An interesting book. The writing is somewhat simplistic in style, but the information is clear and easy to follow. I don't always agree with the author (her view that the NHS needs more money is debatable) but it was interesting to compare different approaches to healthcare across the world.

Sridhar’s advice and compilation of best public/collective health advice is an excellent book for those who have not widely read about health, the credible, repeated studies on longevity and what makes for better health.
It is easy to follow and well structured.
The tone was a little off for my tastes.
I have widely read about the topics above, but still benefited from reading this book.

How Not To Die ( too soon ) by Devi Sridhar

This is a very interesting book , it talks of health for the nation's of the world and gives further info on World health.
I'm of an age now where I'm reaping what I've sowed with regard to my own health and it was interesting to see that as a global situation as well .
Worth a read .

How Not to Die (Too Soon) is packed with information on public health issues. I'm not sure it flows very well as a book. It has a jumpy, digressive style (it feels more like a lot of newspaper columns stitched together, or a ghost-written book based on taped interviews). However as a work of reference, or a book to dip into, it will be very useful.

I'm just a general reader who takes an interest in public health and popular science and a lot of the material was familiar to me. But if you're coming to this subject for the first time, it provides a good overview, and if you already have some knowledge of the ideas, it will give you the evidence to back them up.

How Not to Die (Too Soon) by Devi Sridhar is a fascinating and thought-provoking book that completely changes the perspective on human health and who is responsible for protecting it. At a time when discussions about the next pandemic feel ever-present, its message could not be more timely.

Rather than focusing on individual health optimisation, the book highlights the wider issue of global public health and the role of governments in shaping policies that can extend lifespans. It challenges the obsession with personal well-being, arguing that real change comes from holding those in power accountable.

This is a compelling and, at times, unsettling read that serves as both a call to action and an insight into how different countries approach public health. While it offers hope by showcasing what can be learned from nations that do things better, it is also a reminder that there is still much work to be done.

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I liked the way that this was structured, and the focus on collective and social environments, rather than the person. I also loved the discussion about bringing lay therapy into the general community so that mental health is less medicalised and less in hospitals and GP surgeries.

In this book Devi Sridhar provides an easy to read portrayal of global public health in the 21st century. It is readable, compelling and, in some cases, such as the chapter on gun control, really shocking, though I don’t expect the USA to take a blind bit of notice as they take pride in taking the number 1 spot in everything! The main criticism I have is in the way the book presents statistics. In some chapters one country’s stats might be presented in absolute figures, another country in percentages and another on a per capita basis, making comparisons either difficult to work out or impossible.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

This book focuses on how to live longer, “We tend to take our health for granted until faced with death” says the book’s author. Governments bear some accountability for policies that can significantly expand our lifespan. This vital transformational guide is a treasure chest of empirical evidence, fascinating challenge and thought provocation. A timely diamond, How Not to Die (Too Soon) weaves public health, personal stories and individual health to societal accountability. Devi Sridhar shifts the dial ànd our minds in a life changing direction that will shape the future for good. He zooms in on the lies we’ve been sold ànd the policies that could save us. “I am living longer because of political choices more than half a century ago, Life expectancy is tightly linked to where you live and the political choices made by your government “ says Devi

This is a great book. Focusing on collective health rather than what you can do as an individual to live longer. It’s a call to arms in some ways and also a scary insight into global public health. The message is of hope - some countries do things better than others and we should learn from each other. It’s also a reminder how lucky I am in many ways, but things could definitely be better. Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for the ARC.