Customer Reviews

Welcome to Biotech Nation: My Unexpected Odyssey into the Land of Small Molecules, Lean Genes, and Big Ideas

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The author seems not to trust that her subject matter is interesting or that her readers can handle, even want, a certain amount of scientific or business detail. She spends pages and pages talking about her (not very interesting) experiences (attending conferences, interviewing people) but doesn't spend much time on the purported subject. When she does cover a scientific or business topic, she rarely weaves together a variety of sources, as journalists and authors typically do. Instead, she interviews one person (not two) who is supposed to be an expert on a given subject and prints, more or less, a transcript of the interview. Just when you start thinking that you're learning something, the chapter is over. She has a chatty voice which I didn't love but which others find find engaging. I think her formula might work wonderfully on the radio, but in book form it just didn't work, at least for me.

Excellent information that is largely unknown in the general public but should be. Genetic engineering already affects most of the food you eat, the medical care you get, the future of commodities markets and the future of third world nations. The book was a little bit too lengthy regarding the author's personal experiences, interpersed throughout the chapters, so I skipped over some of the stories that seemed pointless or uninteresting. At times, another weakness was a lack of references or only citing one reference to "establish a fact". The author also makes some 'political' statements; some I agreed with, others I did not. For the well educated reader, the book has some ESSENTIAL content to understand what's happening with biotech but not all of it is well footnoted and defended. But that's probably because Gunn was aiming for the layman.

Knowing very little about biotechnology, I found this book very informative. I could not put it down once I started reading. It is a great primer for those interested in this field, but too intimated by it as well. And it does it with lots of humor. I highly recommend it.

This book is dangerous. Most of us have a life and have to be productive on many levels. When one stays up until 2 or even 3 am (depending upon whether or not you are an Eveyln Woods Reading Dynamics graduate) it is hard to maintain your normal schedule. As an art history and history buff I did not imagine this book would have such universal appeal. For example,Brooke Shields bares all -- especially on her ankle and this book holds the definitive answer to the evolution question. One chapter leads to the next and it is fun and riveting. Have fun and beware, you will become absolutely borish on the topics covered by this book at your next cocktail party.........It is a great read worthy of several re-reads. It is on my bookshelf next to the computer. Enjoy.

Moira Gunn is to biotech what "Click and Clack" is to cars! And as with Cartalk, I thought the "Biotech Nation" subject would be beyond me until my sister sent me a copy for my birthday. I felt compelled out of politeness to at least attempt it. I was stunned and pleased to find the book was an absolute joy, and I had no idea I could understand these complex concepts...but Dr. Gunn makes it easy, fun and fascinating. I've already bought copies for presents and feel as if I have a much better understanding of what makes our world go around!

With her usual zesty style and humor, Moira takes what could be a very dry subject and brings it fully to life, full of drama and fun. I've lived in the Bay Area for 20 years, even worked at Genentech, and had no IDEA there was so much going on this most important sector of the economy. In Silicon Valley, we're constantly seduced by the latest hype around the IPod or IPhone but all the truly amazing, life-saving work that goes on right under our noses is barely understood by most people. Moira's right, it's like falling down the rabbit hole in your own back yard. Highly recommend it.

I purchased this book to get an overview of the Biotech market as it is today. New to the field so looking for information that was not to scientific. The conversational, tell-alstory nature of the book made it hard for me to follow. By the time I got to the end of a paragraph, I was not sure what it had been about. Made it through about 40 pages and then abandoned the book - which I rarely do. Maybe it got better later on...

I've been fan of NPRs Tech Nation for years. As a technology-focused radio host, Moira Gunn is without peer. I judge that by the fact that years of difficult-to-understand topics have remained rooted in my mind--from the Tech Nation interviews. She brings out the best from her authors with a light-hearted style, humor, and an infectious laugh. On the other hand, it's always clear that Dr. Gunn has read her author's book and therefore never dumbs-down an interview. I recommend reading "Welcome To Biotech Nation" for any one of three reasons: (1) as a fascinating journey into the strange world of biotechnology; (2) for insight into the latest happenings within the biotech world; (3) to experience Dr. Gunn's unique talent for wrapping a page-turning story around a complex topic--making memorable something that might be beyond the grasp of many.

An easy read through some huge changes some of which may save your life: An infection may prevent cancer occurance and reoccurance, Bush's stem cell lines are dying out and what that means, hope for species extinction, enzymes are making the enviroment and economy cleaner, early tests for diabetes and new ones without blood draws, and the things that can come out of a womb really do threaten notions of who and what we are. What this Brave New World will look like is happening now. Moira tunes us into some big things we really ought to know.