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nightchough's review against another edition
4.0
Great book about genetics and DNA, filled with anecdotes and biographical sketches of key scientists. A couple of unforgettable stories from Japan. I liked this even more than The Disappearing Spoon, perhaps because there were more natural links between chapters ... a real sense of the progress of science over the last 150 years.
wonder_kinder's review against another edition
4.0
interesting overview of the history of genetics in simple language, even funny at times. author doesn't take himself too seriously when discussing a complex and often charged subject. I would recommend this book to my scientifically inclined and curious friends.
teachinsci's review against another edition
5.0
- Why don't we have access to Gregor Medel's original data on pea plants (and why does that matter)?
- What gave Henri Toulouse-Lautrec such a unique perspective as an artist?
- What can our genes tell us about ourselves?
These are just a few of the questions which are answered by Sam Kean in this book. Like his previous book "Disappearing Spoon," Kean explores scientific history, this time in genetics, using stories about the principle figures (and some lesser-known) of that history. Included also are stories of those who are not famous for any scientific work, but because of their genetic afflictions and what those say about genetic knowledge.
Unlike his previous book, however, instead of stories which relate a group of ideas, Kean uses groups of stories to weave together answers to questions that slowly build your knowledge of modern genetics. He even weaves in his own journey learning about his genetic heritage and its effect on his life.
All-in-all, this was a thoroughly enjoyable book. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys science history, especially if they appreciate it's stories being broken-up into bite-sized chunks.
- What gave Henri Toulouse-Lautrec such a unique perspective as an artist?
- What can our genes tell us about ourselves?
These are just a few of the questions which are answered by Sam Kean in this book. Like his previous book "Disappearing Spoon," Kean explores scientific history, this time in genetics, using stories about the principle figures (and some lesser-known) of that history. Included also are stories of those who are not famous for any scientific work, but because of their genetic afflictions and what those say about genetic knowledge.
Unlike his previous book, however, instead of stories which relate a group of ideas, Kean uses groups of stories to weave together answers to questions that slowly build your knowledge of modern genetics. He even weaves in his own journey learning about his genetic heritage and its effect on his life.
All-in-all, this was a thoroughly enjoyable book. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys science history, especially if they appreciate it's stories being broken-up into bite-sized chunks.
kpauls2011's review against another edition
5.0
This book was stellar and only fueled my new-found passion for Genetics!
girl_in_glasses's review against another edition
4.0
If you're in the mood for expanding your mind and interested in genetics, or even just evolutionary science, definitely take a look at this book. Fascinating stories about the men and women behind the research and what we now think of as "common knowledge" about DNA and chromosomes.
Fun fact: we all carry genes that allow us to digest human tissue due to cannibalism in our ancient, or even rather recent, evolutionary past.
Fun fact: we all carry genes that allow us to digest human tissue due to cannibalism in our ancient, or even rather recent, evolutionary past.
kerrymc's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this but found it difficult to get through. Especially the very science heavy parts. The anecdotal/history part of it was great.
seifknits's review against another edition
3.0
SLJ review: http://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/adult4teen/2012/07/31/the-violinists-thumb/
mstoddart's review against another edition
4.0
What a fascinating book! I picked it up after hearing the author on a podcast recently, and thoroughly enjoyed reading it (and learned so much). There were parts that were a bit too slow and science-y for me, but the way Kean intertwined science with true stories and history was unique and compelling. I can't wait to read something else by him!
stwriter92's review against another edition
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
I started reading this book last year and read about half of it before the start of the school year, at which point most of my pleasure reading took a regrettable pause. However, I was able to finish the other half on my flight back from India and it made my lack of a working TV and charging port much better.
The Violinist’s Thumb discusses the history and impact of the tiny building blocks of life itself: DNA. I have always had a general interest in science, despite being a woman of the arts, and this book absolutely did not disappoint. The accessibility of the information and Kean’s masterful way of explaining difficult concepts made reading this book an absolute joy. Never did I think I’d find myself giggling to myself over a book about genetics, but I found myself trying to quiet my laughter on my flight back.
I absolutely recommend this book to anyone that has even a slight interest in science and genetics. Not only is this book informative, it manages to make the information accessible and interesting in a way that a general textbook never could.