Excellent look into a fascinating field

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In the coming years will a genetic profile be as commonly ordered as a CBC?
Can a doctor become scientist and detective using genetic code to diagnose current conditions, determine risk factors for the future, and the effectiveness of pharmaceuticals depending on the individual?
This book approaches the subject of genetic sequencing from all angles: technological development, cost, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, ethical considerations, pharmacogenomics, and future applications. It also weaves a brilliant narrative of the people who made this advancement a reality.

The first hundred pages are devoted to the progression of science and the development of the technology necessary for genome sequencing, and the people who would devote their lives to providing answers for undiagnosed patients. The rest is primarily various case studies to illustrate the real-world use and implications of this emerging field.

As a lab tech and someone who's been interested in genetics since 6th grade Punnett squares, I was quite excited for this book. I especially love the case studies. I'd have liked those to be more in depth, but maybe that's just me. It's even worth reading through the Notes section, something not many books can boast.

The author uses simple explanations and analogies to introduce some of the more technical terms while not talking down to the reader, but it's written well enough that a layperson should be able to follow along just fine.

As the author is a cardiologist, several of the cases involve genetic anomalies manifesting in heart conditions. Of course it's impossible to cover everything in a constantly evolving field, plus the author notes in the beginning that the book excludes deep analysis into points such as genetics in pregnant and cancer patients. I'd be interested if there's any plans for follow up books expanding on other areas or updates in research.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I would encourage anyone with an interest in science, medicine, or genetics to give it a read.