The first thing I noticed about the “Prostate Cancer” textbook was its light weight and small size, which make it handy for carrying around to tutorials. The text was more substantial than I was expecting for a series entitled “Fast Facts”, however each section had an excellent dot point summary at the end, which is excellent for quick reference. Diagrams were clear and informative, as well as plentiful, which I found especially useful.

“Prostate Cancer” had more than adequate information for a medical student, however it was clear and pitched at a level that was easy to understand. A feature I particularly enjoyed was the “Useful Resources” page at the end of the text, which provided websites and contacts for urological societies and cancer groups. Unfortunately it contained only UK and USA contacts, although the websites listed were still helpful and a useful addition to the book’s contents.

Overall, I found reading this “Fast Facts” title enjoyable and informative, however I do not think I would be rushing out to buy more titles, due to expense ($25 per title) and the fact that much of the content will date quickly. A possible alternative is to buy the 32 book set available from the website (which reduces cost to $10 per title), although there is no choice in the books which can be ordered in this format.

Review written by Amy C McTaggart, University of Sydney

In today’s diverse and multicultural society, religion can be a key consideration in the holistic management of any patient who identifies with either a religious or spiritual set of beliefs. Fast facts: Religion and Medicine is a good quick-reference book summarises key aspects that can influence the health care of patients who belong to the world’s major religions. It includes chapters on all major religions; and addresses significant points of many other religions and general health issues and cultural practices which may be pertinent to the provision of health care to a patient.

Fast Facts: Religion and Medicine describes, in neutral and respectful language, an overview of the foundation of each religion; and goes on to address significant features and practices of the religion such as worship, prominent celebrations, food and drink, family, dress, and sexuality. It also addresses topics such as contraception and reproduction, death, and general health issues that are significant to those who follow that particular religion.

I found Fast facts: Religion and Medicine to be a simple introductory text which highlighted to me how important it is, as a medical professional, to always be mindful about the beliefs of others and how it may influence their lives in ways that we may not otherwise have considered; and in not considering may subsequently adversely impact their health care. Any book which summarises some of these fundamental principles by which our patients may live their lives, and informs us to provide better and more effective health care, is definitely worth a read.

Review written by Stefanie Tran from Griffith University

Written in detailed but nontechnical jargon, Fast Facts: Bipolar Disorder is a marvellously thin handbook that manages to be easy to read whilst covering all the basics – and then some. It is well-divided into clear learning areas: aetiology, epidemiology, short-term treatments, and long-term treatments. The authors have made an impressive effort to gather all available evidence and present it in a way that is not frightening, falsely cheery, or professionally overbearing. Practical yet compassionate, they have included an interesting section on patient perspectives which lists well-known artists who were affected by bipolar affective disorder.

I found that the text caters for both busy healthcare professionals and students: it addresses questions in clinical practice as well as consolidates the sketchy lectures we vaguely remember receiving on bipolar disorder. Visual learners will rejoice at the “key points” summary boxes and colourful diagrams. From a student perspective, its simple and easily memorised table on pharmacotherapy will shave hours off preparing for clinical and written exams!

A few suggestions from a medical student point of view would be to include cases and questions to challenge the mind clinically. Patient stories in the perspective section would also add a personal touch to bring home the day-to-day relevance of what one is learning.

In summation, an enjoyable overview that can be quickly referred to in order to bring a reader up to speed on the latest in bipolar affective disorder.

Review written by Rachel Goh, University of Melbourne