The Code Breaker -3 stars with apologies

[Susan]

This is the story of Jennifer Doudna, who won the Nobel Prize for her work in developing the CRISPR gene editing technique. Isaacson digs into the complicated world of who-did-what-first that often accompanies groundbreaking scientific discoveries. About a third of the weighty book is comprised of references; I was relieved because I found the book overly long, with far more detail of the molecular biology than I needed to know. I lost track of the many people mentioned who are inevitably involved in scientific advancements. I think the author included all the detail to increase the accuracy of the book, demonstrating that he’d done the research, which I have no reason to doubt. There are interesting take away ideas: He does a good job of demonstrating the brutal competition (I know it firsthand) that goes on in academic science; He demonstrates the way that discoveries in basic science often surprise us with real world applications; He details the fact that the science on coronavirus was there from the early stages, but government ineptitude and lack of leadership slowed the roll out of testing. Still, I confess to skimming a lot and I doubt I’ll be alone in this. People in the field of molecular biology may lap up every word.

Here’s a tiny and petty gripe. Isaacson’s comment about Tiger Woods having laser surgery to give him “super vision,” i.e., vision better than 20/20, sounded like a supermarket tabloid headline and revealed a lack of understanding of the metric of visual acuity and its determinants. I trust he was more careful with other details and examples of “enhancements.”

In spite of these criticisms, I don’t regret the time I spent on the book. The chapters on thought experiments and ethics made me consider some of my own “deficiencies” and how they’ve contributed, for better or worse, to making me who I am. I believe Isaacson is correct about the dangers of too much individual control of genetic technology. He suggests that, even though it will not be possible to completely eliminate a future “supermarket” for genes, sensible regulation could keep this at a minimum, just as FDA regulations prevent a lot of abuse of drugs. Some regulation is better than no regulation. I suspect that’s the best-case scenario at this point, since we’re already on the slippery slope.

I was left with the feeling that genetic editing is a pandora’s box that our species is not capable of dealing with. (I hope no one suggests that the species should be enhanced until we are capable!) Arguments that gene enhancement could contribute to better lives seem disingenuous. It’s hubris to imagine that humans understand the minute factors that go into making a “good life.” The ethical issues were my favorite parts of the book, but even these I believe could have been presented more succinctly, and I think they’d have been best situated at the end of the book, rather than stuck in the middle.

I’m giving this a 3 and the only reason it isn’t higher is that the book was too detailed for me. I really would have appreciated the Cliff Notes.

[Jason]

Love your review. Issacson is my favorite biographer but this want one of his bests. I also didn't feel it was a biography of Doudna like its presented to be. It does have a lot about her, but ibdont feel its a true biography.

[Peacejanz]

Thanks for the review. I am going to skip it. I know Isackson is great but this does not sound great to me. Thanks. peace, janz

[Susan]

Jason wrote: "Love your review. Issacson is my favorite biographer but this want one of his bests. I also didn't feel it was a biography of Doudna like its presented to be. It does have a lot about her, but ibdo..."

Thanks for your comment. I agree that it wasn't really a biography of Doudna. Maybe I'll try another of Isaacson's books.

[Nicole R]

Despite your review, this is very very high on my list. I am a lawyer who does pharmaceutical licensing work and several of the deals I work in involve licensing of CRISPR technology. I think this will greatly enhance my work!

Plus, I can read it in my balcony while literally looking out over the MIT and Harvard campuses in Cambridge. Lol.

[Susan]

Oh -- interesting! I imagine that this book could indeed enhance your work. You'll be way ahead of most of us and have probably already considered many of the ethical issues and "thought experiments" the author proposes but I hope some of it will be new and helpful to you. Our future as humans will depend on people like you, willing to wade into this complex field with eyes and minds open. Can't wait to read your review in due course. And good luck in your work!