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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
There’s not much revelatory here although it was interesting on its release how the book gained a bit of traction as if it was showing some new data on new world expansion. There are way overlong passages with odd virtue signaling by the author that are quite cumbersome, and in the afterward she seems absolutely clueless when a fellow researcher confronts her about this, which the author seems to mistake as a sign of her passion of the topic.
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
I really enjoyed this book. I read this as a lay person and perhaps it could have been dumbed down a bit at times, would have been greatly appreciated.
There are moments when this book is a little technical, but Raff does a great job of exposing the complexities and considerations scientists must confront. Raff also addresses the ethics and history connected to genetics (and some other sciences) and advocates for consent, clarity, and the dismantling of silos within academia.
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.5 stars. While "Origin" is an excellent book, it felt a bit dry. For example, the chapter describing how a geneticist performs a genetic analysis from ancient DNA was both extremely interesting (I learned a lot) and painfully boring (it is such a boring task!). Regardless of that issue, it is quite interesting to learn about the different theories (even the discarded ones!). What I was surprised is that there is little to no mention of the influence of South Pacific people, which I thought had an early influence in the continental peopling.
informative
reflective
medium-paced
A very comprehensive overview of the different theories of how people migrated into North and South America thousands of years ago plus a look at how previous research and studies have harmed Native peoples. I wish people weren’t horrible human beings but I hope researchers like the author and the other geneticists she mentions can go forward with their research and respect the wishes of the communities they’re studying.
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
well explained and definitely focused on being respectful to and about indigenous histories. i appreciated the author, a self-described "anthropological geneticist", using so much cultural and biological anthro theory thru this in a way that is accessible without being alienating for non science and non anthro folks. there were moments that were repetitive but overall the prevalent theme of respect for present day peoples in relation to the ancient people who were subjects of study was a delicate balance and achieved well.
While genetic studies can shed light on our history, they can also be used in problematic ways. A thought provoking discussion about current paleogenetic research that includes important discussion about building relationships with community stakeholders, consent, and scientific racism.