by L. Gonick & M. Wheelis 1983 revised 1991 - Harper Perennial
Library
A really fun explanation of some basic concepts in genetics/biology using cartoons.
(see
it)
by J. Van Cleave 1990 - John Wiley & Sons
Great for adolescents.
(see
it)
by L. Garrett - Farrar, Strauss & Giroux / New York
A very sophisticated and very well written account of various 20th century epidemics...from
a social, political AND scientific standpoint. Reads like a novel. While Garrett
is extremely well versed in public health issues (about 100 pages of the book
are REFERENCES), she does make some simple mistakes when it comes to science.
Still highly recommended. Don't be put off by 600 pages...it is easy to read,
as well as pick up and put down. Laurie Garrett has also more recently written
Betrayal of Trust: The Collapse of Global Public Health - 2001,
which is also quite long, fascinating and full of scary facts about diseases
and our efforts to fight them.
(see
it)
by Matt Ridley 2000 - HarperCollins
New York Times Bestseller. I can't rave about this book enough. Ridley
explores all of the issues surrounding the human genome project (and biology
in the 21st century, for that matter, as it relates to everyone, not just scientists).
Not overly technical, the book outlines what is fascinating about our DNA by
picking a gene on each chromosome and relating it to current (and sometimes
controversial) issues in biology. Sociology, politics, prehistory, sexuality,
and more...all weaved into the story. Now also available in an abridged version
for those of you with less time.
(see
it)
by Tracy Kidder (2003)
Pulitzer Prize winner. It's fascinating (full of well explained stuff
on modern problems with disease) as well as inspirational. Recommended by J.N.
(see it)
by Madeline Drexler 2002 - Penguin Books
Pretty well written, VERY well researched...this is a very good overview of
current and future health threats (west nile virus, food poisoning, bioterrorism,
antibiotic resistance and more)
(see
it)
by Jennifer Lee Carrell - E. P. Dutton, publishers (2003)
Fictional, but well researched and based on real events in Europe during the 18th century. Entertaining and educational!
(see it)
by Richard Preston - Fawcett books, publishers (2003 / 1995)
(see
it)
by Mark Olshaker (Author), C.J. Peters - Anchor Books/Doubleday;
(1998)
(see
it)
by Stuart B., MD Levy - Perseus Publishing (2002)
Amazon.com has an excellent review from the New England Journal of Medicine. Look here --->
(see
it)