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1.97k reviews for:
El Emperador de Todos Los Males / The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer
Siddharth Mukherjee
4.33 AVERAGE
1.97k reviews for:
El Emperador de Todos Los Males / The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer
Siddharth Mukherjee
4.33 AVERAGE
informative
slow-paced
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Long, but worth it. Makes you think differently about the science and humans behind cancer research.
informative
medium-paced
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
✨A difficult topic, cancer. Everyone has been or is going to be touched by it in some form or shape. A friend, a family member, maybe even yourself - however distant or close, we all know someone with a history of cancer.
✨**"The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer"** by Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee is a ground-breaking exploration of one of humanity's most formidable foes. Through a captivating narrative, Mukherjee guides readers through the history of cancer, from ancient times to the cutting-edge treatments of today. The book delves into the complexities of cancer, examining the challenges of diagnosis, the evolution of treatment strategies, and the ongoing quest for a cure. From the gruelling "radical attacks" of the past to the promising advancements in chemotherapy and immunotherapy, Mukherjee provides a comprehensive overview of the field.
✨While the subject matter is undoubtedly serious, Mukherjee's writing is both informative and accessible. He skillfully explains complex biological concepts without overwhelming the reader. While some details, particularly those related to ongoing research and genetics, may require additional context, the overall presentation is masterful.
✨As Mukherjee eloquently states, "We might as well focus on prolonging life rather than eliminating death." This perspective offers a valuable reminder that progress in cancer treatment is about more than just eradication; it's about improving quality of life and extending survival.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the history, science, and future of cancer research. It is particularly valuable for young researchers entering the field, as it provides a rich foundation for understanding the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
dark
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
Mukherjee rocks. After reading [b:The Gene: An Intimate History|27276428|The Gene An Intimate History|Siddhartha Mukherjee|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1463591739s/27276428.jpg|46190748], I knew I had to pick, up this book. He has an undeniable skill of bringing complex medical concepts to life for lay-readers. That said, he wrote [b:The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer|7170627|The Emperor of All Maladies A Biography of Cancer|Siddhartha Mukherjee|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1280771091s/7170627.jpg|7580942] before The Gene, and there's a clear improvement in his skills over the years. Several sections of this book were drags that took me a long time to get through.
I happened to meet a geneticist shortly after reading this book (shoutout to Jon!), and I was able to ask meaningful questions about his research and discuss the historical context of his specific research.
Our understanding of cancer is developing very rapidly, but it's far from straightforward. It's hard to believe that only a few decades ago there weren't any known health risks of smoking. Mukherjee mentions several doctors who stopped smoking cold turkey once they recognized the damage smoking was causing to their own patients.
I happened to meet a geneticist shortly after reading this book (shoutout to Jon!), and I was able to ask meaningful questions about his research and discuss the historical context of his specific research.
Our understanding of cancer is developing very rapidly, but it's far from straightforward. It's hard to believe that only a few decades ago there weren't any known health risks of smoking. Mukherjee mentions several doctors who stopped smoking cold turkey once they recognized the damage smoking was causing to their own patients.
informative
challenging
informative
Really, really wanted to give it a higher rating because I recognize what mammoth understaking it must have been to write. But about halfway through, it got a little too in the weeds for me and I found it hard to stay engaged. If I had a bit more background knowledge, it probably would've been more enjoyable.