Rating: 
Summary: Mercurial and iconoclastic
Review: "The Double Helix" is Watson's scattered memory of how he and Crick discovered the structure of DNA, along with other significant figures who were involved. Self-absorbed, biased, and disorganized as it is, Watson frankly revealed what scientists are like behind the honorable mask they put on for the masses.
The truth that Watson is a bad writer does not take away all the attractions of the book, fortunately. Some occasions Watson dwelled on seemed to have no relationship with the DNA discovery at all. Moreover, his prejudice against Rosalind Franklin is extremely annoying. Still, Watson and Crick's story is generally fun to read, and it was somewhat entertaining to see what evil schemes they used to rise to prominence.
Despite to all the turmoil and controversy Watson invited when the book was first published, it has become a modern classic out of most people's expectation. Remarkably, Watson revealed scientists' real intention to do researches- for fame and profit rather than having the sacred wish to improve human life. Scientists are, after all, human, so they party, compete and do extremities in order to achieve their goal. Watson, in particular, is probably among the most notorious to have written this book.
Rating:
Summary: Double Helix....Stairway to Genetics
Review: I found the book to be the complete antithesis to the expected writings hidden behind the scientific cover. Watson and his clan's quest for the helixical structure of DNA made for an entertaining voyage within these pages. Unexpectedly, as many scientific based books that I have been privy to read lately, this book was very approachable, dare I say readable. The exploits recounted by Watson were very entertaining; they could even be considered witty and humorous although it was biosciences humor. The teamwork and competition aspects of the discovery of the double helix were unexpected but welcomed because I felt that they were the driving forces behind the people. I was impressed by Watson, Crick and Franklin all bringing something to the proverbial table even though I found it a tad bit lucky or coincidental, but that is how these things work sometimes. This, accompanied with the race against Linus Pauling (already a recognized scientist of the time) helped lend to an educational, insightful and entertaining few hours of reading about the basic structure of all of us. I felt like I took a little something with me when I was finished with this work.......and I do mean literally.
Rating:
Summary: The Double Helix
Review: I recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in either learning about DNA or furthering his or her studies and knowledge on the subject. This was an entertaining, short read with a large amount of information packed into one book. The information was comprehensible and easy to read, which made understanding the contents much easier. James Watson, the author of the book, speaks not only of his research with Francis Crick, but his relationships with most members of the DNA team; Maurice Wilkins, Linus Pauling, and Rosalind Franklin are all characters in the book. It's interesting to read Watson's views on these people, but if it's one complaint I have about this book it is that it is in the point of view in which you can only understand Watson's views. You do not fully understand what these other people contributed. It is a very bias piece book. It's pretty sad that after all the work Rosalind Franklin did, she is not recognized as genuinely as Watson and Crick are. It is sad that she died probably of cancer, and as a result of her work with radiation.
As previously stated, this book was very informative, but not overly scientific. The vocabulary was explained, which was helpful, coming from someone who does not have a very large genetic vocabulary to begin with. Watson is quite humorous, as he once states that he likes to be "seated near the evenings box of chocolates." He talks about his personal life, too, as opposed to simply stating the facts that he has discovered while working with DNA. He talks about his sister, Elizabeth Watson, and he talks about his disliking of "Rosy" Franklin. Watson journeyed to many different colleges throughout his life, and he speaks of those with the highest dignity.
This book was an overall good to read. It was very informative yet also enjoyable.
Rating:
Summary: Can't be a moron and understand the meaning of life.
Review: It doesn't delve into heavy science, but if you're a moron that can't handle remembering a lot of names (like ten or so) without intensive character development or have trouble with a couple of basic science terms and doodles, then this book isn't for you (no sarcasm, just honesty). Otherwise this book pretty much reads like a quick, interesting novel. DNA would have been more interesting to learn in school, knowing the characters behind it's discovery. So read it if you're learning about the meaning of life, DNA.
Rating:
Summary: Mr. Virzi's Chemistry Class
Review: Mike Schulze
Chemistry Honors
Book Review
The Double Helix
by: James D. Watson
The Double Helix is the tale of the ups and downs of an adventure shared by two men. This novel depicts the struggle of James Watson and Francis Crick to discover the structure of DNA while attempting to simultaneously focus on other tasks at hand. They yearn to make this discovery before rival biochemist Linus Pauling beats them to the punch to thus win the Nobel Prize, which is foreshadowed for whoever might secure this discovery. Having previously put their search on the shelf for a while Watson and Crick return to the task of solving DNA when Linus Pauling becomes presumably close to solving it himself. After much trial and error Watson finally comes to the idea of the double helix and base pairs which proves to be the correct structure for DNA.
Watson is able to effectively captivate the reader and create a bridge for the reader to cross, enabling him or her to delve in the Watson's world of science. He is fully able to depict the complicated biochemistry that is present in his story in such a way that it is more easily comprehendible for his audience. Watson is successful in vividly relaying the accounts of his story with plentiful detail that creates a tremendous picture in the mind of the reader.
On the other hand, constant reference to numerous scientists and other people is a cause of confusion for the reader as he or she tries desperately but usually ineffectively to recall which person was responsible for which action when they resurface at different times throughout the novel. The inclusion by Watson of all these characters removes and scatters the focus of audience from where he intends it to be, which is on his struggle with DNA.
Despite this imperfection The Double Helix is still a great novel. It does so much to further the understanding the discovery of the structure of DNA. It is a great complimentary learning tool for anybody interested in biochemistry and DNA.
Rating:
Summary: Important Discover...but not the most invigorating book
Review: Ok. I'm giving this book a 4 because of the importance of the discover of the structure of DNA. In terms of actual reading material, however, I'd probably give it a 2 or 3. I do believe that James Watson is a great scientist, but he is not writer. His writing style is only adequete and far from interesting and he really doesn't do a great job of putting interest into the subject matter. Someone who does not have at least a little background in the general concepts or biology/organic chemistry/physics will probably not get much out of this book.Now on to the science side of the book. Watson describes the various events that took place while he, Franscis Crick, Maurice Wilkins, and Rosalind Franklin worked on discovering the structure of DNA. Again, Watson does not really put much vigor into these events but does describe them realistically (science can't always do interesting). He focuses on his relationship with Crick, battles with Franklin, and competetion with Linus Pauling--the Nobel prize winning chemist who ironically get the structure of DNA wrong. Through his writing, Watson at times reveals his pompousness and his ignorance of certain scientific concepts, but overall shows his devout eagerness of discovery. I would say that this is an important book to read if you are at all interested in science. However, it is probably too boring for just a fun read.
Rating:
Summary: First-hand account of uncovering 'the secret of life'
Review: The book is a first hand story from Watson, who along with Francis Cricks was the first to formulate the double helical structure of the gene. Watson writes candidly about the frustrations, setbacks, anguishes and the breakthroughs involved in the process of discovery. The intense rivalry between different labs, particularly between Cambridge (Watson & Cricks) and Pauling (in the US) is insightful. Key players at the time were acutely aware that whoever solved the puzzle would have a place in scientific history, and rightly so. Competition is perhaps a good thing, even in the sciences!
Key observations / points from the Double Helix:
i. Watson's openness about the failures, progress, wrong turns, thought processes and other associated aspects of research.
ii. Cricks' incredible confidence (arrogance?) and commitment - he worked with Watson despite clear direction from Bragg (Sir Lawrence Bragg, the lab Director) to focus on his PhD.
iii. Open communication between smart people is critical to success. Scientific development seems to revolve around that. Why is business generally so poor at doing this - communicating?
iv. A combination of theoretical, experimental (x-ray / lithography) and model building (it is hard to think in 3d, but easy to see) was critical to the ultimate solution. Particularly the latter, model building. This reminded me of Richard Feynman's book (Surely You are Joking Mr Feynman) where he describes something very similar. Theoretical folks obtain insights from experiments and vice versa.
v. Hanging around smart and communicative people is a good thing and should be aspired to - something I am lacking at the moment.
vi. Watson learned fundamentally new fields (after some considerable reluctance) from scratch after discovering that he had to learn them.
vii. Intense rivalry between different labs for solving the gene structure first.
viii. Watson's comments that it was much more satisfying to try and have a shot at glory by attempting to solve the gene structure than to never have risked a thought. Reminded me of other academic environments. Even if business people and / or academics adopted a very small part of the general principle that Watson and Cricks' did, they would be much more innovative.
ix. Have fun. Watson and Cricks spent a lot of time travelling, eating out, drinking, chasing girls, attending parties - they seemed to be acutely aware of the fact that they (particulary Watson) would be labelled boring and thus strived to be interesting. Have (am?) i been guilty of that as well??
x. No ego. Watson, Cricks and most others in the community apprear to talk straight, admit to faults quickly, learn and progress.
Overall, a candid first-hand account of the pursuit of the discovery of the `secret of life' - a must read.
Rating:
Summary: Riveting Account of Discovery
Review: The discovery of the structure of DNA was a monumental leap forward for the world of science. Whether or not you are looking to forward you studies in this area, I recommend opening this book. Watson provides a vibrantly colorful description of the exciting race to find a solution. A biography, the Double Helix adds a hint of humanism to a scientific search. His writing is fresh and direct, without any hesitation to state what he feels. Apart from being highly informative, it is an exciting retelling of the research process. Upon reading the novel, however aware you are that Watson and Crick will be receiving Nobel Prize for their discovery, you are still caught up in the chase.
A discovery of such epic size could not have been achieved by two scientists alone. Watson delves into descriptions of the scientists who provided essential pieces of information. Over the course of the novel we are introduced to Maurice Wilkins, who would be awarded the Nobel Prize along side Watson and Crick in 1962. Rosalind Franklin is depicted, giving her an undersized portion of recognition she deserved, as without her work with radiation Watson and Crick would have never gotten any where.
It is fascinating to hear the overlooked aspects of what happens on the path to discovery. When we are introduced to Watson he is an unfocused American graduate studying physics, who on account of sheer luck stumbles across bio chemistry and his future boastful partner Francis Crick.
In the Double Helix, Watson does more than merely recount the steps of his discovery. Here, is a very human story about an important scientific endeavor. You travel with Watson as he tastes wine and debates politics; a reminder that science is also a part of everyday life. Therefore, it is a narrative that holds appeal for all people with all levels of interest in science.
Rating: 
Summary: DNA's Discovery
Review: The Double Helix by James D. Watson chronicles James Watson's and Francis Crick's etraordinary discovery of the structure of DNA. This book shows the not only the critical problems and solutions they found but also Watson's thoughts and perceptions of the people around him. Watson's views of his colleagues Sir Lawrence Bragg, Max Perutz and his competitors Linus Pauling, Rosalind Franklin, and Maurice Wilkins are harsh and biased yet they still provide some insight. An interesting look at the competition that takes place between the scientists is also present as Crick and Watson race to be the first to solve the DNA mystery. Watson's description of glee at Linus Pauling's failure to find the structure of DNA shatters the idea that all scientists have a noble drive which is to improve the world.
This book begins with Watson's various travels and studies. Before arriving at Cambridge his main focus had been bacterial and viral phages. However, after arriving in Cambridge and meeting Francis Crick, their shared interest in solving the DNA myestery exploded, and their efforts that would eventually lead to success began. It is important to note that during their time of model building and researching, both Crick and Watson were really supposed to be working on other projects. Their discovery, which revolutionized science, was produced during their spare time. Watson clearly explains the thought processes he and Crick underwent while also providing an imporved understanding of DNA.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun read. The Double Helix is short, informative, yet very entertaining. The language is easy to understand and all of the scientific topics are well explained. Watson's dry humor is spread throughout the book making it a very enjoyable read.
Rating:
Summary: The Double Helix
Review: The Double Helix by James D. Watson is a true story based on the real life discovery of the structure of DNA. The book takes the reader on the journey from the beginning. It provides background information on what James Watson and Francis Crick, who co-discovered DNA, were doing. It starts with their early work that did not involve DNA at all. Watson soon becomes intrigued by DNA and when he met Crick in Cambridge some years later, peaked his interest also. This is where their story together began on their journey to finding one of the most important pieces of science ever discovered.
Watson and Crick's brilliance are appreciated as they struggle through their problems in trying to work out the unknown and please their employer Sir Lawrence Bragg at the same time. At certain points in the story, both have to put DNA on hold, while they worked on other experiments as instructed. They keep working with the DNA structure in their spare time. When they reach a dead end, they start over and logically work their way through what they know. With the help of others, such as Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins and the use of their x-ray diffraction pictures and other technologies, they are able to obtain information that help them on their way to fame. Not only does this book provide the reader with information on Watson and Crick but gives insight on other scientists and their theories at that present time, such as Linus Pauling and his alpha helix. In the book's conclusion, it is finally revealed how Watson and Crick were able to discover the structure of DNA. With knowing how they discovered the structure, the reader is able to obtain a better understanding of what DNA is.
This book is a very easy read. The language it contains is simplistic and easily understood. The book is not lengthy. It is well written and keeps the reader interested, but in turn, still teaches facts and the history of the discovery of the DNA structure. I highly recommend this book, if you are interested in science or not. It is an enjoyable read that provides the reader with information and some humor. Overall, I would highly recommend The Double Helix by James F. Watson.
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