I was hoping for something along the lines of "On Bullshit." Instead, this book is a poorly researched, Leftist rant. Despite being liberal, I found this book very tedious. The quality and style is akin to most university newspapers. It is written in a "folksy" style, which in itself was very annoying. A PhD writing at a Grade 3 level is as inauthentic as the bullshit she skewers. She extols the virtues of marijauna, within several pages of criticizing the use of anti-depressants and anti-arthritic drugs. Apparently, big pharma is much more evil than organized crime, and allowing elderly and depressed people to function is less worthwhile than stewing her own brain needlessly. Another example of someone not smelling their own stink. A waste of money. I agree with a former reviewer -- if you like this stuff, read either Klein or Moore. The former is a serious researcher; the latter is at least entertaining.

I picked up this book with great anticipation, but was slightly let down by its reiteration of ready-known facts. Like most authors from the left, Penny takes aim at the usual suspects, namely big business and - of course - the Bush administration. Though the book is very well written and thick with wit and sarcasm (sometimes TOO much sarcasm), it preaches to the choir much like other books of its nature (in fairness, Penny concedes as much). What I found especially eye-rolling is that in her attempt to expose the right for its exaggerated and deceptive (re: bulls**t) wordsmithing, she anchors her arguments by cherry picking facts and examples that are equally exaggerated. Overall, an enjoyable read, but if you've read these kinds of books before, don't expect to learn a great deal you didn't already know.

I had gone to Chapters with the intention of picking up On Bullshit by Harry Frankfurt. The Chapters outlet I went to was out of stock so a member of the staff recomended Laura Penny's book. I returned the book to Chapters before completing the first chapter. It seems to me the primary objective of the Author was to impress readers with her vocabulary instead of making a statement on bullshit.

quite impressive. As a former student of Laura's, I expected this to be humour loaded with (frighteningly) insightful philosophical insights.... and it is. Unlike many authors, she doesn't just have wit and humour, she has nearly completed her PhD, and knows her stuff. Truly. Enjoy.