Genome: The Autobiography of a Species In 23 Chapters by Matt Ridley

  (out of 5 stars)

Matt Ridley's Genome is an exploration of human chromosomes heavy in biological and physiological science. Ridley, a journalist and science writer, looks at each chromosome per chapter, using a gene or two found on each to discuss a different aspect of physiology or behavior as affected by the gene, its alleles, or its mutated variations. A strong effort for any reader interested in biology and genetics, Genome is a treat from the very beginning.

Ridley manages to pack a lot of details into the book despite concentrating each chapter on one or two specific genes on the featured chromosome. He themes each chapter on concepts such as Love, Instinct, Conflict, and Free Will, using research on a gene to show how these concepts are affected by genetics.

This book is comprehensive and contains a lot of cutting-edge science from the time of publication (1999), but it remains approachable to the popular science reader. The examples Ridley chooses are fantastic and offer the reader information about research into molecular biology, physiology, psychology, behavior, neurochemistry, anthropology, and many other subjects.

All in all, a wonderful book filled with still-relevant scientific information. Any biology or popular science reader should enjoy Ridley's pace and presentation, and there is a great deal to learn about how genes affect a wide range of concepts. Four and one-half stars.