Book Thoughts: The Gene: An Intimate History by Siddhartha Mukherjee

The Gene: An Intimate History by Siddhartha Mukherjee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A surprisingly (considering the subject matter) readable book that gives an account of the history of thought and science in the world of genetics.

The book covers, with both detail and succinctness, the entire history of genetic thought, beginning with Aristotle's take on the genome, to the role it played in Darwin's theory of evolution and its acceptance, and detailed, methodical work of Mendel. But this history isn't dry in the author's telling; the personalities involved are brought to life and it feels, as suggested by the title, intimate.

Of particular interest (mainly because I knew so little about it outside of knowing it happened), the history of American Eugenics was engrossing (and, to say the least, disturbing). Seeing its "logical" extension in Nazi Germany demonstrates the book's ability to give an honest inquiry into the role of science, and the importance of not only asking whether something can be done, but whether it should be done.

The book's continuing history, involving Crick and Watson, mapping the genome, understanding recombinant DNA, learning how to read (and eventually write) genes, is interesting, informative, and thought-provoking. The author's ability to add the personal element, involving his own emotional familial history, gives this the book the "little extra" to make it just that much better than a normal or typical non-fiction read.

Its a smart, challenging read, that hits everything you want in a non-fiction read - it informs, it enlightens, it challenges, and it even makes it personal. Well worth the read.

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