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  • Published: 16 September 2025
  • ISBN: 9780241742846
  • Imprint: Viking Non Fiction
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 336
  • RRP: $49.99
Categories:

How Not to Die (Too Soon)

The Lies We’ve Been Sold and the Policies That Can Save Us





Your health isn’t just your problem, it’s everyone’s

Have you ever questioned why, despite the avalanche of self-help books and optimization hacks, we remain embroiled in multiple global health crises? Populations worldwide are gaining life-shortening excess weight (even in poorer countries), and water contamination is rampant (even in richer countries). In such dire circumstances, a gratitude journal won’t help.

The stark reality is that we’ve been sold a monumental lie. The obsession with individual health optimization has distracted us from the real game-changer: holding governments accountable for policies that can significantly extend our lifespans. How Not to Die (Too Soon) is a vital, transformative guide that shifts the focus from individual responsibility to societal accountability. It’s time to demand the changes that will save lives.

  • Published: 16 September 2025
  • ISBN: 9780241742846
  • Imprint: Viking Non Fiction
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 336
  • RRP: $49.99
Categories:

About the author

Devi Sridhar

Devi Sridhar is Professor and Chair of Global Public Health at the University of Edinburgh. She has served as a policy advisor for the WHO, UNICEF, UNESCO and the Scottish, UK and German governments. Devi writes for the Guardian and regularly appears on broadcast media. This is her first book for a general readership.

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Praise for How Not to Die (Too Soon)

‘One of the most brilliant scientists in the world’

Piers Morgan

‘One of the most important voices of reason of the COVID era’

Owen Jones

In her thoughtful, incisive new book, Devi Sridhar delves into the potent forces shaping human health that often lie beyond the control of individuals. Writing with verve and clarity, she draws from scientific research as well as her own sound expertise to craft a compelling case for the policy changes that may help to prevent disease and untimely death

Shilpa Ravella, author of A Silent Fire

How Not To Die (Too Soon) is a fascinating, challenging and thought provoking read. It completely changes the perspective on human health and who bears responsibility for protecting it. In an age when talk of the next pandemic seems ever-present, it also couldn’t be more timely

Nicola Sturgeon

Dr. Sridhar writes a deeply accessible and actionable book about how to make ourselves, our communities and our futures healthier…I can’t recommend it highly enough

Chelsea Clinton

This is the standout book on how to live longer

Chris van Tulluken, author of Ultra-Processed People

An inspiring call to action for those seeking to build a more just and healthy society for all

Grace Blakeley, author of Vulture Capitalism

Drop everything and read this book

George Monbiot, author of Regenesis

‘One of the most brilliant scientists in the world’

Piers Morgan

‘One of the most important voices of reason of the COVID era’

Owen Jones
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