The Strongest Boy in the World: How Genetic Information is Reshaping Our Lives, Updated and Expanded Edition

by Philip R. Reilly

This updated edition of Philip Reilly's highly praised and provocative book has been expanded to include an essay about the fast-moving and controversial field of personal genomics. In the essay, Reilly explains how new, cutting-edge technologies have facilitated the rapid discovery of genetic markers associated with ailments such as macular degeneration, heart disease, and schizophrenia. He describes how the same powerful technologies can be used to interpret the DNA sequence of anyone in the world who can afford it. But how valuable are the data obtained from these tests? Will "personalized medicine" really improve our health and well-being? And at what cost? Reilly's new essay is a worthy addition to his entertaining and informative collection of stories on topics such as genetics and the future of sports, the evolutionary origins of humans, the mysteries of genetic diseases, the similarities between dogs and people, the impact of genetic engineering on what we eat, and the ethical dimensions of stem cell research.

Genres: Nonfiction, Genetics

300 pages, Paperback

First published January 31, 2006

Reviews

[Kathleen Zietz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ended up dropping out of the class that had this as required reading due to overloading myself and I still read and loved this book. It's discussions of the legal and moral issues around modern genetics are absolutely fascinating.

[Lorelei]

Had to read this for a class and I don’t think I’ve ever been more bored in my entire life

[Jessalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this book for a genetics class but I found myself looking forward to reading the different stories. Each chapter is a look at an extraordinary happening or illness and an explanation of how genetics influenced the story. A great book for anyone who is interested in genetics but not looking for a super heavy read.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for the lay person about genetics. Each chapter is focuses on a new story/ genetic disorder, and is written in a way that even someone without a science background can understand and will find interesting. I teach several non biology majors courses and when I teach my course on genetics, I assign this text as the students textbook. I think it goes over rather well.

[Krysta Felix · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't have time to finish it, but what I read was interesting.

[Aralia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Working through it.