Genome
by Matt Ridley
Synopsis
As the extended title says, this is “The Autobiography of a Species in 23 Chapters”. Each chapter dedicated to a gene located on each one of the chromosomes.
Review
Unexpectedly humorous and, despite the random nature of the structure, smooth flowing.
The comfortable narrative easily draws the reader to the subject and, once there, the effacing humor keeps it tight.
For each chapter Ridely picks a great charactor and keeps the narrative moving around. Each gene is recognizable or at least relatable. This is no biology lesson, a few chapters focus on the technological nature of the gene, but most uncover the historical lineage of the gene or illustrate the social significance of the gene.
No need to be pre-med to enjoy, just mildy informed.
Recommendation
Having just completed my second reading of this book I would certainly recommend it to those interested in the whole of the human genome: scientific and social.
Enjoy!