Biographies & Memoirs

If you're drawn to the human side of medicine, you might find "Genetic Rounds" a compelling read. It's not every day that you get an inside look into the complexities pediatric geneticists face. Dr. Robert Marion’s experiences are rich with ethical quandaries, all delivered through narratives that showcase the resilience and challenges of his young patients. Read this for a journey into the emotional heart of a medical specialty that’s shaping our future.

If you're fascinated by the collision of personal drive and scientific breakthrough, "A Life Decoded" might just captivate you. Venter's story is not just a narrative of scientific achievement; it's a personal odyssey that defies the odds. It's for anyone who appreciates the human element in the pursuit of knowledge, and the transformative power of ambition and intellect in overcoming life's obstacles. Plus, it offers a front-row seat to the politics and drama that accompany major scientific endeavors.

In the foreword to this expanded edition of his 1979 masterpiece, Horace Freeland Judson says, "I feared I might seem the official historian of the movement"--molecular biology, that is. If by official he means "authoritative; definitive; the standard against which all others are measured" then his fears are warranted. Detailed without being overly technical, humane without being fulsome, The Eighth Day of Creation tells of molecular biology's search for the secret of life. "The drama has everything--exploration of the unknown; low comedy and urgent seriousness; savage competition, vaulting intelligence, abrupt changes of fortune, sudden understandings; eccentric and brilliant people, men of honor and of less than honor; a heroine, perhaps wronged; and a treasure to be achieved that was unique and transcendent." And in Judson this drama found its Shakespeare.

Recommendation: Blood Matters offers a unique exploration of the role that genetics can play in shaping one's identity. With personal anecdotes woven throughout scientific explanations, Gessen's book is a must-read for anyone interested in how genetic testing is changing our understanding of health and self.

The Price of Altruism is an absorbing read that delves into the scientific quest for understanding human kindness. Harman expertly weaves together personal, political, and scientific narratives to paint a vivid picture of George Price's extraordinary life and his pivotal role in the field of evolutionary biology. The book highlights how Price's work bridged the gap between altruism and selfishness, and sheds light on the complex interplay between evolutionary theory and broader societal and political issues. Recommended for anyone interested in the fascinating landscape where science, politics, and ideology intersect.