The Epigenetics Revolution

Begins Accessible, Then Becomes Too Technical

The first third of the book is accessible, which I define, as a reader, as being able to formulate mental images from what the author is saying. This author did not have mental imagery in the forefront (few writers do, though it is absolutely critical), so in later chapters anyone who is not well verse in biology will not be able to visualize what the author is describing, and the book becomes unintelligible noise - a stream of incoherent syllables - in other words, gobbledygook. This seems to be the rule with books that include biology in the subject matter - authors seem to lose it when things get technical, and they give up on ensuring the reader can visualize (and hence understand) what is being said.

26 of 26 people found this review helpful

The complicated world of epigenetics

Just when we thought that genetic information does not get affected by the environment as Darwin had solidified, we discover Lemarkien evolution at work.

What does this exactly mean. Well, the environment affects our genes which can and are handed down to our offsprings. Jean-Baptise Lamarck has been somewhat vindicated by discoveries that prove certain adaptations occurs during the lifetime of animals and plants which in some cases improves the fitness and survivability of the animal and more importantly those traits are handed down generations.

The subject is fascinating, but this book is far too complicated for anyone who has not studied the subject, and is well versed in the lingo.

16 of 16 people found this review helpful

Too focused on pharmacological potential

The book is too focused on the potential of epigenetics for the formulation of new drugs. I was hoping for information on using nutrition to positively impact gene expression.

11 of 11 people found this review helpful

Good but very technical

Lots of good information here. It does read a bit like a textbook though. If you know and enjoy science, you can follow it but some of it just won't sink in. If you know the ins and outs of physiology really well, this will be a great read.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Great introduction to the topic

Great book, my first on the topic and I have to say it is neither too deep (most of the times) nor too shallow. You get to know a lot about this mysterious mechanism that changes genes that are always the same into different body cells and how is it possible that individuals with the same genetic material can differ.

What I took away is that this field it is still in quite early stages and it is not really moving that fast because of obstacles of patents and testing etc. so its reall everyday use is not likely to be just around the corner, but it is progressing.

What I did not like was the frevent tone of the narrator and sometimes the smallness of the authors views - like if the most important thing in the field is not how it is gonna change the future but who gets the Nobel prize...

But if i disregard the things in the paragraph above the facts in the book are just amazing...

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Maybe A Bit Over My Head But Great Performance

Where does The Epigenetics Revolution rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is an admission I probably shouldn't make. If I don't feel like giving a book a 4 or 5 star I refrain from ranking it thinking I just didn't get it. If I feel like I wasted my money I do rank 1 star. If it weren't for the enthusiastic reading I would have not rated this book.

Any additional comments?

This is an amazing topic with so much happening that even though I only got 10% of the facts, I am now a 100% believer that this is important work.

Thank you Nesa Carey for even trying to explain it to me and thank you Donna Postel for keeping me listening.

8 of 9 people found this review helpful

A Clear & Detailed Explanation Of Epigenetics

Would you listen to The Epigenetics Revolution again? Why?

Yes-
Have already listened to some chapters 3x

What did you like best about this story?

The clear explanations and analogies of complex issues -

What does Donna Postel bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Clear voice and doesn't accentuate the S's

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Any additional comments?

As an avid science reader this book is a good one- Am ordering the print version tonight

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Textbook precision with a compelling story

Love this book, its great, still use it as a reference for genetic disorders and epigenetics refresher. The performance was easy to hear as well

It stays interesting

So many books written for the layperson about complex topics seem to blow through the relevant, interesting content in the first third, and spend the latter two thirds re-iterating it. This book lays groundwork, then takes the reader through manifold different arenas that the subject touches. Loved it.

fascinating

A must read for anyone interested in how our bodies work. Some difficulty remembering what the protein names and anachronisms mean but all in all a fascinating read.