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All About Allergies: Everything You Need to Know About Asthma, Food Allergies, Hay Fever, and More
From viral social media sensation Dr. Zachary Rubin, an in-depth look at both common and surprising allergies, spotlighting patient stories, the history and science behind allergies, common myths, treatment options, and more.
Millions of people suffer from various allergic diseases. They’re some of the most common but widely misunderstood afflictions today, and Dr. Rubin has made it his mission to pull back the curtain and help everyday people understand their allergies and find ways to feel better.
In All About Allergies, Dr. Rubin explores and explains dozens of allergies and diseases and provides actionable treatment options and information. Sections on the history of allergies, asthma, contact dermatitis, sinusitis, food allergies, anaphylaxis, medication allergies, and more pair with treatment info on medications, immunotherapy, and biologics to equip people with the tools they need to tackle their allergies.
Grounded by expert research and propelled by patient stories, science, history, and, of course, Dr. Rubin’s engaging voice, All About Allergies is the ultimate resource for anyone who’s ever felt in the dark about their health.
Millions of people suffer from various allergic diseases. They’re some of the most common but widely misunderstood afflictions today, and Dr. Rubin has made it his mission to pull back the curtain and help everyday people understand their allergies and find ways to feel better.
In All About Allergies, Dr. Rubin explores and explains dozens of allergies and diseases and provides actionable treatment options and information. Sections on the history of allergies, asthma, contact dermatitis, sinusitis, food allergies, anaphylaxis, medication allergies, and more pair with treatment info on medications, immunotherapy, and biologics to equip people with the tools they need to tackle their allergies.
Grounded by expert research and propelled by patient stories, science, history, and, of course, Dr. Rubin’s engaging voice, All About Allergies is the ultimate resource for anyone who’s ever felt in the dark about their health.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published February 24, 2026
About the author
Zachary Rubin
2 books90 followersDr. Zachary Rubin is a double board-certified pediatrician and allergist/immunologist who practices at Oak Brook Allergists in the Chicago area. A nationally recognized medical educator and public health advocate, he shares evidence-based, accessible information on allergies, asthma, and public health with over 3 million followers under the handle @rubin_allergy. Dr. Rubin earned his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University, completed his pediatrics residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago, and his allergy/immunology fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis. Outside of medicine, he enjoys swimming, hiking, hula hooping, and spending time with his wife, daughter, and three German Shepherds. All About Allergies is his first book, offering a clear, compassionate guide to managing allergic diseases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
November 7, 2025
I absolutely loved, loved, loved Dr. Rubin’s book, All About Allergies!!!! For full transparency, I am Dr. Rubin’s mother. But, I am not at all biased, maybe just a little, lol!!! In all seriousness, when our children were growing up, there were a lot of medical and scientific discussions around our dinner table. I was the parent who would just smile and nod, pretending to understand what they were talking about, or I would put my fingers in my ear and hum, so I would not get faint.
When I first approached my son’s book, I had flashbacks of those dinner table discussions. I quickly realized, that I was totally drawn in and fascinated with every passing page. All About Allergies, is beautifully written and geared to both health professionals and people like me, the layperson, who does not have medical expertise. The book incorporates medical history, detailed, but understandable explanations of various problems, and fascinating anecdotes to give a clearer picture of the issues being addressed.
Yes, I am Dr. Rubin’s mother, but I highly recommend his book, All About Allergies, for anyone whose lives have been touched by allergies or for someone who just wants to understand and learn more. I am so incredibly proud he wrote this wonderful book, and I know you will find it extremely helpful!!
When I first approached my son’s book, I had flashbacks of those dinner table discussions. I quickly realized, that I was totally drawn in and fascinated with every passing page. All About Allergies, is beautifully written and geared to both health professionals and people like me, the layperson, who does not have medical expertise. The book incorporates medical history, detailed, but understandable explanations of various problems, and fascinating anecdotes to give a clearer picture of the issues being addressed.
Yes, I am Dr. Rubin’s mother, but I highly recommend his book, All About Allergies, for anyone whose lives have been touched by allergies or for someone who just wants to understand and learn more. I am so incredibly proud he wrote this wonderful book, and I know you will find it extremely helpful!!
September 22, 2025
All About Allergies is a comprehensive book written by Zachary Rubin, a physician specializing in allergy and immunology. He covers such topics as the basic anatomy of allergies, in-depth explanations of allergic diseases, and the treatment options for these diseases. His writing style is very approachable for the layman trying to learn about these conditions. This book would be valuable for someone wanting to gain a greater understanding of these issues.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.
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March 4, 2026We love Dr Rubin
July 24, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton/Plume publishers for the ARC copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. The thoughts and opinions are all my own.
All About Allergies is Dr. Zachary Rubin’s first book, it offers a clear, compassionate guide to managing allergic diseases.
Part one was a real eye-opener for me, offering a comprehensive overview of "The History of Allergies", "The Immune System", "The Anatomy of Allergies", and "What to Expect at the Allergist’s Office". As someone who has battled allergies their entire life, this section provided me with insight of my body and the root causes of various allergies. Dr. Rubin’s ability to simplify technical medical terms was truly helpful.
Part two was also extremely helpful. In “Allergic Rhinitis and Non-Allergic Rhinitis” I have discovered many facts that revealed my misunderstandings and will help me in the future.
I like the way this book is broken down into parts and chapters so that you can read what pertains to you personally. Although I read each chapter because it was very interesting to me!
Dr. Rubin covers Rhinitis, Sinusitis, Food Allergies, Eczema, Dermatitis, Hives, Angioedema, Asthma, Anaphylaxis, Medications, Insect Stings, Vaccine Allergies and Mast Cell Disorders in great depth although it is not meant to be a medical diagnosis or medical treatment guide!
I am so thankful that I chose to read Dr. Rubin’s book. I feel as though I have been to school as i know so much more now than I did before reading it. I would recommend reading this book if you have unanswered questions pertaining to your health or if you just want to understand your body more.
All About Allergies is Dr. Zachary Rubin’s first book, it offers a clear, compassionate guide to managing allergic diseases.
Part one was a real eye-opener for me, offering a comprehensive overview of "The History of Allergies", "The Immune System", "The Anatomy of Allergies", and "What to Expect at the Allergist’s Office". As someone who has battled allergies their entire life, this section provided me with insight of my body and the root causes of various allergies. Dr. Rubin’s ability to simplify technical medical terms was truly helpful.
Part two was also extremely helpful. In “Allergic Rhinitis and Non-Allergic Rhinitis” I have discovered many facts that revealed my misunderstandings and will help me in the future.
I like the way this book is broken down into parts and chapters so that you can read what pertains to you personally. Although I read each chapter because it was very interesting to me!
Dr. Rubin covers Rhinitis, Sinusitis, Food Allergies, Eczema, Dermatitis, Hives, Angioedema, Asthma, Anaphylaxis, Medications, Insect Stings, Vaccine Allergies and Mast Cell Disorders in great depth although it is not meant to be a medical diagnosis or medical treatment guide!
I am so thankful that I chose to read Dr. Rubin’s book. I feel as though I have been to school as i know so much more now than I did before reading it. I would recommend reading this book if you have unanswered questions pertaining to your health or if you just want to understand your body more.
October 22, 2025
This author has some very impressive credentials. I think that you would have to really be interested in this subject to be able to read this book without losing focus. That said it is a very informative book, and it covers so much. It delves into the history of allergies as well as lots of information about the immune system. From there it goes into all types of allergies, allergy testing, what to expect from the doctor, both prescription and over the counter medications, as well as other options. Absolutely loaded with information. I did get a little bleary-eyed reading this and may have skimmed through several parts.
Thanks to Dutton Books for the Uncorrected Proof to read and review.
Thanks to Dutton Books for the Uncorrected Proof to read and review.
February 20, 2026
You can tell this was written by a science communicator because it is very approachable while still being informative. As a lifelong sufferer of allergies, I really believe the author achieved his stated purpose with this book, which was to inform while helping people feel like they weren’t alone. Allergies and the immune system can feel so mysterious that trying to figure out what your particular problems are can feel so isolating and impossible. (Speaking from experience.)
Also, the acknowledgments were touching!
Also, the acknowledgments were touching!
March 11, 2026
1★: AUTHOR HAS ONLY BEEN BOARD-CERTIFIED IN ALLERGIES FOR SIX YEARS, BUT HIS SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWING QUALIFIED HIM TO WRITE THIS. 🚩🚩🚩 This was my first book devoted specifically to allergies after reading hundreds of other nonfiction titles, and unfortunately it left me more skeptical than informed.
For context, the author has only been board-certified in allergy and immunology for about six years. That alone wouldn’t concern me, but throughout the book he repeatedly references his social media presence and many of the stories come from online followers rather than clinical experience. That made it difficult for me to fully trust the authority of what I was hearing.
🚫👂🏻 The audiobook presentation didn’t help. The author frequently includes the birth and death dates of nearly every doctor or researcher he mentions. That may work in print, but in audio it becomes distracting and adds little to the explanation.
🥱 The early chapters are also surprisingly technical. The author claims to be skilled at communicating medical information to the public, yet those sections are dense with jargon and explanations that didn’t clearly support the later chapters.
Some examples throughout the book also felt oddly framed. The author asks readers to imagine how difficult it would be to have food allergies and need to read every food label carefully—but realistically everyone should be reading labels. In another section he describes a patient who didn’t have allergies running in the family, even though the book hadn’t previously established whether allergies tend to run in families at all.
There were a few useful tidbits scattered throughout. For example, I hadn’t previously considered that phrases like “may contain” or “manufactured in a facility with” are not strictly regulated food label warnings.
But many examples were presented in ways that felt sensational or speculative. At one point the author writes:
🤷🏻♂️ "I don't know how common this is, but it forever changed how I practice medicine."
Statements like that make it hard to judge how representative the example actually is.
The eczema chapter raised larger concerns. At 41% into the audiobook I stopped and replayed a passage because I couldn’t believe how it was framed. The author writes:
"Eczema may increase the risk of other problems developing. There is a growing body of evidence that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, and learning disability are more common in children and adults who live with eczema compared to other people. This may stem from the debilitating itch that people with eczema experience which can cause significant sleep loss. Let us think about Eric again for a moment. His parents found his sheets spotted with blood and dried skin. He was scratching himself regularly at night and not sleeping as much, which led to poor attention during the day."
That wording blurs the line between correlation and causation. A more careful phrasing would be something like:
“There is a growing body of evidence that ADHD, depression, anxiety, and some learning problems occur more frequently in children and adults with eczema than in those without it, although the relationship is associational and the causes are not fully understood.”
Later in the same section he writes:
"I'm not sure how common this condition is, but every time I post about dyshidrotic eczema, it tends to reach millions of people and I receive thousands of comments from people who believe they have experienced this rash."
That line captures the central issue with the book: social media engagement is repeatedly presented in place of epidemiological context.
⚠️ The reliance on online anecdotes becomes even clearer in Chapter 14 (“Mast Cell Disorders”), where the author tells a detailed story about interviewing one of his social media followers who was not his patient. He warns readers not to compare themselves to her case—but that is exactly what happens when books rely heavily on dramatic personal stories.
At one point he writes:
"I have spent a lot of time educating people about their health on social media. There is a lot of misinformation about vaccines on the internet that can sound confusing or even scary. However, do not let that be a substitute for information that comes from your doctor, who knows you well."
That advice is reasonable, but it also highlights the irony that much of the material in the book originates from the same internet ecosystem.
👎🏻 The endorsements didn’t inspire confidence either: one from a romance novelist who says nothing specific about allergies, another from a celebrity associated with an HBO show that ended more than 16 years ago, and one from physician Mary Claire Haver who publishes under the same corporate parent (Penguin) through a sibling imprint. Of course blurbs often rely on name recognition, but these felt more like marketing than medical credibility.
My first primary care provider as an adult was actually an allergy specialist. I have indoor aeroallergens and at least one food intolerance, so I approached this book hoping to deepen my understanding. Prior to this, I had read 589 nonfiction books, but this was my first devoted to allergies.
While I picked up a few small details—such as sensitivities to chemicals used in things like 3D printing, or explanations of nasal polyps—I ultimately walked away with a trust problem. The book reads less like a careful medical guide and more like a long-form social media feed: dramatic anecdotes, follower stories, and attention-grabbing cases that may or may not represent the norm.
That approach might generate engagement online, but it’s not what I want from a book that’s supposed to teach readers about their health. 🙅🏻♀️
Published two weeks ago on 2/24/26, this book currently has a 4.56-star average by 108 GR peeps. Of those 108, 65 gave five stars, 39 four stars, and 4 three stars. Nobody yet has given 2 stars, and I'm the first to give 1 star. I suspect prepub/ARC ratings inflation, biased family members, and other shenanigans.
For context, the author has only been board-certified in allergy and immunology for about six years. That alone wouldn’t concern me, but throughout the book he repeatedly references his social media presence and many of the stories come from online followers rather than clinical experience. That made it difficult for me to fully trust the authority of what I was hearing.
🚫👂🏻 The audiobook presentation didn’t help. The author frequently includes the birth and death dates of nearly every doctor or researcher he mentions. That may work in print, but in audio it becomes distracting and adds little to the explanation.
🥱 The early chapters are also surprisingly technical. The author claims to be skilled at communicating medical information to the public, yet those sections are dense with jargon and explanations that didn’t clearly support the later chapters.
Some examples throughout the book also felt oddly framed. The author asks readers to imagine how difficult it would be to have food allergies and need to read every food label carefully—but realistically everyone should be reading labels. In another section he describes a patient who didn’t have allergies running in the family, even though the book hadn’t previously established whether allergies tend to run in families at all.
There were a few useful tidbits scattered throughout. For example, I hadn’t previously considered that phrases like “may contain” or “manufactured in a facility with” are not strictly regulated food label warnings.
But many examples were presented in ways that felt sensational or speculative. At one point the author writes:
🤷🏻♂️ "I don't know how common this is, but it forever changed how I practice medicine."
Statements like that make it hard to judge how representative the example actually is.
The eczema chapter raised larger concerns. At 41% into the audiobook I stopped and replayed a passage because I couldn’t believe how it was framed. The author writes:
"Eczema may increase the risk of other problems developing. There is a growing body of evidence that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, and learning disability are more common in children and adults who live with eczema compared to other people. This may stem from the debilitating itch that people with eczema experience which can cause significant sleep loss. Let us think about Eric again for a moment. His parents found his sheets spotted with blood and dried skin. He was scratching himself regularly at night and not sleeping as much, which led to poor attention during the day."
That wording blurs the line between correlation and causation. A more careful phrasing would be something like:
“There is a growing body of evidence that ADHD, depression, anxiety, and some learning problems occur more frequently in children and adults with eczema than in those without it, although the relationship is associational and the causes are not fully understood.”
Later in the same section he writes:
"I'm not sure how common this condition is, but every time I post about dyshidrotic eczema, it tends to reach millions of people and I receive thousands of comments from people who believe they have experienced this rash."
That line captures the central issue with the book: social media engagement is repeatedly presented in place of epidemiological context.
⚠️ The reliance on online anecdotes becomes even clearer in Chapter 14 (“Mast Cell Disorders”), where the author tells a detailed story about interviewing one of his social media followers who was not his patient. He warns readers not to compare themselves to her case—but that is exactly what happens when books rely heavily on dramatic personal stories.
At one point he writes:
"I have spent a lot of time educating people about their health on social media. There is a lot of misinformation about vaccines on the internet that can sound confusing or even scary. However, do not let that be a substitute for information that comes from your doctor, who knows you well."
That advice is reasonable, but it also highlights the irony that much of the material in the book originates from the same internet ecosystem.
👎🏻 The endorsements didn’t inspire confidence either: one from a romance novelist who says nothing specific about allergies, another from a celebrity associated with an HBO show that ended more than 16 years ago, and one from physician Mary Claire Haver who publishes under the same corporate parent (Penguin) through a sibling imprint. Of course blurbs often rely on name recognition, but these felt more like marketing than medical credibility.
My first primary care provider as an adult was actually an allergy specialist. I have indoor aeroallergens and at least one food intolerance, so I approached this book hoping to deepen my understanding. Prior to this, I had read 589 nonfiction books, but this was my first devoted to allergies.
While I picked up a few small details—such as sensitivities to chemicals used in things like 3D printing, or explanations of nasal polyps—I ultimately walked away with a trust problem. The book reads less like a careful medical guide and more like a long-form social media feed: dramatic anecdotes, follower stories, and attention-grabbing cases that may or may not represent the norm.
That approach might generate engagement online, but it’s not what I want from a book that’s supposed to teach readers about their health. 🙅🏻♀️
Published two weeks ago on 2/24/26, this book currently has a 4.56-star average by 108 GR peeps. Of those 108, 65 gave five stars, 39 four stars, and 4 three stars. Nobody yet has given 2 stars, and I'm the first to give 1 star. I suspect prepub/ARC ratings inflation, biased family members, and other shenanigans.
March 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Dutton/Plume for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2025
Seeking the science to further expand your knowledge of allergies before you worry yourself that you are suddenly allergic to everything? This is your first stop while you wait for your allergy specialist appointment. This is an illumination conversation between Rubin and readers to understand the depth of allergies. There are various factors that explain the onset of allergies, potential triggers, causes, and potential medications. The process of allergies and the type of information an allergy specialist will use to access your conditions is explained chapter by chapter. An informative read for a generation that wants the context to understanding their immune system.
Learn the history of allergies, allergy medical research, immunology and how we go to the current state of allergy medications that are commonly used today. Rubin provides each chapter ending with key points to take away from the chapter. Sometimes it helps to break up dense information to really absorb everything as the reader. This is a helpful reference guide to help you understand the journey you may embark on with your allergy specialist. Or maybe you are just a nerd like me curious to learn more about the medical scope of understanding about allergies.
As a cat owner with cat allergies, it was interesting to learn more about the intricacies of cat dander and how our body reacts to it. It also ensured that my consistency in keeping the cat fur count low in my house helps to an extent to have less reactions to pets. That does not mean the allergy is eliminated but in this book you learn the intricacies of why certain allergies are likely to linger over others. There are certain proteins and responses your body is going to react to more than others. The in-depth analysis of the medical knowledge here is helpful to further explore that.
A further investigation of the way our bodies react to the environment, food, and pets around us. Remember this is not a replacement for medical advice but a groundwork to help you understand the various relationships our bodies have with allergies and medicine response. Rubin will walk you through all the aspects about the allergy process and medical science. The first few chapters are loaded with medical terminology and information that really helps to address the information further along in the book. Thank you Netgalley and Plume for this advanced digital copy.
Read more reviews and recommendations on https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com/
Learn the history of allergies, allergy medical research, immunology and how we go to the current state of allergy medications that are commonly used today. Rubin provides each chapter ending with key points to take away from the chapter. Sometimes it helps to break up dense information to really absorb everything as the reader. This is a helpful reference guide to help you understand the journey you may embark on with your allergy specialist. Or maybe you are just a nerd like me curious to learn more about the medical scope of understanding about allergies.
As a cat owner with cat allergies, it was interesting to learn more about the intricacies of cat dander and how our body reacts to it. It also ensured that my consistency in keeping the cat fur count low in my house helps to an extent to have less reactions to pets. That does not mean the allergy is eliminated but in this book you learn the intricacies of why certain allergies are likely to linger over others. There are certain proteins and responses your body is going to react to more than others. The in-depth analysis of the medical knowledge here is helpful to further explore that.
A further investigation of the way our bodies react to the environment, food, and pets around us. Remember this is not a replacement for medical advice but a groundwork to help you understand the various relationships our bodies have with allergies and medicine response. Rubin will walk you through all the aspects about the allergy process and medical science. The first few chapters are loaded with medical terminology and information that really helps to address the information further along in the book. Thank you Netgalley and Plume for this advanced digital copy.
Read more reviews and recommendations on https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com/
March 7, 2026
I don’t write reviews on Goodreads as a rule, but as a Physician Assistant practicing in Allergy and Immunology I find myself obligated to write an honest review.
As a fan of Dr. Rubin’s social media content, which I find both informative and accessible for patients, I was extremely excited when I heard he would be writing a book. My supervising physician surprised me with a copy that he had preordered.
The book has three sections. In the first, general historical, biological, and medical information is explained. Per Dr. Rubin’s typical style, he explains complex immunological concepts extremely well. My first thought, however, that the language was still too full of scientific jargon to be accessible to readers. This being said, the typical reader of this book would be someone who wants to delve deeper into knowing more about these conditions than is typically explained in clinic, which we have been trained to deliver at a 5th grade reading level. In addition, I truly don’t believe we give most of our patients enough credit. I had a patient in clinic just today tell me, quite frustrated, that “my doctors never actually tell me what’s going on or what my medicines are for. They just tell me what to do.” Patients want to take more control of their health and just need tools like this book to bridge the knowledge gap.
The second section of this book reviews many allergic diseases, including Mast Cell Disorders, which have been something talked about quite frequently on social media and therefore brought up by my patients. Dr. Rubin discusses treatment options, including newer treatments like biologics, in the third section. Dr. Rubin has a gift for making knowledge of evidence-based medicine accessible. The lack of ability to convey these ideas effectively to patients is, I believe, a big part of what has lost some patients’ trust in evidence-based medicine. What I loved most about reading this book is that it helped me learn better ways to provide education and information to my own patients so they feel in better control of their health and the management of their health conditions. My goal is to empower patients, and providing them with knowledge is one of the most effective ways to do that.
I am looking forward to recommending this book to patients and colleagues alike.
As a fan of Dr. Rubin’s social media content, which I find both informative and accessible for patients, I was extremely excited when I heard he would be writing a book. My supervising physician surprised me with a copy that he had preordered.
The book has three sections. In the first, general historical, biological, and medical information is explained. Per Dr. Rubin’s typical style, he explains complex immunological concepts extremely well. My first thought, however, that the language was still too full of scientific jargon to be accessible to readers. This being said, the typical reader of this book would be someone who wants to delve deeper into knowing more about these conditions than is typically explained in clinic, which we have been trained to deliver at a 5th grade reading level. In addition, I truly don’t believe we give most of our patients enough credit. I had a patient in clinic just today tell me, quite frustrated, that “my doctors never actually tell me what’s going on or what my medicines are for. They just tell me what to do.” Patients want to take more control of their health and just need tools like this book to bridge the knowledge gap.
The second section of this book reviews many allergic diseases, including Mast Cell Disorders, which have been something talked about quite frequently on social media and therefore brought up by my patients. Dr. Rubin discusses treatment options, including newer treatments like biologics, in the third section. Dr. Rubin has a gift for making knowledge of evidence-based medicine accessible. The lack of ability to convey these ideas effectively to patients is, I believe, a big part of what has lost some patients’ trust in evidence-based medicine. What I loved most about reading this book is that it helped me learn better ways to provide education and information to my own patients so they feel in better control of their health and the management of their health conditions. My goal is to empower patients, and providing them with knowledge is one of the most effective ways to do that.
I am looking forward to recommending this book to patients and colleagues alike.
July 25, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley & Plume for an advanced digital copy of this book! I think this is a great introduction to allergies and other similar conditions. Dr. Rubin approaches complex scientific topics in a way that is easy to understand and informative. It was great to get more insight into both common and lesser known topics within the realm of allergies. I also have found that I need to make an appointment with an allergist because my symptoms are not as normal as I thought! This was an enjoyable and informative read!
April 16, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. I learned so much. He does of teaching so much to just a regular person but also covering a wide range of different type of allergies. (The first chapter is about the history of allergies and second chapter is heavy in medical terminology that he uses to front load all of the topics to come. Those two chapters could cause someone to quit the book but stick through of skip ahead if you don’t find those topics interesting.)
March 7, 2026
Great overview of the body and allergies. As a lifelong allergy sufferer (and science lover), it was neat to dive into what’s happening on the inside.
February 28, 2026
A must have book for every household. I learned so much about allergies and the treatment options available. Dr. Rubin also walks you through the diagnostic process.
Thank you to Dutton | Plume and NetGalley for the eGalley (ARC).
Thank you to Dutton | Plume and NetGalley for the eGalley (ARC).
February 20, 2026
5⭐️ Nonfiction Win
Who knew a book about allergies could be both entertaining and heartfelt? This was excellent. Yes, it gets a little technical at times—but that’s actually what makes it so good. It doesn’t water information down into euphemisms or trendy buzzwords. Instead, it respects the reader’s intelligence while still remaining incredibly approachable and easy to understand.
As someone who suffers from multiple food allergies, I constantly feel frustrated by the sheer amount of misinformation floating around online—especially in allergy groups. From impossible “allergies” to wildly incorrect medical claims, it can be exhausting. This book breaks everything down clearly and serves as a fantastic reference for anyone wanting to truly understand allergies, from environmental triggers to food-based reactions. It covers it all.
What really stood out to me was how personal this felt. Dr. Rubin begins the book by sharing his own experience living with allergies, immediately setting the tone and drawing the reader in. It lets you know exactly what kind of journey you’re about to take—and why he’s so passionate about the topic.
I had both the eARC and the audiobook, which was narrated by Dr. Rubin himself, and he did an excellent job. While memoirs read by the author often work beautifully, nonfiction can be hit or miss. Sometimes passion doesn’t translate into performance—but that was absolutely not the case here. He was engaging, warm, and clearly in love with his subject matter, which made the listening experience genuinely enjoyable.
This book is the perfect companion to Dr. Rubin’s educational social media content, especially in a space where misinformation is rampant and certified allergists/immunologists are in short supply in the U.S. I’ve personally received more incorrect allergy advice from ENT doctors than I can count—often because they’re forced to shoulder cases that really should be handled by specialists.
Dr. Rubin does an incredible job championing myth-busting and science-based education, and this book is a powerful extension of that mission. It provides a solid foundation for readers who want to learn and advocate for themselves or their children.
This is a must-read for anyone living with allergies, caring for someone who does, or simply wanting reliable, clear, and compassionate medical education. Informative, engaging, and desperately needed in today’s misinformation landscape.
I am thankful to have received a complimentary ALC from Penguin Random House Influencer Program and eARC from Dutton via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
Who knew a book about allergies could be both entertaining and heartfelt? This was excellent. Yes, it gets a little technical at times—but that’s actually what makes it so good. It doesn’t water information down into euphemisms or trendy buzzwords. Instead, it respects the reader’s intelligence while still remaining incredibly approachable and easy to understand.
As someone who suffers from multiple food allergies, I constantly feel frustrated by the sheer amount of misinformation floating around online—especially in allergy groups. From impossible “allergies” to wildly incorrect medical claims, it can be exhausting. This book breaks everything down clearly and serves as a fantastic reference for anyone wanting to truly understand allergies, from environmental triggers to food-based reactions. It covers it all.
What really stood out to me was how personal this felt. Dr. Rubin begins the book by sharing his own experience living with allergies, immediately setting the tone and drawing the reader in. It lets you know exactly what kind of journey you’re about to take—and why he’s so passionate about the topic.
I had both the eARC and the audiobook, which was narrated by Dr. Rubin himself, and he did an excellent job. While memoirs read by the author often work beautifully, nonfiction can be hit or miss. Sometimes passion doesn’t translate into performance—but that was absolutely not the case here. He was engaging, warm, and clearly in love with his subject matter, which made the listening experience genuinely enjoyable.
This book is the perfect companion to Dr. Rubin’s educational social media content, especially in a space where misinformation is rampant and certified allergists/immunologists are in short supply in the U.S. I’ve personally received more incorrect allergy advice from ENT doctors than I can count—often because they’re forced to shoulder cases that really should be handled by specialists.
Dr. Rubin does an incredible job championing myth-busting and science-based education, and this book is a powerful extension of that mission. It provides a solid foundation for readers who want to learn and advocate for themselves or their children.
This is a must-read for anyone living with allergies, caring for someone who does, or simply wanting reliable, clear, and compassionate medical education. Informative, engaging, and desperately needed in today’s misinformation landscape.
I am thankful to have received a complimentary ALC from Penguin Random House Influencer Program and eARC from Dutton via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
April 5, 2026
I have an extremely vivid memory of my pediatrician saying to my mom, "We don't always understand why, but if her eczema doesn't go away by the time she's 10, she'll have it for the rest of her life." Me and my dramatic immune system have been baffling doctors ever since. So, naturally, this was required reading for me.
This is a thoroughly well written, exhaustively researched, and comprehensive book about allergic diseases by Dr. Zachary Rubin, who is both charming in his social media videos and has the credentials to back it up.
I would enthusiastically recommend this to anyone who doesn't understand their own allergies, has recent developed an allergic disease, or has a child (or other loved one!) with an allergic disease. I think there is a ton of valuable information, including his recommendations for how to approach a doctor's visit with an allergist.
Docked a star for my personal enjoyment just because my body, my medical record is basically the thesis of this book and much of what is covered, both the biology and treatment options, are things I have learned in my own doctors' offices and are currently part of my extremely long list of medical interventions.
This is a thoroughly well written, exhaustively researched, and comprehensive book about allergic diseases by Dr. Zachary Rubin, who is both charming in his social media videos and has the credentials to back it up.
I would enthusiastically recommend this to anyone who doesn't understand their own allergies, has recent developed an allergic disease, or has a child (or other loved one!) with an allergic disease. I think there is a ton of valuable information, including his recommendations for how to approach a doctor's visit with an allergist.
Docked a star for my personal enjoyment just because my body, my medical record is basically the thesis of this book and much of what is covered, both the biology and treatment options, are things I have learned in my own doctors' offices and are currently part of my extremely long list of medical interventions.
February 11, 2026
Thank you to Plume and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Excellent and appreciated. Dr. Rubin is a master at making complicated medical concepts approachable.
I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but as someone who has experienced allergies and “might be an allergy” issues throughout my life, reading this book was a must.
First, it was comprehensive. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered a volume that goes into such depth about so broad a range of conditions. There was so much information. I want to get a physical copy to keep as a reference.
Second, I appreciated the attention given to topics such as false positives and negatives; the potential for “aging out” of allergies; and the actual likelihood of drug and vaccine allergies. Everything was backed by data. And, again, all of the explanations were straightforward and easy to comprehend.
Thank you for this book. I am more empowered in understanding and talking about my own health. In addition, this book is a gift that I am excited to share it with my family and friends.
Excellent and appreciated. Dr. Rubin is a master at making complicated medical concepts approachable.
I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but as someone who has experienced allergies and “might be an allergy” issues throughout my life, reading this book was a must.
First, it was comprehensive. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered a volume that goes into such depth about so broad a range of conditions. There was so much information. I want to get a physical copy to keep as a reference.
Second, I appreciated the attention given to topics such as false positives and negatives; the potential for “aging out” of allergies; and the actual likelihood of drug and vaccine allergies. Everything was backed by data. And, again, all of the explanations were straightforward and easy to comprehend.
Thank you for this book. I am more empowered in understanding and talking about my own health. In addition, this book is a gift that I am excited to share it with my family and friends.
April 25, 2026
Not a groundbreaking book for me, but it was very educational and helpful in certain areas. Especially as someone who has suffered from asthma her whole life and has never had it explained to her. This probably isn’t something that I will revisit, but it was great for what it was and offered great insights at the time.
May 7, 2026
This book is really great, full of clinical insights and I definitely learned a lot of new information and some great patient education strategies. I would recommend this to anyone interested in allergy and immunology. The only caveat to enjoying this book is that it feels like work to read it.
March 20, 2026
✨say it with me: we trust medical professionals more than google for a diagnosis✨
April 5, 2026
A very well researched and written book. Dr Rubin thoroughly explains the science behind allergies and different types of allergy related conditions. He doesn't talk down to the reader and references other chapters which is helpful. It was fascinating to learn that asthma is not a singularly defined condition.
I learned a lot about my hay fever and eczema because of this book, and I'll be able to go forth and treat them more effectively.
He also did a great job narrating the audiobook!
I learned a lot about my hay fever and eczema because of this book, and I'll be able to go forth and treat them more effectively.
He also did a great job narrating the audiobook!
April 9, 2026
A really good and easy-to-understand book about allergies and all the various aspects of them
April 21, 2026
Although triggering (no pun intended) this is a medical book based on science and experience. It provides good thorough information without being too difficult to understand. This physician has a wonderful bedside
manner and provides encouragement and hope for difficult situations.
manner and provides encouragement and hope for difficult situations.
October 6, 2025
All About Allergies was highly informative while being breaking down the science in easy-to-understand ways.
The first part of the book was a little heavy but it laid the ground knowledge for future chapters. As someone who struggles with environmental allergies, food allergies and asthma I feel more empowered to take care of my health. This book was very eye opening and I realized that one of the ways I have treated food allergies could have led to a recent scary health event.
I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who has food allergies, has food allergies themselves and teachers. The chapter on anaphylaxis and epipen usage can literally save lives as fewer and fewer schools are able to have full time school nurses.
Thank you to Dr. Zachary Rubin, NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this eArc in exchange for my honest opinion.
The first part of the book was a little heavy but it laid the ground knowledge for future chapters. As someone who struggles with environmental allergies, food allergies and asthma I feel more empowered to take care of my health. This book was very eye opening and I realized that one of the ways I have treated food allergies could have led to a recent scary health event.
I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who has food allergies, has food allergies themselves and teachers. The chapter on anaphylaxis and epipen usage can literally save lives as fewer and fewer schools are able to have full time school nurses.
Thank you to Dr. Zachary Rubin, NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this eArc in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
All About Allergies is one of those rare medical books that manages to be both deeply practical and genuinely enjoyable to read. As a family nurse practitioner in working in both primary and urgent care, I see allergy complaints daily—from seasonal allergic rhinitis to food sensitivities to parents worried about rashes, coughs, and “mystery reactions.” This book has become an invaluable resource in my clinical practice.
Dr. Rubin breaks down complex immunologic concepts in a way that is clear, accurate, and approachable without being oversimplified. The explanations are patient-friendly, yet still clinically solid, which makes it incredibly helpful when I’m counseling patients or parents who are overwhelmed by misinformation (especially from social media). I’ve found myself directly borrowing his language when explaining why allergies happen, how they differ from intolerances, and what actually works for treatment.
What I appreciate most is the book’s emphasis on evidence-based care. It reinforces appropriate use of antihistamines, nasal steroids, and allergy avoidance strategies while also addressing common myths—something I confront constantly in primary care. The sections on pediatric allergies, food reactions, and environmental triggers have been especially helpful for guiding conversations with families and setting realistic expectations.
This book has sharpened my confidence in diagnosing and managing allergic conditions and has improved how I educate patients. It’s the kind of resource you finish and immediately think, I’m going to be better at my job because I read this.
I would highly recommend All About Allergies to clinicians in primary care, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and even patients who want a trustworthy, readable guide to understanding allergies without fear-based or sensationalized information.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance review copy of All About Allergies. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this title.
Dr. Rubin breaks down complex immunologic concepts in a way that is clear, accurate, and approachable without being oversimplified. The explanations are patient-friendly, yet still clinically solid, which makes it incredibly helpful when I’m counseling patients or parents who are overwhelmed by misinformation (especially from social media). I’ve found myself directly borrowing his language when explaining why allergies happen, how they differ from intolerances, and what actually works for treatment.
What I appreciate most is the book’s emphasis on evidence-based care. It reinforces appropriate use of antihistamines, nasal steroids, and allergy avoidance strategies while also addressing common myths—something I confront constantly in primary care. The sections on pediatric allergies, food reactions, and environmental triggers have been especially helpful for guiding conversations with families and setting realistic expectations.
This book has sharpened my confidence in diagnosing and managing allergic conditions and has improved how I educate patients. It’s the kind of resource you finish and immediately think, I’m going to be better at my job because I read this.
I would highly recommend All About Allergies to clinicians in primary care, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and even patients who want a trustworthy, readable guide to understanding allergies without fear-based or sensationalized information.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance review copy of All About Allergies. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this title.
July 14, 2025
I’ve followed Dr. Rubin on social media for a while now, and I already loved how he breaks down complicated allergy info into tips and advice that actually make sense. He’s so smart, but he explains things in a way that feels approachable and gives you hope. That same voice absolutely comes through in All About Allergies.
What I loved most? He talks about mast cell disorders! FINALLY! They’re barely discussed in mainstream allergy conversations, and as someone who’s been dealing with a mast cell disorder for years, this was refreshing and validating to read.
If you’re someone who’s seeking the science, like wanting to understand why your body is reacting before spiraling into thinking you’re allergic to everything, then this is the perfect first stop while you’re waiting for that specialist appointment. Rubin takes you through the history of allergies, immunology, and how we got to today’s treatments (and why some of the myths, like always reaching for Benadryl first, aren’t great). He lays out what factors can trigger allergies, what testing and treatment really look like, and even gives key takeaway points at the end of each chapter, which made it easier to digest all the medical terminology.
This is not meant to replace medical advice, but it’s an amazing groundwork if you want to better understand how your immune system works or just nerd out on the science behind allergic disease. Rubin’s social media reputation (over a million followers!) makes total sense because he’s no nonsense, evidence based, and even busts some myths about inhaler use, allergy testing, and treatment options.
Highly recommend if you’re dealing with allergies, have a mast cell disorder, or just want to understand the medical side of things better. It’s the kind of book that makes you feel informed before you head into your doctor’s office and for me, that’s everything.
Thank you to NetGalley, Zachary Rubin, and Dutton/Plume for the eARC of this book.
What I loved most? He talks about mast cell disorders! FINALLY! They’re barely discussed in mainstream allergy conversations, and as someone who’s been dealing with a mast cell disorder for years, this was refreshing and validating to read.
If you’re someone who’s seeking the science, like wanting to understand why your body is reacting before spiraling into thinking you’re allergic to everything, then this is the perfect first stop while you’re waiting for that specialist appointment. Rubin takes you through the history of allergies, immunology, and how we got to today’s treatments (and why some of the myths, like always reaching for Benadryl first, aren’t great). He lays out what factors can trigger allergies, what testing and treatment really look like, and even gives key takeaway points at the end of each chapter, which made it easier to digest all the medical terminology.
This is not meant to replace medical advice, but it’s an amazing groundwork if you want to better understand how your immune system works or just nerd out on the science behind allergic disease. Rubin’s social media reputation (over a million followers!) makes total sense because he’s no nonsense, evidence based, and even busts some myths about inhaler use, allergy testing, and treatment options.
Highly recommend if you’re dealing with allergies, have a mast cell disorder, or just want to understand the medical side of things better. It’s the kind of book that makes you feel informed before you head into your doctor’s office and for me, that’s everything.
Thank you to NetGalley, Zachary Rubin, and Dutton/Plume for the eARC of this book.
April 21, 2026
I enjoyed this book. The first part is very technical and dense and will take some time to get through IF you really want to understand the immune system. If you just want to read about a particular condition or treatment, you could skip to those chapters for an easier read. He says you absolutely need the difficult chapters but....you really don't. Your current doctor probably discusses treatment options with you without you knowing the chemical background of every drug ever invented and entire history of study of the immune system and that's totally ok.
There was a lot of neat info I didn't know and I have allergies. I wasn't up to date on more modern meds and things however. And there was a lot of how and why that were interesting as well. I definitley learned things and felt his educational background was well represented here.
The big criticism is that his board certification is younger than a kindergartner. He got the book deal because of social media, but his actual case experience is parlayed here as he is the utmost expert in all things allergy and....he likely spends far more time on social media doctoring than practicing, and that for all of five years. I do not doubt his credentials, I do doubt how many times he can have seen any one condition and his vast expert experience talked about in this book.
That may not be an issue for you, and that's ok, but it does add a note of skepticism for me on some of the things in this book that are clearly opinions based on his own thoughts and experience. Social media doctoring isn't doctoring and I think he conflates the two a bit too much.
There was a lot of neat info I didn't know and I have allergies. I wasn't up to date on more modern meds and things however. And there was a lot of how and why that were interesting as well. I definitley learned things and felt his educational background was well represented here.
The big criticism is that his board certification is younger than a kindergartner. He got the book deal because of social media, but his actual case experience is parlayed here as he is the utmost expert in all things allergy and....he likely spends far more time on social media doctoring than practicing, and that for all of five years. I do not doubt his credentials, I do doubt how many times he can have seen any one condition and his vast expert experience talked about in this book.
That may not be an issue for you, and that's ok, but it does add a note of skepticism for me on some of the things in this book that are clearly opinions based on his own thoughts and experience. Social media doctoring isn't doctoring and I think he conflates the two a bit too much.
April 3, 2026
🤧All About Allergies: Everything You Need to Know About Asthma, Food Allergies, Hay Fever, and More by Zachary Rubin, MD 🎧9 hrs, 9 min, 5/5⭐️
🤧From viral social media sensation Dr. Zachary Rubin, an in-depth look at both common and surprising allergies. Dr. Rubin explores and explains dozens of allergies and diseases and provides actionable treatment options and information. Sections on the history of allergies, asthma, contact dermatitis, sinusitis, food allergies, anaphylaxis, medication allergies, and more pair with treatment info on medications, immunotherapy, and biologics to equip people with the tools they need to tackle their allergies. (nonfiction, published 2026 Plume/Penguin)
🤧I actually cried while reading this. Dr. Rubin shared the story of a congressman who had trauma and a subsequent eating disorder after experiencing several rounds of anaphylaxis. I'm currently going through the exact same thing and I felt so extremely seen. This is a great book for any level of allergy knowledge due to the wide array of topics, you are sure to learn something. I personally learned what I thought was an allergy to a particular antibiotic I had, is in fact more than likely a side effect. Now I can have different conversations about it with my care team if I ever need to be on it again out of necessity. Since this was published this year, the chapters on medication options and current undergoing research was especially interesting and up-to-date.
🤧From viral social media sensation Dr. Zachary Rubin, an in-depth look at both common and surprising allergies. Dr. Rubin explores and explains dozens of allergies and diseases and provides actionable treatment options and information. Sections on the history of allergies, asthma, contact dermatitis, sinusitis, food allergies, anaphylaxis, medication allergies, and more pair with treatment info on medications, immunotherapy, and biologics to equip people with the tools they need to tackle their allergies. (nonfiction, published 2026 Plume/Penguin)
🤧I actually cried while reading this. Dr. Rubin shared the story of a congressman who had trauma and a subsequent eating disorder after experiencing several rounds of anaphylaxis. I'm currently going through the exact same thing and I felt so extremely seen. This is a great book for any level of allergy knowledge due to the wide array of topics, you are sure to learn something. I personally learned what I thought was an allergy to a particular antibiotic I had, is in fact more than likely a side effect. Now I can have different conversations about it with my care team if I ever need to be on it again out of necessity. Since this was published this year, the chapters on medication options and current undergoing research was especially interesting and up-to-date.
March 4, 2026
All About Allergies is one of those health books that feels surprisingly easy to read, even though the topic can get complicated fast. Zachary Rubin breaks everything down in a way that’s clear, calm, and actually helpful. It never feels overwhelming or too medical — more like having a doctor explain things in a way that finally makes sense.
I learned so much about what allergies really are, how the immune system reacts, and how many everyday things can trigger symptoms without us realizing it. The explanations are simple without being watered down, and the examples make everything click. I especially appreciated the sections about kids and allergy management — they were thoughtful and reassuring.
This book gave me a better understanding of how to recognize early signs, what testing looks like, and what treatment options exist. It’s practical, informative, and written with a lot of care.
If you’re a parent, someone with allergies, or just someone who wants to understand their health better, this is a great place to start. I’m glad I picked it up, and it definitely earned all five stars from me.
I learned so much about what allergies really are, how the immune system reacts, and how many everyday things can trigger symptoms without us realizing it. The explanations are simple without being watered down, and the examples make everything click. I especially appreciated the sections about kids and allergy management — they were thoughtful and reassuring.
This book gave me a better understanding of how to recognize early signs, what testing looks like, and what treatment options exist. It’s practical, informative, and written with a lot of care.
If you’re a parent, someone with allergies, or just someone who wants to understand their health better, this is a great place to start. I’m glad I picked it up, and it definitely earned all five stars from me.
November 22, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton/Plume publishers for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts. All About Allergies is exactly the kind of medical nonfiction that feels both substantial and readable: Rubin breaks down the history of allergies, the immune system, and a wide range of conditions in clear, accessible language that never talks down to the reader. The chapters are organized by condition and conclude with concise key takeaways, making it work just as well as a flip-to-what-you-need reference as it does as a cover-to-cover read.
What stood out most is how practical and empowering this feels if you live with allergies or care for someone who does. Rubin doesn’t just explain the science; he walks you through testing, treatment options, common myths, and real-world management at home, school, and in the doctor’s office. It’s a strong recommendation if you’re waiting for an allergy appointment and trying to finally understand what your immune system is up to, rather than spiraling on Google.
What stood out most is how practical and empowering this feels if you live with allergies or care for someone who does. Rubin doesn’t just explain the science; he walks you through testing, treatment options, common myths, and real-world management at home, school, and in the doctor’s office. It’s a strong recommendation if you’re waiting for an allergy appointment and trying to finally understand what your immune system is up to, rather than spiraling on Google.
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