Convincing you to buy a book about the history of cancer and the search for its prevention and cure
is either going to be easy or very hard.
For those already interested, all I will add is that The Emperor of All Maladies is expertly researched, clearly narrated, and hopeful, if realistic. It's everything you hope for.
For those not interested at first glance, I just have to say that this is one of the most compelling non-fiction books I’ve read in years. A page-turner chock full of scientists, discovery, failure, “victims,” genomics, politics, moral quandaries and a persistently evasive disease that will, alas, afflict one in three American women and one in two American men in their lifetimes. Knowledge is power, right? Get your knowledge here.
This book is fantastic (and totally readable for the curious layperson without being dumbed down). My highest personal recommendation.
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3 comments:
Hi Pete,
A pretty good friend of mine recently lost his mother to a pretty long battle with cancer. I've been reading a lot about this book and am considering buying it for him (he does autopsies for his job, so it's not like he's squeamish), but I'm just wondering if the tone would be a little bit too harsh or straightforward. Any thoughts, as someone who has read it? I know you don't know him, so it's not possible to know for sure, but....
Thanks,
Bonnie
Bonnie:
Tough call as to whether or not someone so recently touched by cancer would want to read it. My brother-in-law, who just survived liver cancer, is reading and enjoying it. But he survived. The book is definitely science, not grief counseling or even much on emotions. I'd recommend something non cancer related, I think, erring on the side of caution. But YOU should read it!
Best,
Pete
Thanks Pete! Congrats, on that NYT shout-out. So exciting!
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