Guest Review - Monday, September 19, 2005

Mutants: on genetic variety and the human body / Armand Marie Leroi

This is a wonderfully written book on the genetic diversity of humanity. Leroi examines a wide variety of genetic mutations that occur in people, and then goes on to explore what each of these mutuations can tell us about the "normal" developmental path. Through studying each of these mutations, and the mechanisms through which they occur, we are able to learn much about ourselves as biological entities, and even explore the roots of our humanity. The book examines the idea that we are far more similar to others of our species than external appearances may imply. In this book, Leroi proposes that we are all mutants, and that the only difference is one of degree; it is written with compassion and with the understanding that the core of humanity is determined not by the external physical manifestations that can be created by genetic mutations, but by the inner hopes, dreams, fears and ambitions - in short, by the soul. At no time does the author of this book lose sight of the essential humanity underlying the biological processes which he explores.

Mutants can be found at the University of Alberta library at QM 691 L47 2003