Book Recommendation: The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson
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Do you want to go a bit deeper into the human stories behind the science of DNA? The Double Helix and The Dark Lady of DNA are classics, but how about a newer work? Check out The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race.
Through this book, author Walter Isaacson brings us into the life and lab of Dr. Jennifer Doudna, who shared the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Dr. Emmanuelle Charpentier for their work on the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system. (In this 2019 video I tell you more about CRISPR.) Isaacson reveals how Doudna and Charpentier’s work fit into the larger scientific context at the time; they weren’t the only people working on CRISPR, but their contributions helped transform gene editing from a scientific curiosity into potentially the most powerful tool that humans have ever had for tackling health, agriculture, climate change, and more. (Spoiler: the drama is far from over.)
I was particularly entranced by the details of Doudna’s early life as she grew up on Hawaii’s Big Island. Her father had given her a copy of The Double Helix, a controversial memoir penned by Dr. James Watson, one of the discoverers of the structure of the DNA double helix. As a teenager, Doudna linked Watson’s story with her own fascination with the plants and animals around her Hilo home.
💡 Crucially, Doudna told Isaacson, “The book made me realize you could also hunt for the reasons why nature worked the way it did … it made me realize that science can be very exciting.”
Dr. Tiffany Vora recommends reading The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson
This connection was important, because—as happens all too often—most of Doudna’s teachers did not encourage her to pursue her interest in the natural world. In fact, her high-school guidance counselor told her straight out that “Girls don’t do science.” Fortunately, a family friend stepped in; a biology professor himself, he helped her to believe that she could be successful in a STEM career.
💡 The Code Breaker is remarkable because it reveals the hidden side of world-changing science: the personalities, relationships, struggles, and dreams of the folks actually doing the work.
I’m always amazed when I see scientists portrayed as unfeeling acolytes of arcane mysteries … in my experience, you can’t make us stop talking about our science! Understanding the world around us is the passion that drives our lives. Isaacson reveals that world with vivid brushstrokes that made me say out loud, over and over, “Yes, that’s exactly what it’s like!”
💡 The Code Breaker also underscores the importance of encouraging young people—especially young women—to be curious about the world around them.
It’s especially important to showcase the diversity of careers that STEMM and STEAM educations make possible. Isaacson not only looks backward over Doudna’s life: he looks forward to the exciting future that’s just over the horizon.
This is truly the most exciting time in history to be working in science and technology. Help spread that excitement by sharing The Code Breaker with the young people in your life. Heck, share it with everyone! It’s a riveting and inspiring read.
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Check out my curated book lists.
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