From a living legend—James D. Watson, who shared the Nobel Prize for having revealed the structure of DNA—a personal account of the mak...
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Sep 19, 2010
Amanda
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Jul 28, 2010
Lucy
rated it: 
Enjoyable and interesting, and would have been significantly more enjoyable if the author hadn't managed to come across as a bit of a dick (the epilogue managed to tie up sexism, racism, and ableism in less than two pages - impressive. Or not.) And if your own biography makes me think you're a dick? You're doing it wrong.
Still worth reading for the science history and useful observations on American scientific culture, just be prepared to eyeroll a little.
Still worth reading for the science history and useful observations on American scientific culture, just be prepared to eyeroll a little.
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Feb 08, 2011
F.S.
rated it:
Loved the title of this book and was excited to pick it up, having read other memoirs of scientists (Richard Feynman, memorably). Found though that this book didn't resonate. Liked the idea of the Remembered Lessons at the end of each chapter but found them unexpectedly uninspiring (e.g. Work on Sundays, College is for learning how to think, Use snappy sentences to open your chapters, etc.).
Dec 18, 2011
srdjan
rated it:
Tough slog. Positives: I appreciate the man's effort to share the lessons of a relatively successful life, he knows the importance of intellectual honesty, and its a great insight into the ivy league world (and his era). On the negatives: he really doesnt come across as a very likable guy, and you kind of wince your way through a lot of it. Not a fun read.
Dec 31, 2010
Kelley
rated it:
enjoyable as a farce (unless you legitimately need advice about what to do when you win a Nobel Prize)
Almost unbelievable how egotistical Watson is.
Less enjoyable than the Double Helix, where science takes the forefront instead of academic politics, although more quotably ridiculous
Almost unbelievable how egotistical Watson is.
Less enjoyable than the Double Helix, where science takes the forefront instead of academic politics, although more quotably ridiculous
May 25, 2011
Batesharbuck
rated it:
What an egotistical person. I kept reading, waiting for the light bulb to go on for him as to why so many people didn't care for him, but it never did. Plus, any man who is always looking for a cute young blond, even into his 40's, is just creepy.
Jul 18, 2011
Jason
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I loved this book. Definitely a must read for young scientists. Watson gives a summary of things he learned along the way to being a Nobel prize winning scientist.
May 07, 2011
Interesting. wasn't expecting much when i received it but it turned out to be quit good and i have trouble putting it down most times i pick it up
Sep 10, 2010
Jodi
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I liked the insight into academic life as a scientist. However, there was an excessive amount of name dropping, which made this a bit of a tedious read.
Dec 17, 2009
Issy
rated it: 
*** Whoa good thing I didn't finish this - racist. Bad for my division at work though . . .
This book fell out of my bag somwhere between the laundomat and my house, which I can only imagine is the work of some benevolent higher power. At it's best this book was like that part in the bible where it goes "Abraham begat Moses who begat Samuel who begat Jonah who begat Ishmael." At it's worst the writer tells us what book he was reading on a particular train ride More...
This book fell out of my bag somwhere between the laundomat and my house, which I can only imagine is the work of some benevolent higher power. At it's best this book was like that part in the bible where it goes "Abraham begat Moses who begat Samuel who begat Jonah who begat Ishmael." At it's worst the writer tells us what book he was reading on a particular train ride More...
Jul 28, 2010
Kyle
rated it: 
Good insights for a life in academia. Entertaining read...he would be an interesting person to meet.
Jul 03, 2010
Saturday, 3 July 2010. Stumbled upon this book while browsing in the Cannon Beach Book Company.
Aug 02, 2011
Jennifer
rated it:
Not only do I avoid boring people, I avoid boring books ... like this one. Didn't finish it.
Nov 09, 2010
Colleen
rated it:
Slyly humorous, he very effectively conveys his personality here. This book is less about the specifics surrounding the discovery of the double helix and is more about advice giving. His target audience is aspiring nobel prize- seekers but he writes with a charm that makes you feel like he doesn't exclude anyone. I especially love how he points out where people's careers were hurt not from a lack of intelligence but rather from a lack of old fashioned hard work, humility, and learning to work to
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Apr 22, 2008
Caesar
rated it:
A fascinating combination of autobiography and self help advice that anyone who works in science/academia should read, whether a grad student, professor, or whatever. Offers excellent insight into the politics of the university system.
Nov 03, 2007
JP
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His confidence in his own prowess leads to pages of names of the famous scientists he knew. This overwhelms the structured approach of each chapter and the easy writing style.
Dec 31, 2007
Kristine
rated it:
Interesting insights on science history, with lots of name-dropping! No matter what you think of Watson, his views, and his "lessons learned", it's a good read.
Jul 04, 2008
Melody
rated it:
He didn't avoid boring me.
I really, really wanted to like this book, too. I struggled through 100 pages and just couldn't go on.
I really, really wanted to like this book, too. I struggled through 100 pages and just couldn't go on.
Feb 26, 2008
Linsey
rated it:
Got it autographed by Watson and is a good 10-minute distraction while I wait for the Irradiator to zap my cells each Tuesday
Mar 19, 2008
Jenny
rated it:
Not much so far..Still reading the first pages. I was interested in the book cover/title. Go figure
Feb 11, 2010
Scott
rated it:
He should take his own advice. The whole book is written for the insider audience.
