe in magic books see them as more than just ordinary literature. These books are believed to hold ancient wisdom and hidden secrets that can unlock the mysteries of the universe. It is believed that through the study and practice of the knowledge contained within these books, one can tap into the unseen forces of nature and even manipulate reality.
© 2023
Harvard Book Store
All rights reserved
Using dramatic real-life stories, Offit separates the sense from the nonsense, showing why any therapy alternative or traditional should be scrutinized. , offers a scathing expose of the alternative medicine industry, revealing how even though some popular therapies are remarkably helpful due to the placebo response, many of them are ineffective, expensive, and even deadly.
It is believed that through the study and practice of the knowledge contained within these books, one can tap into the unseen forces of nature and even manipulate reality. One of the most famous examples of a magic book is the Necronomicon, a fictional grimoire created by H.P.
Do You Believe in Magic? - by Paul A Offit (Paperback)
In Do You Believe in Magic?, medical expert Paul A. Offit, M.D., offers a scathing expose of the alternative medicine industry, revealing how even though some popular therapies are remarkably helpful due to the placebo response, many of them are ineffective, expensive, and even deadly.Dr. Offit reveals how alternative medicine--an unregulated industry under no legal obligation to prove its claims or admit its risks--can actually be harmful to our health.Using dramatic real-life stories, Offit separates the sense from the nonsense, showing why any therapy--alternative or traditional--should be scrutinized. He also shows how some nontraditional methods can do a great deal of good, in some cases exceeding therapies offered by conventional practitioners.An outspoken advocate for science-based health advocacy who is not afraid to take on media celebrities who promote alternative practices, Dr. Offit advises, "There's no such thing as alternative medicine. There's only medicine that works and medicine that doesn't."
Book Synopsis
Medical expert Paul A. Offit, M.D., offers a scathing exposé of the alternative medicine industry, revealing how even though some popular therapies are remarkably helpful due to the placebo response, many of them are ineffective, expensive, and even deadly.
Dr. Offit reveals how alternative medicine--an unregulated industry under no legal obligation to prove its claims or admit its risks--can actually be harmful to our health.
Using dramatic real-life stories, Offit separates the sense from the nonsense, showing why any therapy--alternative or traditional--should be scrutinized. He also shows how some nontraditional methods can do a great deal of good, in some cases exceeding therapies offered by conventional practitioners.
An outspoken advocate for science-based health advocacy who is not afraid to take on media celebrities who promote alternative practices, Dr. Offit advises, "There's no such thing as alternative medicine. There's only medicine that works and medicine that doesn't."
From the Back Cover
A half century ago, acupuncture, homeopathy, naturopathy, Chinese herbs, Christian exorcisms, dietary supplements, chiropractic manipulations, and ayurvedic remedies were considered on the fringe of medicine. Now these practices--known variably as alternative, complementary, holistic, or integrative medicine--have become mainstream, used by half of all Americans today to treat a variety of conditions, from excess weight to cancer.
But alternative medicine is an unregulated industry under no legal obligation to prove its claims or admit its risks, and many popular alternative therapies are ineffective, expensive, or even deadly. In Do You Believe in Magic? Dr. Offit debunks the treatments that don't work and tells us why, and takes on the media celebrities who promote alternative medicine. Using dramatic real-life stories, he separates the sense from the nonsense, explaining why any therapy--alternative or traditional--should be scrutinized. As Dr. Offit explains, some popular therapies are remarkably helpful due to the placebo response, but "there's no such thing as alternative medicine. There's only medicine that works and medicine that doesn't."
Review Quotes
"Important and timely . . . Offit writes in a lucid and flowing style, and grounds a wealth of information within forceful and vivid narratives. This makes his argument - that we should be guided by science - accessible to a wide audience." -- New Republic
"Lively. . . . Informative and well-written, the book deserves a wide audience among the general public, scientists, and health care professionals." -- Science
"Convincing." -- Forbes
"This excellent, easy-to-read look at the alternative-medicine industry is highly recommended." -- Library Journal (starred review)
"Do You Believe in Magic? is a briskly written, entertaining, and well-researched examination of those whom Offit considers 'unclothed emperors' purveyors of miracle cancer cures, fountains of youth, and the theory that vaccines cause autism." -- Boston Globe
"Over the last decade [Offit] has become a leading debunker of mass misconceptions surrounding infections and vaccines, and now he is taking on the entire field of alternative medicine, from acupuncture to vitamins." -- New York Times
"A fascinating history of hucksters, and a critical chronology of how supplements escaped regulation. . . . A bravely unsentimental and dutifully researched guide for consumers to distinguish between quacks and a cure." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"A rousing good read, strong on human interest and filled with appalling and amazing data." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Dr. Offit reveals how alternative medicine--an unregulated industry under no legal obligation to prove its claims or admit its risks--can actually be harmful to our health.
Lovecraft. Despite its fictional origins, some people genuinely believe in its existence and power. They claim that the Necronomicon contains forbidden knowledge and spells that can unleash unimaginable horrors or grant immense power to those who dare to wield it. Another example is the Book of Shadows, a term popularized by modern witches and Wiccans. This book is said to be a personal journal of spells, rituals, and magical experiences recorded by practitioners. It is seen as a sacred and highly personal artifact that holds the key to their spiritual and magical practices. Skeptics argue that magic books are nothing more than works of fiction or products of imagination. They believe that any perceived effects or powers attributed to these books are the result of suggestion and the power of belief. They argue that if magic books were truly capable of granting supernatural abilities, we would have concrete evidence by now. However, believers argue that the power of magic books lies in their symbolism and ability to evoke a state of mind necessary for magical practice. They see these books as tools that can help focus their intentions and connect them to the spiritual energies surrounding them. In the end, whether one believes in the power of magic books is a matter of personal belief and experiences. For some, these books hold a deep and profound significance, guiding their spiritual and magical journeys. For others, they are nothing more than works of fiction or objects of curiosity. Regardless, the allure and fascination with magic books will continue to captivate the human imagination for years to come..
Reviews for "The Influence of Magic Books on Children's Imagination and Creativity"
1. Emily - 1 star - I found "Do You Believe in Magic" to be extremely disappointing. The book promised to explore the wonders of magic and its potential impact on our lives, but instead, it was filled with cheesy anecdotes and unsubstantiated claims. The author seemed more interested in promoting his own beliefs and agenda rather than providing a well-researched and informative read. Overall, the book lacked depth and failed to deliver on its promise.
2. David - 2 stars - While "Do You Believe in Magic" had an intriguing concept, I found the execution to be lacking. The author failed to present a balanced perspective on the topic of magic, instead focusing solely on anecdotal evidence and personal experiences. The book lacked scientific evidence and critical analysis, leaving me feeling unsatisfied and unconvinced. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a thoughtful exploration of the subject matter.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I was initially drawn to "Do You Believe in Magic" due to its captivating title, but unfortunately, the content did not live up to my expectations. The author seemed more interested in promoting pseudoscientific ideas rather than presenting a well-reasoned argument. The lack of credible sources and evidence left me skeptical and unconvinced. Overall, the book felt like a missed opportunity to explore the curious and fascinating world of magic in a meaningful way.
4. Robert - 1 star - As an avid reader with a strong interest in magic, I was extremely disappointed by "Do You Believe in Magic". The author's writing style was overly simplistic and lacked depth, making it hard for me to engage with the material. Additionally, the book relied heavily on subjective experiences rather than providing a well-rounded exploration of the topic. I expected more from this book and would not recommend it to others looking for a comprehensive examination of magic.
5. Michelle - 2 stars - "Do You Believe in Magic" fell short of my expectations. I was hoping for an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of magic and its impact on our lives. However, the book lacked depth and relied heavily on anecdotal evidence rather than providing solid research and analysis. Overall, I found it to be a shallow and superficial read that did not truly delve into the topic at hand.