Drawing the Map of Life: Inside the Human Genome Project

by Viktor K. McElheny

Drawing the Map of Life is the dramatic story of the Human Genome Project from its origins, through the race to order the 3 billion subunits of DNA, to the surprises emerging as scientists seek to exploit the molecule of heredity. It's the first account to deal in depth with the intellectual roots of the project, the motivations that drove it, and the hype that often masked genuine triumphs.

Distinguished science journalist Victor McElheny offers vivid, insightful profiles of key people, such as David Botstein, Eric Lander, Francis Collins, James Watson, Michael Hunkapiller, and Craig Venter. McElheny also shows that the Human Genome Project is a striking example of how new techniques (such as restriction enzymes and sequencing methods) often arrive first, shaping the questions scientists then ask.

Drawing on years of original interviews and reporting in the inner circles of biological science, Drawing the Map of Life is the definitive, up-to-date story of today's greatest scientific quest. No one who wishes to understand genome mapping and how it is transforming our lives can afford to miss this book.

Genres: Science, Biology, Nonfiction, History, Popular Science

400 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Dr. Oppegard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to enjoy this more than I did. While the perspective that McElheny brings to this unbelievably long and complex project is undeniably valuable, his writing is often rambling and prone to veer off topic. In an attempt to enliven the roles of the many individuals who deserve recognition for their involvement, he takes us into far too much detail of their childhoods, favorite things, and personal anecdotes. Given the scope of this project, I wanted to stick to the science, and wish the author had as well.

[Cassandra Kay Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many characters and not enough story for me. I just felt like it was almost a conglomeration of little biographies and how this all pieced the project together. On the one hand I am so glad that science has taken a collaborative approach to some of these larger topics and become so worldwide in our pursuit of knowledge. Also I think the book does a good job of applauding our advances in technology and how they have helped medicine in this area. Still... this work as a collection made kind of a boring story.

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting material, but very disorganized and scattered in terms of how information was presented. It was challenging to follow the chronology of the actual projects and the scientist involved with each segment. I chose this book for the science; not to read about how money and those in control of it's disbursement dictate how everything in this world is accomplished or not accomplished. I was quite disappointed. I would have liked more information about the actual scientific method and technologies involved.

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is fairly complicated in the way current science is complicated. There are many, many players both as individuals and as coporate entities. I found it a little difficult to keep it all straight but if you are interested in how the human genome was mapped read this book. It appears the major problem was to convince people not to copyright the bits and pieces they interpreted so in the end the project would be available to all which it is on the internet.

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was trying to find out what is known about DNA mapping, and what is doable in a home lab. This didn't give me the conciseness I was looking for, but did show me how exciting the science world has been during the progress of mapping the human genome. Not being a science-strong individual myself, nevertheless, I found this work interesting and a window into a world that is vibrant, yet which many of us are oblivious to.

[Travis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I may not be the intended audience for this book. I think too much time was spent on how polcy was determined and not enough on the science. I constantly was looking for additional information on the technologies and concepts. Maybe I need to read a textbook...

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book blew me away. It was startling to find out that in just over a decade since getting my zoology degree the basics of genetics has been heavily revised. New info like this shows awesome potential for future of humanity in so many different fields. Biology rocks and science kicks ass!

[J.K. George · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one sticks in my mind, since it was so compelling. The story of the race to decode the human genome was dramatic, with the federal project and a private effort colliding in a fascinating way. This is non-fiction, of course, but a riveting story all the way.

[Shauna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't read the whole book, but ended up skimming it, as I found it a bit dry.

[Jayesh Shah · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book. This books tells the story of the behind the scene actions in the human genome project.