Scan barcode
jstaton's review against another edition
Definitely not one I would of picked myself but glad I read it. It was a bit to scientific/mathematical for me but getting to the last chapters made it worthwhile. If you are into the topic I think you might really like it
tomstbr's review against another edition
4.0
The only book I've read from this year's Stella Prize shortlist. It's an indepth and fascinating look at genes and family history, DNA and our identity. It's very well-structured, informatively written and engaging. At times my mind wandered because there is a lot to ingest, but overall it's solid, with plenty of interesting anecdotes and personal accounts. Definitely recommend it for anyone interested in either their genetic past or future.
cathyatratedreads's review against another edition
4.0
Very interesting. This book is just as much about genealogy as it is about how DNA relates to it, I think. The author sets up how DNA comes into the picture by exploring the interest in and history of family history research, of cultures, of eugenics, of how people look at race (for one thing), and then adds in the puzzle piece of DNA. Her writing style and approach are engrossing and interesting, and I found myself dog-earing a lot of passages that spoke to me in various ways. Pretty cool.
Read my full review, including a rating for content, at RatedReads.com: https://ratedreads.com/invisible-history-human-race-nonfiction-book-review/
Read my full review, including a rating for content, at RatedReads.com: https://ratedreads.com/invisible-history-human-race-nonfiction-book-review/
ilovestory's review against another edition
2.0
While there were some pieces of interesting information in this book I already had learned much of it through earlier research, reading my DNA results information on the various providers (FamilyTree, 23andme, Genographic, etc.) but if you are interested in what we can learn from our DNA then check it out!
damnitandy's review against another edition
3.0
Definitely an interesting book, but the first half was dedicated almost entirely to genealogy which I wasn't aware of before I started. I found it super boring compared to the DNA in the latter half.
kristin_lapos's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition
3.0
Slow. But a bit of a different take on the dna story. This book also covers other forms of inheritance around family and culture. In a bit that feels like [b:Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything|1202|Freakonomics A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything|Steven D. Levitt|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1550917827l/1202._SX50_.jpg|5397], the author covers subjects like the impact on trust multiple generations later of slavery. And not passing information between generations. A lot of the normal dna stories are covered in a bit of a different way. This would make a good extra book on the shelf but not a first book on the subject. 3.5 of 5.
mactammonty's review against another edition
4.0
It can be so difficult to rate non fiction. Was the information well presented? Was it coherent? Was it relevant to the overall idea the writer was trying to convey?
The answer to all of these questions is yes and if it wasn't then she would need to find a better editor. Since the answer is yes it must be at least 3 starts right?.
I enjoy how the information was linked to the author's own story. That she is also trying to find personal answers. She did ask the important questions about privacy, what else can be done with this knowledge that may not be beneficial to the DNA's owner.
This books main reason for being was the large picture though. I feel that she was able to convey the importance of future study. How it can aid the human race as a whole and specific communities.
A good book that was easy to understand.
The answer to all of these questions is yes and if it wasn't then she would need to find a better editor. Since the answer is yes it must be at least 3 starts right?.
I enjoy how the information was linked to the author's own story. That she is also trying to find personal answers. She did ask the important questions about privacy, what else can be done with this knowledge that may not be beneficial to the DNA's owner.
This books main reason for being was the large picture though. I feel that she was able to convey the importance of future study. How it can aid the human race as a whole and specific communities.
A good book that was easy to understand.