ellzi's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
A really sensitive and in depth exploration of a complex and infuriating history. As a person with chronic pain who’s lost friends to opioids, I thought the framing and point of view was spot on - careful and empathetic without losing any bite
eelizard's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Pandemic/Epidemic, Addiction, Chronic illness, Colonisation, Classism, Death, Drug abuse, and Medical content
nulsnulsnuls's review against another edition
5.0
I have never been more angry than when reading this story.
ala2134's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Wow!!! I love this style of nonfiction where the author draws you in by bringing history to life. It definitely read more like a thriller as it chronicled the life of the Sackler family, which reminded me a lot of Devil in the White City. It should come as no surprise to anyone who has followed the news in recent years that these people are heartless and will do anything to preserve their wealth. This book was so enlightening though about how this attitude was emboldened over generations. I’m sure few people knew that this was the same family who brought Valium to the masses. The amount of collusion amongst the family, their company, and government agencies is astounding. It was insane that they were able to create a medical journal, ad agency, and drug company all to market their drugs, passing them off as independent. This was simply amazing reporting and is a worthwhile read to understand the psyche behind the family who contributed (harmful) volumes to drug marketing and the opioid crisis.
popcornreading's review against another edition
challenging
informative
sad
medium-paced
4.75
Would have been perfect were the random fatphobic language not included
kcronin's review against another edition
5.0
I found this book incredibly interesting. The author provides a thorough history of the Sackler family and their involvement in the opioid epidemic. I was repeatedly astounded by this story and how Keefe compiled such a comprehensive exposé. The author also peppered in other historical facts to provide context to the story, which I found educational and beneficial. I would recommend this to anyone interested in medicine, public health, pharmaceutical industry, etc. It is also just a great non-fiction read!