The Violinist Thumb Summary

The Violinist Thumb is a book by Sam Kean that describes how DNA, and heredity function. The book is divided into four parts. Part one describes the basics of heredity. It goes into detail about base pairs, amino acids, RNA, and the such to give readers an overview of the system of heredity. One of my favorite stories from part one is the story of Tsutomu Yamaguchi, who survived both atomic explosions in Japan during World War II, and lived into his nineties. Part two discusses adaptations, hybrids, and what actually makes us human. An interesting story from this part discusses Ilya Ivanov’s obsession with creating a human-chimpanzee hybrid. Part three details how we as a species were once endangered, in addition to how our intelligence, and creativity evolved. Stories here, such as the autopsy of Einstein’s brain, are fascinating. In part four, the reader learns about potential genetic diseases that some of our historical heroes might have had. It also discusses cloning, and where genetics is headed going into the future. While the book is set up semi-chronically, Keane jumps around some in his storytelling.
In characterizing the history of genetics with humor, wit, and …show more content…
With the reading level being somewhat advanced, it might better serve an Honors high school Biology course, or even a college level Genetics course. Sam Kean does a wonderful job telling the stories surrounding important discoveries in the field of genetics. Additionally, it’s important that he personalizes the scientist and people being discussed. His use of humor, wit, and intrigue make this book very easy for the average adult to read and understand. Perceptions and preconditioning about science are major influences on a person’s interest in going into the field. By making it easy to understand complicated concepts and theories, Keane shows that the field of genetics isn’t that