First published 1200
When Jennifer Ackerman becomes pregnant, she worries her child may inherit the gene that caused her younger sister's disability. This personal concern leads her on a journey into the complex world of molecular genetics. Ackerman weaves her own experiences with the latest scientific discoveries, revealing the remarkable similarities in the genetic code that govern life processes in organisms from yeast to humans. From development and sex determination to biological clocks and cell death, she unravels the intricate dance of chance and fate that governs our inheritance. Ultimately, Ackerman's insight and empathy shed light on the profound questions at the heart of what makes us who we are.
Genres: biography, science, non-fiction, genetics, academic, science-nature
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: personal-journey, scientific-discovery
288 pages · Hardcover · Bloomsbury
Content warnings: infertility