Know nothing about this book but if some people have resorted to criticising the authors writing style then that speaks volumes. Bit like complaining about an Aston Martin because of its color.

Have to disagree with that last comment (so far - only half way through). Granted, there is nothing in here that will shock anyone in industry simply because we knew about it beforehand but it seems written in a style to shock the public, a public that has been shamefully manipulated, betrayed and exploited by the industry for the past 20 years. And as for reaching their own conclusions, give me a break; In a country where nightly fatuous TV adverts for drugs are designed to manipulate patients to pressurize Doctors to prescribe (often inapropriately) then sources of truth and reality are a welcome counter so the conclusions are obvious and will be reached and shared by anyone with half a brain. As another poster commented, there is nothing in the book which is untrue. So far it has proven itself a well researched and accurate reflection of the pharmaceutical industry, sadly supported by my own experience at Wyeth/Pfizer. The industry would do well to address the various issues Goldacre highlighs and put less effort into elementary school level bad-mouthing. After all, this is what many of those complaining via biofind since the beginning of time have wanted. I wouldnt necessarily recommend the book to those still in the industry but I would suggest that its read by undergraduates, pharmacists, family physicians and, most importantly, the public.

It's an awful read, written in an appalling 'bet you're horrified, aren't you' style. Leads the reader to conclusions rather than giving them the facts and dignity to make up their own minds.
£5.99 I'll never get back.

Never heard of this book but our own dept head said yesterday that she, and I quote, "will not look kindly on anyone reading or discussing it." I've obviously missed out on something juicy so off to get my kindle. So congratulations on the bullying tactics, all you have done is bring the book to peoples attention. Confirmation, if any were required, that you have to be a simple minded corporate windbag to get to department head.

The chapter on entrenched Brits with no qualifications or achievements, yet in positions of power is incisive. Maybe this book will finally change the musty class system that is Pfizer.

Pfizer isn't the worst of them. Some will go farther than simply threatening to withold severance. Some will threaten violence and do whatever it takes to destroy you. I've been there.

I also finished it. Thought it was superb. Old news to us but we are not the target audience. I would imagine most pharma and biotech have already primed their HR trolls and cheerleaders to get out there and muddy the waters. So prepare for it and Goldacre to be bad mouthed by all the usual suspects. And if he earns money from it, so what. At least he had what it takes to stand up to them and publish. Certainly beats anonymous criticism on biofind. There is not one lie or misrepresentation in that book which is more than can be said about pharma publications. I can understand why Pfizer was so pissed off.

I finished the book last week. Its overhyped rubbish, but will certainly make a lot of money for Dottore Goldacre.