The Anatomy of Deception

Reviews / Votes

Many of our contemporary public health problems stem from a lack of trust. But where did this lack of trust come from? In this engaging study, Sara Gorman attempts to trace the roots of this distrust to reveal its potential causes, consequences, and solutions. This is a well-written and engaging read for anyone interested in medical mistrust and public health. * Joseph Uscinski, University of Miami, co-author of American Conspiracy Theories (Oxford, 2014) * In The Anatomy of Deception, Sara Gorman unravels the complex interplay between medical mistrust, misinformation, and the fraying threads of our democratic society. Gorman's insightful analysis, enriched by compelling narratives and robust research, confronts the stark realities of healthcare disparities and their downstream impacts on trust in healthcare and public health. This book is an urgent call to action, revealing how we can repair our healthcare system and, in turn, restore trust in public health, our government, and our democracy. A crucial read for anyone invested in the future of public health and societal well-being. * Celine Gounder, Editor-at-Large for Public Health at KFF Health News and a member of the Biden-Harris Transition COVID Advisory Board * While the human capacity to prevent or cure dangerous illnesses has never been so sophisticated, public trust in the healthcare system has been declining for decades. How do medical mistrust and conspiracy theories originate, and what are the implications for democracy and public health? In this well researched book, Sara Gorman provides compelling answers to these important questions. * Jan-Willem van Prooijen, VU Amsterdam * Gorman's undeniable skill in truly listening with empathy results in a beautiful if brutal book on the lived experience of healthcare in America. For anyone interested in the rise of skepticism, distrust, and conspiracy in medicine and public health, this book is a must-read. * Claire Wardle, PhD, Brown University School of Public Health * Author Sara Gorman presents a powerful investigation into the roots of the trust crisis in the US, fueling a diaspora of dissenters migrating to alternative information. Her conclusion is that the biggest driver of distrust and dissent stems from a crisis in access to health. A timely and important read that begs an urgent response. * Professor Heidi Larson, Anthropologist and author of Stuck: How Vaccine Rumors Start--and Why They Don't Go Away * Equal parts tightly focused and wide ranging, tackling many related issues of our age with expert research and highly readable storytelling...Gorman not only helps readers understand the grave mistakes of the past; she also offers suggestions to find a path forward. A timely, significant examination of how Covid-19 affected many American systems, from health care to government. * Kirkus * The book is based on extensive research, including numerous interviews and focus groups, and judicious use of prior research. Gorman's nuanced approach draws attention to the importance of narratives, ambivalence, information environments, difficulties in accessing high-quality information, crises of despair, and the threat of entrenched mistrust to democracy. * M. D. Lagerwey, CHOICE *