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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
If I'm tempted to give this book 4 stars, it's only because it's so expansive that it risks coming across as unfocused (though the lines between different discussions are very clear when they should be, so there's not much risk of conflating them).
Isaacson has been covering the field for decades, and the breadth of his exposure to it shows. That said, we almost end up with a series of distinct, standalone expositions. Parts 2-3 provide background on the field, Parts 4 and 5 provide almost too-exhaustive coverage of the disputes as to who discovered what and when, Part 7 is an oasis of philosophical debate on gene editing in humans, and Part 9 is exclusively focused on applications to the Coronavirus.
The result is a stimulating read that demands your full attention, and pays off both intellectually and emotionally as you see characters expand upon past discoveries, reach their full potential, and celebrate each other.
Helpful for readers that want to better understand the science we see in the news. Great fodder for those looking for inspiration. And a desperately-needed shot in the arm for folks looking for a reminder of human ingenuity and what we can achieve when we work together.
Isaacson has been covering the field for decades, and the breadth of his exposure to it shows. That said, we almost end up with a series of distinct, standalone expositions. Parts 2-3 provide background on the field, Parts 4 and 5 provide almost too-exhaustive coverage of the disputes as to who discovered what and when, Part 7 is an oasis of philosophical debate on gene editing in humans, and Part 9 is exclusively focused on applications to the Coronavirus.
The result is a stimulating read that demands your full attention, and pays off both intellectually and emotionally as you see characters expand upon past discoveries, reach their full potential, and celebrate each other.
Helpful for readers that want to better understand the science we see in the news. Great fodder for those looking for inspiration. And a desperately-needed shot in the arm for folks looking for a reminder of human ingenuity and what we can achieve when we work together.
This book was a great read and provided a lot of interesting information on the development of gene science, beginning with Rosalind Franklin, James Watson, and Francis Crick, and following the journey until the present day research into genetic vaccines and treatments. I also like that it included a fairly in depth discussion of ethical questions relating to the field, without arguing for one side or the other.
I’m rating it 4 stars instead of 5 solely for the really bad summary of the Tuskegee Study near the end of the book, which would could have been more accurately described in a similarly concise number of words, instead of watering it down and making it seem like the study’s subjects were poorly informed rather than deliberately deceived.
I’m rating it 4 stars instead of 5 solely for the really bad summary of the Tuskegee Study near the end of the book, which would could have been more accurately described in a similarly concise number of words, instead of watering it down and making it seem like the study’s subjects were poorly informed rather than deliberately deceived.
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
This book looks overwhleming but is so well written by such a great journalist who gives an actual (unlike Fox news) fair and balanced story about CRISPR research and how a lot of females were screwed in the what can be looked at as a "prequel" (the doube helix ) to this book. I found this book fascinating and anyone who has an even remote interest in genetics should read this book.
informative
medium-paced
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3/10
I had high hopes for this, but it fell short.
It is extremely well researched, but I don't think Isaacson did a very good job at boiling his knowledge down to make it readable.
If you really want to read/learn about this, my suggestion would be to watch the episode of NOVA about crispr, then skip the first half of the book.
Way too much time is spent on the patent wars and the fight to publish first. I somewhat enjoyed the second half which is about how the technology is being used today and future implications
I had high hopes for this, but it fell short.
It is extremely well researched, but I don't think Isaacson did a very good job at boiling his knowledge down to make it readable.
If you really want to read/learn about this, my suggestion would be to watch the episode of NOVA about crispr, then skip the first half of the book.
Way too much time is spent on the patent wars and the fight to publish first. I somewhat enjoyed the second half which is about how the technology is being used today and future implications
Hearing from her in big-screened, virtual glory today was amazing--I fangirled the whole time! I knew when I read this book, but more now, how well this book sets up her story and role as a scientist (especially by making it accessible to people beyond the STEM realm)... I need a sequel soon!
Please write about more women in STEM, it makes my heart happy!
Please write about more women in STEM, it makes my heart happy!
I learned so much about science, bioethics, how scientists both compete and collaborate, CRSPR, and the scientists involved in it!
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
The Code Breaker is an objectively great book. It was fascinating to journey down the road of Jennifer Doudna, Emmanuelle Charpentier, Feng Zhang, and George Church's discovery of how to use CRISPR-CAS9 for gene editing (plus many other people described in the book, shout-out to the postdocs and grad students!). The author, Walter Isaacson, spent a lot of time musing on the ethics of human (germ line) gene editing and its implications. I wish he spent some time discussing its uses in agriculture and the environment. Doudna and Charpentier are huge inspirations for women in science!... so I don't understand why there seemed to be reconciliation for James Watson. Regardless, Walter Isaacson explains the science of CRISPR in a fluid way and his storytelling is fantastic. Anyone can enjoy this book!