Play Book Tag discussion

Walter Isaacson is my favorite biographer. He focuses on extraordinary "outsiders" while also covering people and topics that is closely aligned with the humanities.

This book is about the discovery of CRISPR, a new and revolutionary discovery in gene editing. The book focuses mainly on Jennifer Doudna, and is classified as a biography of Doudna, but many other contributors are profiled in the book. This seems less like a biography of a person and more of the story of CRISPR as The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution was about all those involved in the invention of computers and the internet.

The timing of this books was perfect because the later chapters cover how CRISPR technology was used to help develop COVID vaccines.

Lastly, Isaacson explores the future applications and advancement of gene editing as well as the moral dilemmas that lay ahead.

I first learned of CRISPR from a RadioLab podcast. I recommend listening to it first or getting a stronger sense of what CRISPR is before reading the book.

I have added this to my tbr after seeing that you read and liked this. That said, this sort of thing is one of those areas where there is so much good that can happen but also bad. When it comes to GMOs in food it can wreak havoc for people with certain allergies, especially if they aren't common ones, plus, of course, many times it's so that farmers can apply lots of herbicide to crops that don't normally accept it, thereby increasing pollution. On the other hand, there are times when it might be helpful. But Margaret Atwood, not my favourite author by a long shot, was onto something with her MaddAddam series.

Yes, I agree. there is great good and a slippery slope. Plus all the kinks haven't been worked out.

One of the reasons I like this book is that it puts the topic closer mainstream and starts to create conversation and awareness.

This is on my TBR and you are making me want to bump it up! I have it flagged for audio, but can’t decide if I want to read this one in print...

Nicole, I listened to audio. It was fine but I do feel I did not fully grasp some of the more advanced concepts.

The book would have been 5 stars for me if Isaac's had fully embraced The Innovators style and not tried not to make it about Doudna at times.

I didn't read The Innovators. Do you just mean you wish it would have been split more evening between being about her and Charpentier?

I'll take it being about Doudna, in fact I'll probably love it because I think she is kick ass! Female scientists deserve more limelight than they get and she has spearheaded what will likely be the greatest scientific discovery of of her generation. I am sure I will eat it up.

In a bit of good timing, did you see that GoodReads posted an interview with Isaacson about this book? https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2...

I am finishing up a couple of fiction books at the moment, but your review combined with this interview has cemented this book as my next read. I think I am going to listen to it (it is on Scribd so no extra cost to me), and may also download the book as well to follow along or revisit those particularly advanced concepts.

I also have a PhD in biology and now work in corporate law focusing on pharmaceuticals, so I have a pretty solid science background and understand how CRISPR works already, so the audio may get me through.

I wish it would be one or the other.

The book is touted as a biography but it's not. But it not really just about CRISPR either. It also profiles others instrumental in CRISPR discoveries. It is about Doudna also. The book didn't always feel centered. I loved it though. I loved learning about Doudna and the others involved. I loved learning about CRISPR.

Hope you enjoy it. I'm sure you will considering your background. I look forward to your review.

I read the interview also. it's what nudged to me to go ahead and start the book. I've had on my TBR since it was announced.