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book_concierge's review
4.0
Book on CD read by Stephen Hoye
The subtitle really says it all: A Biography of Cancer. Mukherjee has extensively researched the disease, going back to recorded cases in ancient Egypt and carefully documented efforts to treat, eradicate, or “cure.” He recounts stories of the many scientists who meticulously searched for and sometimes stumbled up new treatments, showing a passion and dedication to the science and to the human beings whose lives they tried to save.
Some of these stories are horrifying: the treatments with dung or bleedings, the determination to cut more and more tissue in a radical mastectomy. Some are uplifting: the tireless efforts of philanthropists and scientists in the “war against cancer,” the grace and dignity of patients with little hope of a cure who nevertheless soldiered on, the “miraculous” survival of Little Jimmy and others.
There is considerable medical and scientific jargon. This did not bother me much (I used to do medical transcription, and still read quite a few operative notes weekly), and I think Mukherjee is pretty good at explaining terminology that might not be familiar to a lay person. His use of some patient histories also helps to break up the litany of scientific breakthroughs, and makes the book much more human and relatable.
Stephen Hoye does a fine job of narrating the audio version. His voice can be a little droning, however, and given the heavy scientific / medical jargon that is required in sections there were times when I really just wanted to stop listening to him. I think this would be better appreciated if read in a text version rather than listened to in audio format.
The subtitle really says it all: A Biography of Cancer. Mukherjee has extensively researched the disease, going back to recorded cases in ancient Egypt and carefully documented efforts to treat, eradicate, or “cure.” He recounts stories of the many scientists who meticulously searched for and sometimes stumbled up new treatments, showing a passion and dedication to the science and to the human beings whose lives they tried to save.
Some of these stories are horrifying: the treatments with dung or bleedings, the determination to cut more and more tissue in a radical mastectomy. Some are uplifting: the tireless efforts of philanthropists and scientists in the “war against cancer,” the grace and dignity of patients with little hope of a cure who nevertheless soldiered on, the “miraculous” survival of Little Jimmy and others.
There is considerable medical and scientific jargon. This did not bother me much (I used to do medical transcription, and still read quite a few operative notes weekly), and I think Mukherjee is pretty good at explaining terminology that might not be familiar to a lay person. His use of some patient histories also helps to break up the litany of scientific breakthroughs, and makes the book much more human and relatable.
Stephen Hoye does a fine job of narrating the audio version. His voice can be a little droning, however, and given the heavy scientific / medical jargon that is required in sections there were times when I really just wanted to stop listening to him. I think this would be better appreciated if read in a text version rather than listened to in audio format.
ethanong's review
4.5
Mukherjee had solidified himself as one of the writers who I will read anything by. Excellent book
numbat's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-paced
5.0
A very interesting look at the history on cancer from diagnosis, treatment and how the decease works form a cellular and genetic point of view. It is well researched and well told.
knittingdoc's review against another edition
5.0
I thoroughly enjoyed reading/listening to the book. There are lots of details that bring together the evolution of treatments. I found it interesting to re-learn of the relationships between many cancers. Targeted therapy is an amazing find and more works needs done. Parts of the book feels like "Grand Rounds" - a medical presentation of disease and its social relationships, the back-story. As a physician treating breast cancer, much of the book was relatable. The narrator did a great job.