The Human Genome: A User's Guide, Second Edition

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Summary: A fantastic new tool for teaching genetics!
Review: Here at last is a textbook based on the principle that critical thinking, not memory work, is the key to developing a thorough understanding of and enthusiasm for the field of human genetics. This book is definitely "user friendly" -- it takes an irresistibly creative, personable and often humorous approach to its subject. The passion of the authors for their subject is obvious. Many cutting-edge and often controversial topics are covered, including the fledgling genetics of various aspects of human behavior. At the same time, the authors strongly encourage scientific responsibility and serious contemplation of the ethical issues involved in such research. This is a book about genetics that really matters, and it is sure to hold students' interest. I highly recommend this text to anyone teaching human genetics at the college level. It renders even the most challenging concepts accessible to all, and thus is suitable for both bio majors and non-majors (psych, etc.) alike. Students who use this text will never look at genetics -- or humanity -- in the same way again!

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Summary: Individual aspects of disorders covered
Review: I had this text for a MCB 10 (genetics) course at UC Davis in California. I found the science part of it interesting and for the most part helpful. I think the authors really tried to keep the reader's interest, and make a subject that is not always thought of as fascinating a little more light and relevant. People may disagree about including anecdotes in a textbook, but I think the anecdotes, while they may have been out of place, made the book more readable for me. Also, I really admired the way the authors focused on the individual aspects of the disorders they mentioned. As a young woman with Turners Syndrome, I can say that it was very refreshing that for once we were not portrayed as genetic mutants, and that individual differences that occur in any disorder was pointed out. I think it's sad, looking down the reviews, that only the bad reviews were seen as helpful. I would hope that people will give this book a chance.

Rating:
Summary: A Fantastic Reference!
Review: Science touches the lives of more people today than ever before, and The Human Genome: A User's Guide serves as a simplified but complete compendium of human genetics to be used by scientists and nonscientists alike. Subjects are explained clearly and conversationally but without the loss of the all-important details and facts, making this book a highly interesting read.