By Donald B. Kraybill, Steven M. Nolt, and David L. Weaver-Zercher
http://www.amazon.com/Amish-Way-Patient-Faith-Perilous/dp/0470520698/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1294957120&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II
Having directed a dissertation on the Amish, I have a good background on Amish ways—especially in Ohio. Also, I have read other books on the topic as well.
This book is outstanding for a number of reasons.There are at least 14 pages of notes, and 6 ½ pages of references. Each of the three authors has a Ph.D. Kraybill is a senior fellow at the Young Center of Elizabethtown College, Nolt is a professor of history at Goshen College, and Weaver-Zercher is a professor of American religious history at Messiah College. In addition, they are the authors of the very favorably reviewed and successful book Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy, which describes the response to and reaction of the Amish community to the shooting of ten schoolgirls at Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, in October 2006. Together, the authors have over 50 years working with the Amish.
All of the above paragraph supports and proves the authors’ credentials—the first reason why this book is outstanding.
The second reason this book is outstanding is that it is superbly written. The authors tell wonderful, endearing stories that are engaging, insightful, and instructive. If you have read nothing about or have no experience with the Amish prior to reading this book, you will be enlightened. If you are part of the secular world, your eyes will be opened in shock and amazement. Yes, the book is gentle, respectful, sensitive, and understanding, but it discusses a society and a way of behaving that is so contrary to “normal” society that it is scarey. Fortunately, the authors offer a readable book that is well-crafted and entertaining.
The third reason this book is outstanding is its organization. It is organized around the topics of spirituality, community, everyday life, Amish faith, and the rest of us. From the authors’ descriptions and explanations, you get a wonderful picture of the details of Amish life as well as an overview of Amish reality. Because of the authors’ approach, you come away with a nearly complete look at what it might be like to live in the Amish way. The rules by which they live, alone, are so specific and detailed that little in their daily life is spontaneous or free. They are bound by their faith.
The fourth reason this book is outstanding is that it answers many of the questions those who are not Amish ask about them. For example, do the Amish accept non-Amish converts? How do Amish adolescents decide to be Baptized? How are the strict rules of the Amish enforced? What constitutes infringement of the rules? Why (and how) is the practice of shunning used? Why do Amish attend church only every other Sunday? To what degree does the Amish bishop wield authority? How do the Amish view modern society? Technology? How do the Amish hold onto their young people who get a taste of the outside world? What do the Amish do when they move into an electrified home and yet want to strictly follow Amish rules? So many questions are answered.
The fifth reason this book is outstanding is because it really makes your heart go out for Amish people. Why? First, because of the very hard life they live. Second, because of the many sacrifices they must make. When you consider all the devices, tools, and equipment we in the secular world have to make our lives easier — with new technology being offered to us on a daily basis — it is just amazing that anyone would or could give it all up to live a simple, faithful life.
Because of the authors’ manner of presentation, as well as the positive features of this book discussed above, readers cannot help feeling a profound, whole-hearted, and compassionate tenderness regarding the Amish commitment to faith, family, and frugality. This is a sensational book.
The Amish Way: Patient Faith in a Perilous World can be purchased at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Amish-Way-Patient-Faith-Perilous/dp/0470520698/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1294957120&sr=1-1
Showing posts with label Book Review by Richard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book Review by Richard. Show all posts
Monday, February 20, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
WRONG: Why experts keep failing us—and how to know when not to trust them
By David H. Freedman
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II
The author is :a science and business journalist.” Outside of appendices, notes, and index, the text is 230 pages long, and there are 11 pages of notes.
There are a number of reasons I liked this book. First, it is very well-written. Second, it covers areas (finance, doctors, relationship gurus, celebrity CEOs, consultants, health, and more) with which I have some interest (although no expertise).
The third reason I liked this book is that it offers great evidence, interesting facts, and fascinating statistics and insights I would probably never gather elsewhere. The fourth reason is that it produces skeptics. Whether you accept Freedman’s ideas or not, he certainly opens your eyes and makes you question — something we all should be doing all of the time. (If nothing else, it is what colleges and universities should be good at promoting.)
I enjoyed Freedman’s examination of the various safeguards that we have to try to root out and address fraud. As I was preparing this review of his book (on January 6, 2011), the British Medical Journal (BMJ) just pronounced a Lancet study by lead scientist Andrew Wakefield, M.D., that connected the Mumps, Measles, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine to autism as an “elaborate fraud.” An ironic juxtaposition, to say the least.
On page 120 Freedman writes, “Thank goodness for peer review, the 350-year-old research-journal tradition of sending candidate articles out to knowledgeable researchers for vetting and comments.” — even though he admits that peer review provides only a minimal assurance of quality, and that “lousy research can slip past peer review into journals” (p. 121). Having been part of a number of peer-review teams during my tenure as a university professor, I have to agree with Freedman; however, I also agree that there is really little other way to prevent lousy research from getting published. The Internet makes “publication” an easy process.
What Freedman does is open the whole area of fraud and “the fraudulent police” to further discussion. His chapter conclusions (see page 124) are right on target about scientists.
Freedman’s comment about determining whether or not Internet information is accurate was well taken: “ . . . we’re back to that problem of whether most people in the public are equipped to track down high-quality information on the Internet, as opposed to ending up with advice that may look convincing but is in fact junk” (p. 201). Of course, with respect to students (and the public, too), this isn’t a new concern, it is simply a much bigger concern with the glut of information at our fingertips.
Every student should be required to read Chapter 9, “Eleven Simple Never-Fail Rules for Not Being Misled by Experts” (pp. 203-230). Even though the rules are generic, they are important and well explained here. His “Typical Characteristics of Less Trustworthy Expert Advice,” “Characteristics of Expert Advice We Should Ignore,” and “Some Characteristics of More Trustworthy Expert Advice” is priceless, essential, practical, and incredibly relevant in today’s information-saturated world.
WRONG: Why experts keep failing us—and how to know when not to trust them can be purchased at Amazon.com
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II
The author is :a science and business journalist.” Outside of appendices, notes, and index, the text is 230 pages long, and there are 11 pages of notes.
There are a number of reasons I liked this book. First, it is very well-written. Second, it covers areas (finance, doctors, relationship gurus, celebrity CEOs, consultants, health, and more) with which I have some interest (although no expertise).
The third reason I liked this book is that it offers great evidence, interesting facts, and fascinating statistics and insights I would probably never gather elsewhere. The fourth reason is that it produces skeptics. Whether you accept Freedman’s ideas or not, he certainly opens your eyes and makes you question — something we all should be doing all of the time. (If nothing else, it is what colleges and universities should be good at promoting.)
I enjoyed Freedman’s examination of the various safeguards that we have to try to root out and address fraud. As I was preparing this review of his book (on January 6, 2011), the British Medical Journal (BMJ) just pronounced a Lancet study by lead scientist Andrew Wakefield, M.D., that connected the Mumps, Measles, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine to autism as an “elaborate fraud.” An ironic juxtaposition, to say the least.
On page 120 Freedman writes, “Thank goodness for peer review, the 350-year-old research-journal tradition of sending candidate articles out to knowledgeable researchers for vetting and comments.” — even though he admits that peer review provides only a minimal assurance of quality, and that “lousy research can slip past peer review into journals” (p. 121). Having been part of a number of peer-review teams during my tenure as a university professor, I have to agree with Freedman; however, I also agree that there is really little other way to prevent lousy research from getting published. The Internet makes “publication” an easy process.
What Freedman does is open the whole area of fraud and “the fraudulent police” to further discussion. His chapter conclusions (see page 124) are right on target about scientists.
Freedman’s comment about determining whether or not Internet information is accurate was well taken: “ . . . we’re back to that problem of whether most people in the public are equipped to track down high-quality information on the Internet, as opposed to ending up with advice that may look convincing but is in fact junk” (p. 201). Of course, with respect to students (and the public, too), this isn’t a new concern, it is simply a much bigger concern with the glut of information at our fingertips.
Every student should be required to read Chapter 9, “Eleven Simple Never-Fail Rules for Not Being Misled by Experts” (pp. 203-230). Even though the rules are generic, they are important and well explained here. His “Typical Characteristics of Less Trustworthy Expert Advice,” “Characteristics of Expert Advice We Should Ignore,” and “Some Characteristics of More Trustworthy Expert Advice” is priceless, essential, practical, and incredibly relevant in today’s information-saturated world.
WRONG: Why experts keep failing us—and how to know when not to trust them can be purchased at Amazon.com
Monday, January 16, 2012
Power: Why some people have it — and others don’t
By Jeffrey Pfeffer
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
I found this book incredibly interesting. The book is well-written, extremely well organized, and well-supported (16 pages of notes) in addition to hundreds of relevant, important, and pungent examples. I found the information to be honest, forthright, and right on target.
I tended to agree with Pfeffer’s negative evaluations of other books on leadership (even though it may be a bit self-serving), but after reading Pfeffer’s various suggestions for gaining power, you realize that so many other author’s books lack the force, bite, sharpness, and honesty that Pfeffer delivers.
One thing I felt as I was reading was that I pictured myself in a college classroom listening to a well-informed, interesting lecturer. There are great examples, and the book is pretty easy to read. It should be clear that you don’t have to be a college student or an academic to appreciate Pfeffer’s information and insights.
Another thing I discovered from reading this book is something I learned rather early when I was teaching speech-communication classes — especially those sections dealing with persuasion. At one point I was asked by one of my students (and it occurred several times throughout my career), “Couldn’t someone take the ideas and principles you are teaching and become another Hitler?” The answer is clearly yes.
The best way (perhaps the only way) I found to counter or address these concerns is to talk extensively about ethics — how to properly and ethically use the information and ideas they were learning. Also, a unit or section on ethics exists in every textbook on public speaking or persuasion. There is no way to guarantee that such messages get through to students; however, class discussions, coverage on examinations, in addition to such units or sections in textbooks, is the way we approach the ethics issue. There is no discussion of ethics in this book; perhaps, there should be.
Pfeffer’s suggestions for gaining power far exceed any of the persuasive strategies I taught in college, and someone bent on using his ideas in a negative fashion could certainly wreak more havoc in a shorter amount of time than they could with persuasion alone. If anyone, after reading this book, thinks this is all common sense or skills that any opportunist might use, then I beg to differ. They are not reading Pfeffer closely or they are not understanding his suggestions. (—or, they are already wreaking havoc!)
I found this to be an interesting statement: “Many studies of the predictors of career success, focusing on both the general population and specific subpopulations such as business school graduates, have found that mental aptitude correlates somewhat with grades in school but has virtually no ability to explain who rises to the top” (p. 55).
I absolutely loved his use of current examples such as Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Willie Brown, Ishan Gupta, Caroline Kennedy, Frank Stanton, Oliver North, Barack Obama, and many others.
His Chapter 7, “Acting and Speaking with Power (pp. 125-146), caught my attention because of my background in speech communication. This is, indeed, the chapter that traces Lt. Colonel Oliver North’s return to power after being indicted on 16 felony counts, “including accepting illegal gratuities, aiding and abetting the obstruction of a congressional inquiry, and destroying documents and evidence” (p. 125). Also, in this chapter, the comparison between North and Donald Kennedy (former president of Stanford University) and the manner in which they testified before a congressional investigating committee is offered. I found it eye-opening, and Pfeffer’s comment about it is rich in meaning: “We choose how we will act and talk, and those decisions are consequential for acquiring and holding on to power” (p. 128).
Did you know this? “Although the research literature shows the interview is not a reliable or valid selection mechanism, it is almost universally used . . . To come across effectively, we need to master how to convey power. We need to act, and speak, with power” (p. 129).
Using examples of Peter Ueberroth, Andy Grove, Gary Loverman, and Rahm Emanuel (among others), Pfeffer clearly demonstrates how to act and speak with power using interruption, contesting the premises of the discussion, using persuasive language (and Max Atkinson’s linguistic techniques).
Although Pfeffer advocates using “humor to the extent possible and appropriate” and even cites novelist Salman Rushie saying, “If you make people laugh, you can tell them anything” (p. 145), there isn’t a great deal of humor in this 273-page book. It could use some; however, it is direct, strong, straightforward, and powerful. I recommend it.
The book, Power: Why some people have it — and others don’t can be purchased at Amazon.com
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
I found this book incredibly interesting. The book is well-written, extremely well organized, and well-supported (16 pages of notes) in addition to hundreds of relevant, important, and pungent examples. I found the information to be honest, forthright, and right on target.
I tended to agree with Pfeffer’s negative evaluations of other books on leadership (even though it may be a bit self-serving), but after reading Pfeffer’s various suggestions for gaining power, you realize that so many other author’s books lack the force, bite, sharpness, and honesty that Pfeffer delivers.
One thing I felt as I was reading was that I pictured myself in a college classroom listening to a well-informed, interesting lecturer. There are great examples, and the book is pretty easy to read. It should be clear that you don’t have to be a college student or an academic to appreciate Pfeffer’s information and insights.
Another thing I discovered from reading this book is something I learned rather early when I was teaching speech-communication classes — especially those sections dealing with persuasion. At one point I was asked by one of my students (and it occurred several times throughout my career), “Couldn’t someone take the ideas and principles you are teaching and become another Hitler?” The answer is clearly yes.
The best way (perhaps the only way) I found to counter or address these concerns is to talk extensively about ethics — how to properly and ethically use the information and ideas they were learning. Also, a unit or section on ethics exists in every textbook on public speaking or persuasion. There is no way to guarantee that such messages get through to students; however, class discussions, coverage on examinations, in addition to such units or sections in textbooks, is the way we approach the ethics issue. There is no discussion of ethics in this book; perhaps, there should be.
Pfeffer’s suggestions for gaining power far exceed any of the persuasive strategies I taught in college, and someone bent on using his ideas in a negative fashion could certainly wreak more havoc in a shorter amount of time than they could with persuasion alone. If anyone, after reading this book, thinks this is all common sense or skills that any opportunist might use, then I beg to differ. They are not reading Pfeffer closely or they are not understanding his suggestions. (—or, they are already wreaking havoc!)
I found this to be an interesting statement: “Many studies of the predictors of career success, focusing on both the general population and specific subpopulations such as business school graduates, have found that mental aptitude correlates somewhat with grades in school but has virtually no ability to explain who rises to the top” (p. 55).
I absolutely loved his use of current examples such as Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Willie Brown, Ishan Gupta, Caroline Kennedy, Frank Stanton, Oliver North, Barack Obama, and many others.
His Chapter 7, “Acting and Speaking with Power (pp. 125-146), caught my attention because of my background in speech communication. This is, indeed, the chapter that traces Lt. Colonel Oliver North’s return to power after being indicted on 16 felony counts, “including accepting illegal gratuities, aiding and abetting the obstruction of a congressional inquiry, and destroying documents and evidence” (p. 125). Also, in this chapter, the comparison between North and Donald Kennedy (former president of Stanford University) and the manner in which they testified before a congressional investigating committee is offered. I found it eye-opening, and Pfeffer’s comment about it is rich in meaning: “We choose how we will act and talk, and those decisions are consequential for acquiring and holding on to power” (p. 128).
Did you know this? “Although the research literature shows the interview is not a reliable or valid selection mechanism, it is almost universally used . . . To come across effectively, we need to master how to convey power. We need to act, and speak, with power” (p. 129).
Using examples of Peter Ueberroth, Andy Grove, Gary Loverman, and Rahm Emanuel (among others), Pfeffer clearly demonstrates how to act and speak with power using interruption, contesting the premises of the discussion, using persuasive language (and Max Atkinson’s linguistic techniques).
Although Pfeffer advocates using “humor to the extent possible and appropriate” and even cites novelist Salman Rushie saying, “If you make people laugh, you can tell them anything” (p. 145), there isn’t a great deal of humor in this 273-page book. It could use some; however, it is direct, strong, straightforward, and powerful. I recommend it.
The book, Power: Why some people have it — and others don’t can be purchased at Amazon.com
Monday, January 9, 2012
How music works: The science and psychology of beautiful sounds, from Beethoven to the Beatles and Beyonce
By John Powell
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II
The idea that someone would have a background (Ph.D. no less!) in physics and, in addition, a master’s degree in music composition sounds like an educational oxymoron. Then to bring these two areas of expertise together in a book that explains “how music works” is both unique and incredibly interesting. (And I thought my upbringing in science (an undergraduate minor) combined with a B.A. in speech communication was unusual!) Not only that, but Powell has taught both physics and musical acoustics. I mention this simply because these three areas (physics, music, and teaching) are beautifully juxtaposed in this excellent book.
Powell packs so much into this well-written, well-illustrated, well-explained, informative, and entertaining book that it is hard to know where to begin in reviewing it. Actually, if you have ever dabbled in music, if you play or have played an instrument, if you are a professional disc-jockey (as my older son is), or if you are simply a leisurely, laid-back listener of music, buy this book. I guarantee: 1) you will enjoy it, and 2) you will learn a great deal from it. You can then just skip my review of it because all I do is support these two justifications for purchasing it.
There is a question I have often answered for students at the university that becomes relevant once again with this book: “Doesn’t having an education make you more critical of things?” Actually, the answer is, “No.” Having an education increases your appreciation of things. It brings a deeper understanding, more background knowledge, a greater history, and, thus, a better grasp of everything in the world. It offers a context and frame of reference so that not only can you ask intelligent questions but you can give more informed, thorough, and substantiated answers as well. I have learned that the more education you have, the more you want to learn: It instills the teacher in you!
Powell was concerned about this as well when he says, “Some people worry that understanding more about music will reduce the pleasure they get from it, but the reverse is true. Learning how a complicated dish is prepared makes you appreciate it even more, and doesn’t change how good it tastes” (p. 4).
This response provides insight into one of Powell’s teaching abilities: throughout the book, he creates realistic, practical, hands-on analogies with which readers can closely relate, to make his points.
How pedestrian do his analogies get? After quoting Professor Frederick Corder, who wrote the book The Orchestra, and How to Write for It (1894), and Corder’s disdain for the trumpet, the guitar, viola, and oboe, Powell writes, “ . . . I dread to think what he would have said about the drinking straw oboe. All you need in order to own one of these magnificent instruments is a drinking straw and a pair of scissors. The illustration below shows you what to do” (p. 73). Powell adds to his delightful explanation of how to use it, “You can even cut little finger holes and play dreadful out-of-tune melodies. The long winter evenings will just fly by” (p. 73). (I love Powell’s sarcasm.)
Among many other things, Powell explains what perfect pitch is, the difference between notes and noise, how loud is loud, the difference between harmony and cacophony, as well as how long it takes to become an expert, how musicians learn long and complicated pieces, how to select an instrument if you want to learn to play one, and the various elements involved in listening to music. There is just so much in this 265-page book. No, you don’t have to read all the detailed sections; choose just those that have interest (knowing, however, that when you do, you will be missing out on some of the author’s humorous asides, comments, and commentary).
This book is priceless — a treasure. Thank you John Powell for this wonderful experience. As just a casual, laid back, appreciater of all kinds of music — I do not play an instrument nor do I write music (although I have offspring who do) — I have learned so much, and this book has contributed greatly to the musical portion of my education.
How music works: The science and psychology of beautiful sounds, from Beethoven to the Beatles and Beyonce can be found at Amazon.com
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II
The idea that someone would have a background (Ph.D. no less!) in physics and, in addition, a master’s degree in music composition sounds like an educational oxymoron. Then to bring these two areas of expertise together in a book that explains “how music works” is both unique and incredibly interesting. (And I thought my upbringing in science (an undergraduate minor) combined with a B.A. in speech communication was unusual!) Not only that, but Powell has taught both physics and musical acoustics. I mention this simply because these three areas (physics, music, and teaching) are beautifully juxtaposed in this excellent book.
Powell packs so much into this well-written, well-illustrated, well-explained, informative, and entertaining book that it is hard to know where to begin in reviewing it. Actually, if you have ever dabbled in music, if you play or have played an instrument, if you are a professional disc-jockey (as my older son is), or if you are simply a leisurely, laid-back listener of music, buy this book. I guarantee: 1) you will enjoy it, and 2) you will learn a great deal from it. You can then just skip my review of it because all I do is support these two justifications for purchasing it.
There is a question I have often answered for students at the university that becomes relevant once again with this book: “Doesn’t having an education make you more critical of things?” Actually, the answer is, “No.” Having an education increases your appreciation of things. It brings a deeper understanding, more background knowledge, a greater history, and, thus, a better grasp of everything in the world. It offers a context and frame of reference so that not only can you ask intelligent questions but you can give more informed, thorough, and substantiated answers as well. I have learned that the more education you have, the more you want to learn: It instills the teacher in you!
Powell was concerned about this as well when he says, “Some people worry that understanding more about music will reduce the pleasure they get from it, but the reverse is true. Learning how a complicated dish is prepared makes you appreciate it even more, and doesn’t change how good it tastes” (p. 4).
This response provides insight into one of Powell’s teaching abilities: throughout the book, he creates realistic, practical, hands-on analogies with which readers can closely relate, to make his points.
How pedestrian do his analogies get? After quoting Professor Frederick Corder, who wrote the book The Orchestra, and How to Write for It (1894), and Corder’s disdain for the trumpet, the guitar, viola, and oboe, Powell writes, “ . . . I dread to think what he would have said about the drinking straw oboe. All you need in order to own one of these magnificent instruments is a drinking straw and a pair of scissors. The illustration below shows you what to do” (p. 73). Powell adds to his delightful explanation of how to use it, “You can even cut little finger holes and play dreadful out-of-tune melodies. The long winter evenings will just fly by” (p. 73). (I love Powell’s sarcasm.)
Among many other things, Powell explains what perfect pitch is, the difference between notes and noise, how loud is loud, the difference between harmony and cacophony, as well as how long it takes to become an expert, how musicians learn long and complicated pieces, how to select an instrument if you want to learn to play one, and the various elements involved in listening to music. There is just so much in this 265-page book. No, you don’t have to read all the detailed sections; choose just those that have interest (knowing, however, that when you do, you will be missing out on some of the author’s humorous asides, comments, and commentary).
This book is priceless — a treasure. Thank you John Powell for this wonderful experience. As just a casual, laid back, appreciater of all kinds of music — I do not play an instrument nor do I write music (although I have offspring who do) — I have learned so much, and this book has contributed greatly to the musical portion of my education.
How music works: The science and psychology of beautiful sounds, from Beethoven to the Beatles and Beyonce can be found at Amazon.com
Monday, May 24, 2010
The Language of Life: DNA and the Revolution in Personalized Medicine
Book Club... And Then Some!
The Language of Life: DNA and the Revolution in Personalized Medicine
by Francis Collins
Book Review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
Before I was a speech-communication major in college—and since I was in the ninth grade in junior-high-school, I might add—I wanted to be a doctor. Most of my courses in high school and early college were all science courses. My interest in science did not wear off, and when I graduated from the University of Michigan, I had to make general science a minor since I had had so many courses in the area, and my graduation would have been delayed for at least a year if I had to pick up a new minor. All this is explanation for my love of science and, thus, of this book.
Collins has written a science book on DNA for the masses, and I absorbed the information like a sponge in water. It is a terrific read not just for Collins’ unbelievable knowledge, the revealing and interesting examples cited, the comfortable, readable, and friendly writing style, or even the specific detail he offers: “The best-understood genes are those that code for protein. This process involves first making an RNA copy of the DNA; that RNA is then transported to the ribosome ‘protein factories’ in the cytoplasm, where the letters of the RNA code are translated into the amino acids used by proteins....This translation is carried out using a triplet code word; for example, AAA in the RNA codes for the amino acid lysine, and AGA codes for arginine” (p. 7). Most of the language is not of this style and not nearly as complex.
But, getting back to my point about why the book is a terrific read. The book is a terrific read because of how it relates to us all. Collins writes: “The consequence of all this progress is that a new science has appeared at the very center of biology and medicine: you could call it DNA cryptography. We’ve intercepted a highly elaborate message of critical importance for the future of the human species” (p. 13). To drive this point home for every reader, Collins says, “Family health history turns out to be the strongest of all currently measurable risk factors for many common conditions, incorporating as it does information about both heredity and shared environment” (p. 14).
The book is as reader-friendly as a science book can be. At the end of nine of his ten chapters, Collins has included a box entitled, “What you can do now to join the personalized medicine revolution,” which offers specific methods for readers to take responsibility for their lives. If you think you may have trouble with some of the language, there is an eight-page glossary to assist you. Also, numerous figures help in explaining concepts.
This is a great book written by the Director of the National Institutes of Health who spent fifteen years as director of the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institute of Health. Collins was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2007, and the National Medal of Science in 2009. The book is copyrighted 2010.
----
Get this book at Amazon.com The Language of Life: DNA and the Revolution in Personalized Medicine
The Language of Life: DNA and the Revolution in Personalized Medicine
by Francis Collins
Book Review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
Before I was a speech-communication major in college—and since I was in the ninth grade in junior-high-school, I might add—I wanted to be a doctor. Most of my courses in high school and early college were all science courses. My interest in science did not wear off, and when I graduated from the University of Michigan, I had to make general science a minor since I had had so many courses in the area, and my graduation would have been delayed for at least a year if I had to pick up a new minor. All this is explanation for my love of science and, thus, of this book.
Collins has written a science book on DNA for the masses, and I absorbed the information like a sponge in water. It is a terrific read not just for Collins’ unbelievable knowledge, the revealing and interesting examples cited, the comfortable, readable, and friendly writing style, or even the specific detail he offers: “The best-understood genes are those that code for protein. This process involves first making an RNA copy of the DNA; that RNA is then transported to the ribosome ‘protein factories’ in the cytoplasm, where the letters of the RNA code are translated into the amino acids used by proteins....This translation is carried out using a triplet code word; for example, AAA in the RNA codes for the amino acid lysine, and AGA codes for arginine” (p. 7). Most of the language is not of this style and not nearly as complex.
But, getting back to my point about why the book is a terrific read. The book is a terrific read because of how it relates to us all. Collins writes: “The consequence of all this progress is that a new science has appeared at the very center of biology and medicine: you could call it DNA cryptography. We’ve intercepted a highly elaborate message of critical importance for the future of the human species” (p. 13). To drive this point home for every reader, Collins says, “Family health history turns out to be the strongest of all currently measurable risk factors for many common conditions, incorporating as it does information about both heredity and shared environment” (p. 14).
The book is as reader-friendly as a science book can be. At the end of nine of his ten chapters, Collins has included a box entitled, “What you can do now to join the personalized medicine revolution,” which offers specific methods for readers to take responsibility for their lives. If you think you may have trouble with some of the language, there is an eight-page glossary to assist you. Also, numerous figures help in explaining concepts.
This is a great book written by the Director of the National Institutes of Health who spent fifteen years as director of the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institute of Health. Collins was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2007, and the National Medal of Science in 2009. The book is copyrighted 2010.
----
Get this book at Amazon.com The Language of Life: DNA and the Revolution in Personalized Medicine
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