The Surprising Connections Between Disease and Longevity (P.S.)

This book was amazing! It defines the role of genes as being dynamic, not static. When building the human genome, people had the idea that there is a fixed template called DNA. Initially, it seems to me, science likes to simplify everything, believing mutations are rare and random. This book clarifies the role of our genes' ability to adapt to different environments and how some genetic variations that seem to be curses are actually the mechanisms humans use to be able to survive in certain environments. I found this book well-crafted and an "easy read" for a non-scientist like me.

A marvelous book everyone should read! It is fascinating! ALL of Dr. Moalem's books (Inheritance, How Sex Works, and Survival of the Sickest) are worth reading. He has a great style, and you'll learn a lot too! Great books!

An interesting collection of scientific data presented in an understandable and entertaining format. Promotes new thought and causes one to re-examine traditional beliefs around sickness and disease.

A five star rating helps those interested ask "why 5 stars" for this book! The author-a woman of science and discovery who writes about very very complicated sciencey stuff with the average "yearning for more" folk in mind!!! Only after the first few paragraphs read you will want to keep reading to find out what comes next!!! YAY...More sciencey stuff!!!
Throughout the book there are hints to further ones education and curiosity about "why" has this developed and to "wait.....u mean to tell me there is a different view on this subject!?!"
My favorite part was the last section on birthing abilities and where in the heck we bipedal may have swam out of. Terrific book....read on!!!

First, I'd like to praise the accessibility of this book, even if the writing is sometimes overenthusiastic (I assume we can blame this on Prince, the co-writer.) I feel as though I can share this book with anyone I know, and they'll find it easy to understand. This is a big success when you consider that most books on academic topics can be very heavy reading. It is written for the non-scientist and discusses some interesting concepts (such as developmental programming, which blew my mind.) I agree with those who have said The Tipping Point and Freakonomics are books that pique your interest in a similar way. It was fascinating to find how these mutations that populations developed over time were advantageous at one point, but now dangerous as our environments change. I believe that several have tried to discredit Sharon Moalem for not being a "medical doctor" while insinuating that he implies such by calling himself Dr. Sharon Moalem. For what it's worth, he's a PhD in neurogenetics, finishing medical training (assumedly to become an M.D.,) and could have more knowledge of the processes he discusses than your typical M.D. When evolutionary anything comes out on the market, I'm generally fascinated but a little wary of what can be implied. The material is presented in a non-racist, non-sexist manner which is the danger with topics like this (see "scientific racism.") Satoshi Kanazawa is a better example of someone to be wary of, in my humble opinion. If you're interested in topics such as the mutation CCR5 delta 32 (which has made certain populations essentially immune to HIV,) this is worth a read. As with anything we can speculate about evolution, it's best taken with a grain of salt and not as medical advice and not as fact, but it offers some interesting hypotheses on why these various mutations exist. If you like reading interesting ideas, I'd also recommend this to you. Just read up more about the topics you are unsure or skeptical about.

This book is quite interesting and very entertaining. It is well written, easy to follow. Whether the hypothesis the author makes for the reasons we have disease are correct or not, they certainly are food for thought. I have some medical background but this is not needed to understand the theories. I am recommending it to my friends.

This book is probably the most interesting book I've ever read. Right away, the title caught my eye because of how interesting it sounded. Would absolutely definitely recommend this to anyone, especially the science-y people :)

I purchased this book, not because I simply wanted to, but instead, for my AP Biology class. Surprisingly, I am enjoying it greatly--so yes, I have not finished it yet. I find the author's diction and syntax riveting and merely addicting to read. I recommend this book to anyone who wants an accessible read about the history of genetics and evolution. That sounds a little lame, but trust me, it's way more interesting than blue eyes and blond hair.

I have really enjoyed this book. I was surprised our paper published an article in their health paper about genes and DNA and wrote about the same things Sharon addresses in her book. Very interesting.

It always amazes me how interesting this book is. It provides the reader with great insights into the realm of evolutionary science by revealing some intriguing features of mother nature that have allowed us as a species to survive and thrive, but not without tradeoffs. Great book for all ages!

Although this book is written in terms the layman can understand, it would not be a good book for someone who is non-scientific. I am fascinated by The Human Genome Project and DNA research, and this book enhances and builds on that research.

Written in very simple English to make sure that everyone understands. Give you an introduction and
insight in heath and health related research. Now wonder why this book is important for high school
students.

Wonderful book! Makes you thankful for your infirmities. Makes you wish it was required reading for every scientist doing research into degenerative diseases and longevity. Makes you wonder if maybe we'd be taking less lipitor if we hadn't given up on sunbathing...Basically, it makes you think!

This book was so interesting. I would recomend it to anyone interested in purchasing it. Excellent read that I could not put down. I had the chance to look at biology through an evolutionary point of view and it all makes complete sense the way the author describes it. It's all logical but something I never could have thought of.

This book is very informative and extremely interesting. It is not a difficult read either for someone without a medical background in my opinion. It is a great read for anyone with diabetes, high cholesterol, etc. I hope the author comes out with another one soon!

This book was so interesting. I would recomend it to anyone interested in purchasing it. Excellent read that I could not put down. I had the chance to look at biology through an evolutionary point of view and it all makes complete sense the way the author describes it. It's all logical but something I never could have thought of.

This book is very informative and extremely interesting. It is not a difficult read either for someone without a medical background in my opinion. It is a great read for anyone with diabetes, high cholesterol, etc. I hope the author comes out with another one soon!

What an interesting book. I learned a lot about us as a species. Dark skin doesn't let in enough light to make vitamin D so darker skinned people have higher cholestrol which is converted using sunlight into Vitamin D. Without the sun of equatorial Africa the cholestrol builds up and caused more heart attacks and stroke.
I knew some of the things in here but most of it was new to me
Read this book. It will amaze you.

This book is incredibly fascinating. It is bound to entice readers of all backgrounds as the book involves all humans. This is the first book I've truly enjoyed reading in a long time and I have recommended it to all my friends.

This is a book that explains why we get sick - so that we can survive. I have purchased about 7 copies. It actually explains the logic behind our sickness crisis. It gives a reason why we need high cholesterol for winter months. Get Diabetes for winter survival? Yup! Fascinating book. Everyone should read it..

Although i only purchased it for my AP Bio summer work, i was pleasantly surprised on how well written the book was. I also found the book incredibly interesting, and is a great book to show off how many big words you can pronounce.