This book does a good job of explaining what healthcare systems around the world are like to live with on a day to day basis. But there is a basic misunderstanding of the need to appreciate these systems in the context of the countries in which they exist. also, every system he looks at is only passingly mentioned to be insolvent at the end of their respective chapters. finally, the later chapters of the book are normative - which I would have logically thought should go first - and rely solely on the argument that since other foreign countries have concluded there is a moral obligation to provide healthcare that the US should do the same. no further explanation is really provided. clearly a book about healthcare by someone who is neither an expert on healthcare nor concerned with explaining his arguments (i.e. a typical "reporter"). I'm delayed in reading this book but it was still very informative.I'm always hesitant to read books like this because I always think they're going to be a sensationalized production like Michael Moore's Sicko movie. While the author does make similar points I think he tries to do so from a less biased view point. I liked that he explained the differences found in each countries health system and didn't only highlight the good but also the negative aspects of each. I think its easy to believe that every other developed country's health system is way better than the U.S. (mostly true in my opinion) but if there's one thing I've learned from this book it's that every country has its flaws in providing health care and no one system is 100% perfect.With that being said I do agree that our U.S. health care system is greatly flawed in many aspects when it comes to cost, coverage and quality. But as the author points out, there's a lot to be learned from studying what works and doesn't work in other countries in order develop a system that's more cost efficient and ethical in providing health care for everyone. (Notes)3 building blocks found in every other developed country: -A unified system-Nonprofit financing-Universal coverageThis book was written 2009 so now that its 2014 I suppose some effort has been made with the Affordable Care Act to improve our current health care system but there's still a long way to go.
About 8 or 9 common sense reasons (by country)why we needs a preventative health care system.
—bluethetenth
Really edifying book in general, but seems a bit one-sided even to a liberal like myself.
—curiousnomad
Fascinating. Every American should read this book.
—VampLovingLyci
a must read for every American.
—Rere123w
