In this book, the author, a physician and writer employs his wide-ranging and interdisciplinary approach to science and medicine, explaining how art, history, superheroes, sex workers, and sports stars all help us understand the impact of our lives on our genes, and our genes on our lives. He explains new concepts in human genetics and health that indicate that the fundamental nature of the human genome is much more fluid and flexible than originally thought. He reveals how genetic breakthroughs are completely transforming our understanding of both the world and our lives. Conventional wisdom dictates that our genetic destiny is fixed at conception. But this book shows us that the human genome is far more fluid and fascinating than your ninth grade biology teacher ever imagined. By bringing us to the bedside of his unique and complex patients, he demonstrates what rare genetic conditions can teach us all about our own health and well-being. In the brave new world we are rapidly rocketing into, genetic knowledge has become absolutely crucial. This book provides a roadmap for this journey by teaching: Why you may have recovered from the psychological trauma caused by childhood bullying, but your genes may remain scarred for life ; How fructose is the sugar that makes fruits sweet, but if you have certain genes, consuming it can buy you a one-way trip to the coroner's office ; Why ingesting common painkillers is like dosing yourself repeatedly with morphine, if you have a certain set of genes ; How insurance companies legally use your genetic data to predict the risk of disability for you and your children, and how that impacts the coverage decisions they make for your family ; How to have the single most important conversation with your doctor, one that can save your life ; And finally, Why people with rare genetic conditions hold the keys to medical problems affecting millions. This book will alter how you view your genes, your health, and your life.

The successful completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 created both hope and hype with regard to advancements in medical therapies. The delineation of precise genetic information suggested the possibility of predicting an individual's future health as well as the theoretical ability to intervene and fix it. Nearly a decade later, Gutkind and Kennedy (writers who are well versed in exploring both the technical and personal sides of science and medicine) chronicle the growing pains of personalized medicine, a genomic-driven, individualized type of preventive health care with uniquely targeted treatments. Interviews with researchers, patients, physicians, and others in the genomic business lead the authors to conclude that although personalized medicine has plenty of power and promise, it has a long way to go before becoming the standard of medical care. Sequencing your own genome is already quite accessible and getting cheaper all the time. Managing and making sense of vast amounts of genetic data remain daunting." (Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.).--