Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Germophobia

This little book accomplishes what every Uncle John's Bathroom Reader book sets out to do: gives you a little bit of reading entertainment while you are in the "reading room." The topic of Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Germophobia is especially appropriate, as you read about the number of germs found on your toothbrush (a lot) or the "world's worst diarrhea" (with detailed descriptions).

You won't likely find this Reader in the waiting room (or bathroom) of your doctor's office.  Doctors won't want you to read the stories incompetent doctors and dentists, their unethical practices, and unsanitary conditions of their offices.  I do wish they had provided some references.  Some of what they write is self-evidently true (there are lots of germs everywhere) but every now and then I had to wonder.  For example, I know some patients get sicker from infections they get at the hospital, but, according to the reader, "Over 1.7 million Americans are admitted to hospitals every year.  Around 100,000 of them die as a result of infections acquired during their stay." OK, quick math: that would mean about 5% of everyone admitted to the hospital die.  Those are pretty bad odds, and I suspect might be a bit high.  But what do I know?

These short chapters are guaranteed to make you laugh, get grossed out, or, as in the above example, stay away from doctors and hospitals.  But you will also find some good, practical advice here, such as, "If your face explodes in bloody open sores, see your doctor." Noted.





Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!