Reviews

The Man Who Touched His Own Heart: True Tales of Science, Surgery, and Mystery by Rob Dunn

theknitpick's review against another edition

4.0

This was truly a fascinating read. Dunn did a good job of incorporating medical and scientific jargon into an understandable, captivating story, including bits of humor and insight into the subject. I liked the way each chapter focused on a particular study or aspect of the heart's history. The path that the book takes you on slowly builds, showing how these stories are interconnected. Even though I did not know much about the heart before I read this book, I didn't have a hard time understanding the concepts that Dunn was conveying. It was very interesting and I learned so much. It also goes to show how far human passion and drive for answers to difficult questions will get a person. Truly fascinating.

cspiwak's review

5.0

Managed to touch on so many aspects while keeping a great pace. It was completely understandable for a lay reader without feeling dumped down.
Especially enjoyed the evolutionary treatment of the subject.

savannah_jw's review

adventurous informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

This book describes the absolutely insane path that has been our study of and work with the heart. I loved how Dunn played out some of the truly shocking steps taken by individuals throughout medical history. This book is somewhat a collection of short stories - each one a tale of relentless individuals and their quest for greatness, knowledge, helping people, or some combination thereof. I really enjoyed learning quirky, sometimes cringe-worthy pieces of the history of medicine. Dunn did a great job of weaving in history, personal narratives, and the reader's present and future life.