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bunrab's review against another edition
5.0
No really new stuff here, but a nice run through what DNA and RNA do, and how the system of using DNA to build genes and genes to build chromosomes developed throughout evolution. Good sense of humor lightens up the heavy stuff, and the biographies of some of the odder builogists and medical researchers of the late 1800s and early 1900s are a hoot.
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!