The Violinist's Thumb, (Paperback)

from LisCarey

This is a fascinating look at the history of genetics, both the science itself and the often quirky and peculiar personalities who moved it ahead. Sam Kean starts off with the story of his own parents--Gene and Jean Kean--and how their accidentally punny names both afflicted and fed his own inter...

from bell7

Sam Kean, the author of The Disappearing Spoon, a book about the periodic table of elements, now turns his attention to genetics and evolution. In The Violinist's Thumb, he takes a non-technical approach to recounting the history of genetic inquiry and the various information we can learn about o...

from kaulsu

I think I enjoyed [The Vanishing Spoon] a bit more. But Kean still was able to keep me--a science know-nothing--reading cover to cover. I may not understand molecular biology, but I understand the double helix of DNA a bit better. The anecdotal stories are delightful! Definitely worth a read.

from mbmackay

This is a good book about the current understanding of DNA and genetics. Sam Kean is not a professional in the field, but he seems knowledgeable and well read in the area. The writing style if fluent and informal, and he conveys complex information well. But, I was left at the end needed more sci...

from MartinBodek

The only - I repeat the only - silver lining to being taught jack squat when I was in school is that books like these take boring school textbookesque information and refashion it beautifully with context. Of course a Mendellian genetic chart is historic and interesting, but the intrigues! The po...