Dr. Moalem sometimes relies on controversial theories in his explanations, but he always declares them as such, and there are references at the end of the book for those who wish to follow up. A Ph.D. in human physiology, he appears to know what he's talking about and to be able to put it in layman's terms.
Survival is chock full of interesting stories and wonderful analogies and can be quite funny. In advising caution in the new scientific endeavor of changing gene expression, he says our genes are "engaged in a vast and complex dance that makes us who we are. We need to be awfully careful when we start to change the choreography, especially given our current lack of precision. When you try to move one dancer with a bulldozer, you're pretty darn certain to scoop up more than one Rockette" (p. 177).
Jonathan Prince, with whom Dr. Moalem wrote the book, was a senior adviser and speech writer in the Clinton administration and oversaw communications strategy with NATO during the war in Kosovo. One can't tell what contribution he made to the book, but I find it interesting that he was involved.
The emerging field of evolutionary genetics is something everyone should become literate in, given the pace of discoveries. Survival of the Sickest is a great introduction to the field and addition to the popular science literature. Read it, laugh, and learn.
Article comments
1 - Katie McNeill
I read a book a few weeks back that talked about some of the same things. Less in humans though, more in animals. 'Riddled With Life -Friendly Worms, Ladybug Sex, and the Parasites that make us who we are' by Marlene Zuk. I'll have to check this one out as well.
2 - Jess
Hi Nancy, I want to buy this book for my boyfriend for valentines. Would you say it's a fun read?
3 - Nancy
Yes, it was a fun read, for sure.
4 - Jess
Couldn't wait to valentines to give my boyfriend the book, anyway he loves it so far. Too much I think because he wanted to stay in and finish reading the book instead of going out!
Thanks again Nancy for you suggestion.
5 - Nancy
Your welcome. HOKAY.
6 - Nancy Fontaine
That last comment was not made by me, the author of the review. I know how to spell better and never use "hokay." I have no idea why someone would put a random comment like this on a review. Weird.
That being said, you certainly are welcome for the recommendation, Jess, and I'm really glad your boyfriend liked the book.
7 - Lori
I am listening to the audio book of this and have completed about 60% of it so far. I have really loved this book and agree completely with the reviewer's comments. I have now recommended this book to many of my friends who are interested in topics like this!