GENOME The Autobiography of a Species in 23 Chapters

This is not a book about the Human Genome Project; rather, it focuses chapter by chapter on each chromosome and its newly discovered genes. Ridley takes you through emerging studies that show how the codes embedded in all of us through evolution determine our health, intelligence, emotional makeup, and sexuality. This is a fascinating yet highly accessible book. While not dumbed down, the text is set forth in language the ordinary person can understand. Paul Matthews has a charming British accent that ranges in tone from scholarly to curious. He doesn't allow the narrative to bog down in technical jargon but moves briskly along and even manages to interject some humor. An intriguing subject is beautifully delivered. D.G. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 02]