First published 1997
Sherwin Nuland takes readers inside the human body to examine the biological mechanisms that define our existence. The National Book Award winner who wrote How We Die turns his attention to life itself, investigating what makes us alive at the cellular and systemic level. Nuland reveals how our bodies maintain health despite constant internal chaos. He describes the complex processes occurring within us every moment, from molecular interactions to organ systems working in concert. The author shows how stability emerges from biological turbulence, creating the foundation for human consciousness and experience. Through detailed exploration of our physical selves, Nuland demonstrates that understanding our bodies leads to understanding what it means to be alive. The book includes eight illustrations that help visualize these internal processes. Nuland argues that wisdom lies not just in our minds but in the very structure and function of our physical being.
Genres: science, non-fiction, health, biology, academic, science-nature
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: informative, investigative
395 pages · Hardcover · Knopf