From the Bookshelf of The Roundtable…

I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life

Ed Yong

Start date: June 1, 2018

Finish date: June 30, 2018

Discussion: Nonfiction Group Read

Why we're reading this: This is our pick for our June Non-fiction group read
[close] This is our pick for our June Non-fiction group read

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Nonfiction Group Read

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What Members Thought

Jan 11, 2017 Camelia Rose rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: science, life-science

I Contain Multitudes is hugely educational and entertaining. It reads like David Attenborough's Planet Earth on paper, with added Ed Yong humour. It reminds me why my thirteen years old self wanted to be a biologist.

The book gives a good introduction to microbes, especially bacteria, and their relationship to other creatures on earth, including human. It has stories of many up-to-date scientific studies.

Some of my reactions after reading this book:

1. You think human are the most successful cre ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Feb 03, 2017 Pamela rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction

Interesting examination of microbes and the role they play. There are a wide range of case studies from aphids to humans, and the language is generally accessible, although a short glossary of terms would have helped. There are also helpful notes sections, and some beautiful illustrations.

Most interesting sections were those on the impact of microbes on human life, especially their ability to both create and prevent illness, and a very coherent explanation of why the current fad for 'probiotics' ...more

1 like · Like · see review