[Book Review] The Gene: An Intimate History Book by Siddhartha Mukherjee

 

I had limited knowledge of subjects like DNA and gene therapy before picking the book. Though we have witnessed major accomplishments in genetic engineering techniques in recent times, I did not appreciate the complexity and significance of everything related to genes. This book has changed it forever.

What is the book about?

This covers the history of genes starting from initial experiments by Gregor Mendel to the latest developments in gene therapy. It encompasses everything related to genes including scientific breakthroughs, major people involved, ethical dilemmas, controversies, societal impact, and future direction.

What's good with the book?

• The author builds stories instead of just spitting out the details. He manages to keep us engaged throughout the length of the book.
• The author still retains a sense of wonder for natural phenomena. He communicates this sense of wonder successfully.
• The author connects philosophy, science, ethics, and history whenever possible. This makes the book interesting.
• Coverage of genes and their related history is pretty exhaustive. 

Any complaints?

The author gives a lengthy description of anyone he is introducing, sometimes running into several pages. This is understandable for the important personalities involved. But he does this even for relatively insignificant people also. This can be annoying and boring. I might be nitpicking here but this was the only concern while I was reading the book. (Siddhartha Mukherjee does this in his book "Emperor of All Maladies" as well)

This book did to me with Biology what Cosmos has done with Physics. It manages to educate, awe, shock, instill a sense of wonder, and make us appreciate the beauty and depth of science and technology. Pick this book for exciting tales of extraordinary human progress about an omniscient entity and omnipotent technology.