This interesting scholarly science book was written by an unusual man with an unusual background. Of Israeli/American/Canadian origin, he has been a lifelong magician but is also a PhD psychologist currently working on the neuroscience of hypnosis and deception, including the placebo effect at McGill.
The interaction of suggestion and real physiology is extensively documented with numerous experiments. These include treating effectively the effects of pollens on allergy sufferers, the gastrointestinal upset of lactose intolerance, the intractability of seizure sufferers, the and the phenomenon of mass hysteria. Even false pregnancy is associated with real observable physiological effects such as breast enlargement, amenorrhea, and pigmentary changes. The variable susceptibility to conspiracy theories and fake news is extensively documented. The striking placebo effect is noted in many domains, most notably in the treatment of depression. Standard antidepressant therapy is belittled to some extent. No one is immune to suggestions, but some are more susceptible than others.
This book is well-written and totally engaging. It should not be hard to follow even for non scientists. My only criticism is that there is just a whiff of smug self-congratulation as he emphasizes the powerful potential of suggestion and cites work from his lab extensively.
4/5
Thanks, Bob McDonald of Quirks and Quarks.
The Passionate Reader 