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Invincible Microbe: Tuberculosis and the Never-Ending Search for a Cure
This is the story of a killer that has been striking people down for thousands of
tuberculosis. After centuries of ineffective treatments, the microorganism that causes
TB was identified, and the cure was thought to be within reach--but drug-resistant
varieties continue to plague and panic the human race. The "biography" of this deadly
germ, an account of the diagnosis, treatment, and "cure" of the disease over time,
and the social history of an illness that could strike anywhere but was most prevalent
among the poor are woven together in an engrossing, carefully researched narrative.
Bibliography, source notes, index.
tuberculosis. After centuries of ineffective treatments, the microorganism that causes
TB was identified, and the cure was thought to be within reach--but drug-resistant
varieties continue to plague and panic the human race. The "biography" of this deadly
germ, an account of the diagnosis, treatment, and "cure" of the disease over time,
and the social history of an illness that could strike anywhere but was most prevalent
among the poor are woven together in an engrossing, carefully researched narrative.
Bibliography, source notes, index.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
29 people are currently reading
1461 people want to read
About the author
Jim Murphy
32 books87 followersAn American author of more than 35 nonfiction and fiction books for children, young adults, and general audiences, including more than 30 about American history. He won the Margaret Edwards Award from the American Library Association in 2010 for his contribution in writing for teens. Jim lives in Maplewood, New Jersey, in a hundred-year-old house with his wife Alison Blank, a children’s TV producer and children’s book author and editor, his two talented musician sons, a regal mutt, an African water frog that will live forever, and a house vast collection of books..
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
May 8, 2013
The best thing about this story is that while it is topical, Murphy found the narrative thread and followed it. The question of resistance to antibiotics is the big finish this story is all leading toward. He builds up TB as a 'character' almost, that gains depth without being anthropomorphized or trivialized in the process.
It's always shocking to me how recently we are talking about people not believing in 'germ theory' as the great explanation of major diseases. Even fewer than 100 years ago, it was difficult for this idea to take hold in some ways. I knew my great grandpa Christensen when he was old, and he was born in the 1880s, just about the time Koch first identified TB bacteria. The disbelief is so much like the current disbelief about climate change. Because the answer to TB was major change in municipal planning and local government agendas, there was wide inertia and resistance.
Well-sourced. No complaints here.
The narrative and depth provides the aspect to this book that makes it more vital than what one would find simply on the internet. Still, the basic outline for this entire book can be found in the wikipedia article, which bothers me. Not because it suggests anything about Murphy's work, but because if I were researching TB why would I spend the time to read this book instead of just going over the key points. The book offers depth, it characterizes the main players more deeply, and also highlights the injustices. But what would have made it truly stand out as different from the wikipedia article? This is the question authors have to ask in topical writing today.
It's always shocking to me how recently we are talking about people not believing in 'germ theory' as the great explanation of major diseases. Even fewer than 100 years ago, it was difficult for this idea to take hold in some ways. I knew my great grandpa Christensen when he was old, and he was born in the 1880s, just about the time Koch first identified TB bacteria. The disbelief is so much like the current disbelief about climate change. Because the answer to TB was major change in municipal planning and local government agendas, there was wide inertia and resistance.
Well-sourced. No complaints here.
The narrative and depth provides the aspect to this book that makes it more vital than what one would find simply on the internet. Still, the basic outline for this entire book can be found in the wikipedia article, which bothers me. Not because it suggests anything about Murphy's work, but because if I were researching TB why would I spend the time to read this book instead of just going over the key points. The book offers depth, it characterizes the main players more deeply, and also highlights the injustices. But what would have made it truly stand out as different from the wikipedia article? This is the question authors have to ask in topical writing today.
March 23, 2015
Did you know that all five Bronte sisters, along with their mother and brother, died of tuberculosis? The body-destroying disease is known to have afflicted Homo erectus, an ancestor of modern humans. Easily spread through coughing, sneezing and even breathing, the disease had no effective treatments until the mid-20th century. For about 40 years, it was all but defeated. Then the bacteria that cause the disease began to become drug-resistant. The AIDS epidemic and countries that refuse to follow the standard medical treatments (thank you very much, Russia) have helped TB make a roaring comeback - something everyone in the world should be concerned about.
This would make a fine addition to any school or classroom library, and would be enjoyed by middle-grade kids fascinated by the human body and young people who aspire to working in the medical profession. I would have liked this when I was a kid - an Egyptophile, I was fascinated by the process of mummification and the way people used to grind up mummies for medicine. This has similar interesting-but-so-gross material. Ever hear of artificial pneumothorax? If you're easily grossed out, you'll be glad you haven't.
This would make a fine addition to any school or classroom library, and would be enjoyed by middle-grade kids fascinated by the human body and young people who aspire to working in the medical profession. I would have liked this when I was a kid - an Egyptophile, I was fascinated by the process of mummification and the way people used to grind up mummies for medicine. This has similar interesting-but-so-gross material. Ever hear of artificial pneumothorax? If you're easily grossed out, you'll be glad you haven't.
December 3, 2020
“FIVE hundred thousand years ago a small band of our ancient human ancestors, now known as Homo erectus, traveled across western Turkey. One of them, a young male, had been sick for many weeks. He was tired and irritable, and his head ached terribly. For days he hadn’t been able to eat much, and what he did eat, he soon vomited up. Still, he tried to keep up with the rest of his group. But as they entered a mountain forest, the pain in his head became unbearable and he could no longer walk.
There wasn’t much anyone could do for him. They brought him water and tried to make him comfortable. No matter what they did, the pain in the boy’s head continued until he was so sick, he no longer recognized his companions. Finally, moaning in pain, he lay on the ground and fell into a deep sleep from which he never woke.
His people never knew what killed him. But modern-day scientists do. When paleontologists studied a fragment of this boy’s fossilized skull, they saw a series of tiny lesions, or scars, on the inside.
The scars were identical to those made by a bacterium that causes a fatal disease of the brain. What the scientists were looking at was the oldest physical evidence of tuberculosis (TB) yet discovered.
The origins of TB actually go back even further than this. Scientists now believe that TB is caused by microorganisms that lurked in the soil and water of Africa as much as 3 million years ago.
By chance, some of our most ancient ancestors became infected with these TB germs and died from the disease. Later, between 20,000 and 35,000 years ago, something happened: The germs began to evolve. What emerged was a different and even more dangerous microorganism, which we call Mycobacterium tuberculosis.”
Murphy and Blank’s engrossing 160-page history of “the greatest killer of humans in the history of the world” begins with over-500,000-year-old fossilized evidence of TB and continues to the present day where it still poses a deadly threat to millions of people.
It’s the story of how this microorganism became the paramount killer of humans in the history of the world; of the frightened, frantic people invaded by this minute creature, and what their families and friends tried to do to save their lives; of artists who painted pictures and authors who wrote adoring stories about these doomed sufferers; of how physicians struggled for centuries to find a cure for their illness; and of a miraculous medical discovery that finally stopped the killer of billions of humans—only to have this germ stubbornly evolve again into something even more insidious and deadly.
This is the story of tuberculosis.
Antibiotics have been a great help in fighting the disease, but the emergence of drug-resistant tuberculosis is still cause for alarm.
This comprehensive look at the seemingly invincible microbe includes an account of its diagnosis and development, the various treatments over time, and a description of how society has acted toward its victims.
There are numerous photographs, illustrations, and source notes, as well as a bibliography and an index in this meticulously researched volume.
Wonderful book.
There wasn’t much anyone could do for him. They brought him water and tried to make him comfortable. No matter what they did, the pain in the boy’s head continued until he was so sick, he no longer recognized his companions. Finally, moaning in pain, he lay on the ground and fell into a deep sleep from which he never woke.
His people never knew what killed him. But modern-day scientists do. When paleontologists studied a fragment of this boy’s fossilized skull, they saw a series of tiny lesions, or scars, on the inside.
The scars were identical to those made by a bacterium that causes a fatal disease of the brain. What the scientists were looking at was the oldest physical evidence of tuberculosis (TB) yet discovered.
The origins of TB actually go back even further than this. Scientists now believe that TB is caused by microorganisms that lurked in the soil and water of Africa as much as 3 million years ago.
By chance, some of our most ancient ancestors became infected with these TB germs and died from the disease. Later, between 20,000 and 35,000 years ago, something happened: The germs began to evolve. What emerged was a different and even more dangerous microorganism, which we call Mycobacterium tuberculosis.”
Murphy and Blank’s engrossing 160-page history of “the greatest killer of humans in the history of the world” begins with over-500,000-year-old fossilized evidence of TB and continues to the present day where it still poses a deadly threat to millions of people.
It’s the story of how this microorganism became the paramount killer of humans in the history of the world; of the frightened, frantic people invaded by this minute creature, and what their families and friends tried to do to save their lives; of artists who painted pictures and authors who wrote adoring stories about these doomed sufferers; of how physicians struggled for centuries to find a cure for their illness; and of a miraculous medical discovery that finally stopped the killer of billions of humans—only to have this germ stubbornly evolve again into something even more insidious and deadly.
This is the story of tuberculosis.
Antibiotics have been a great help in fighting the disease, but the emergence of drug-resistant tuberculosis is still cause for alarm.
This comprehensive look at the seemingly invincible microbe includes an account of its diagnosis and development, the various treatments over time, and a description of how society has acted toward its victims.
There are numerous photographs, illustrations, and source notes, as well as a bibliography and an index in this meticulously researched volume.
Wonderful book.
August 17, 2015
It seems weird to say how much I enjoyed this account of a deadly disease, but I really did. It is well-written, engaging, and full of interesting black and white photos. Students could easily use it to write a report, but it is also a good choice for non-fiction readers interested in disease and how it impacts society (for example, in the early 20th century many private and public sanatoriums refused to treat the poor, Native-Americans, or African-Americans). Tuberculosis is a particularly interesting disease, too, since even now it is still mutating into new infectious forms, and still poses a threat to public health.
May 27, 2012
An excellent "biography" of the dreaded disease told from the perspectives of both science and social history. Not as gripping a narrative as An American Plague but still quite fascinating.
September 30, 2012
Interesting book. I didn't really realize the impact of tuberculosis throughout history. Very readable account.
December 5, 2018
Having seen TB on many death certificates while researching, I was interested in knowing more about how the disease manifests and was treated.
I didn't realize this book was written on a junior high level, and so doesn't go quite as much into the science as I wanted. Still, it's very well written, and it is very informative. Not only does it cover the basic history of the disease, but it speaks frankly of the challenges for minorities and the poor not just to get treatment, but in getting training to become doctors and nurses and of the tactics used in some states - notably California -- to force immigrants and the poor out of the state for treatment.
The book also has a wealth of photos in it, which I did not expect. Along with the usual photos of doctors and patients, there are also pictures of the early or more famous facilities, and examples of brochures and (cure) ads from the 19th and 20th centuries.
I'm going to round up my rating because I think TB as a book subject is a hard sell, especially to teens. Murphy covered a lot of territory with this book and kept it both interesting and relevant.
I didn't realize this book was written on a junior high level, and so doesn't go quite as much into the science as I wanted. Still, it's very well written, and it is very informative. Not only does it cover the basic history of the disease, but it speaks frankly of the challenges for minorities and the poor not just to get treatment, but in getting training to become doctors and nurses and of the tactics used in some states - notably California -- to force immigrants and the poor out of the state for treatment.
The book also has a wealth of photos in it, which I did not expect. Along with the usual photos of doctors and patients, there are also pictures of the early or more famous facilities, and examples of brochures and (cure) ads from the 19th and 20th centuries.
I'm going to round up my rating because I think TB as a book subject is a hard sell, especially to teens. Murphy covered a lot of territory with this book and kept it both interesting and relevant.
June 26, 2024
Sometimes you want to know something, but you don’t need 400 pages to teach you, and Wikipedia is a drag. Books like this fit the bill. Surprisingly, there’s yet to be a volume on Tuberculosis in Oxford’s Very Short Introduction series. Good for me, because this book—written for middle school and up kids—was replete with pictures and better structured than the Short Introduction series usually is. If there were a 4.5 stars option, this would be that.
August 9, 2018
Interesting read since this has a personal connection
June 14, 2014
This book caught my eye when I wrapped it (put the protective plastic cover on it which is found on many library books) for the junior high library. Perhaps it was the unusual cover or perhaps the subject. A book on tuberculosis? Hmm.
Everything I read was a surprise. I admit that I knew nothing about tuberculosis and am even more surprised when I realize that I don't see a vaccine for it on my kids shot records. I see there is a spot to test to see if you have tested positive for TB on the back of the shot record but that is all. Darn. That sure is a virus I wish we could be immunized against after learning about it. I think the most enlightening part of the book was the author's "We may never be able to say "The End" to the story of tuberculosis. Darn again!
I guess to say I know nothing isn't entirely true. I have heard of "consumption" (AKA tuberculosis of the lungs) and have read books or seen movies where characters die of it. This book gives the history of TB from its earliest beginning (since the beginning of man) to today. It tells of the different attempts to cure it (so glad I live in this age of medical knowledge!!!), of the large sanatoriums where people with TB went to try to get well, to how a sick chicken led to a modern day vaccine (for one strain of the virus anyway) to what it looks like today. The large assortment of pictures, publicity posters, paintings etc. also helped tell the story and were a great addition. These helped make it even more real.
I found the book to be entertaining and easy to read. I see that it is meant for grades 4-7 but I would be surprised if it would keep their attention unless they were really interested in the subject. I think it would be better suited to older kids. I think it would more than likely give younger kids nightmares! What a horrible disease from which so many have died!
I am grateful to be more educated on this subject. It sure makes me more leery of traveling. TB still exists all over the world.
Everything I read was a surprise. I admit that I knew nothing about tuberculosis and am even more surprised when I realize that I don't see a vaccine for it on my kids shot records. I see there is a spot to test to see if you have tested positive for TB on the back of the shot record but that is all. Darn. That sure is a virus I wish we could be immunized against after learning about it. I think the most enlightening part of the book was the author's "We may never be able to say "The End" to the story of tuberculosis. Darn again!
I guess to say I know nothing isn't entirely true. I have heard of "consumption" (AKA tuberculosis of the lungs) and have read books or seen movies where characters die of it. This book gives the history of TB from its earliest beginning (since the beginning of man) to today. It tells of the different attempts to cure it (so glad I live in this age of medical knowledge!!!), of the large sanatoriums where people with TB went to try to get well, to how a sick chicken led to a modern day vaccine (for one strain of the virus anyway) to what it looks like today. The large assortment of pictures, publicity posters, paintings etc. also helped tell the story and were a great addition. These helped make it even more real.
I found the book to be entertaining and easy to read. I see that it is meant for grades 4-7 but I would be surprised if it would keep their attention unless they were really interested in the subject. I think it would be better suited to older kids. I think it would more than likely give younger kids nightmares! What a horrible disease from which so many have died!
I am grateful to be more educated on this subject. It sure makes me more leery of traveling. TB still exists all over the world.
January 20, 2013
I loved this book. Jim Murphy is such an expert at researching and presenting fascinating topics at the middle grade level. He captured me again with this one. I must admit the nurse in me was very intrigued by the topic of Tuberculosis. You cannot be in the medical field and not have had some kind of exposure to TB and its history. In spite of my medical background, there was so much information I never knew in this book. In the Author's Note, he explains that they attempted to tell the story in 3 prongs. 1. Biography of the Germ 2. History of science and treatment 3. Social issues around the victims of this disease. I am not sure which area I enjoyed more.
I have always been fascinated by the history of health knowledge and treatments throughout time. Some of the theories seem sooooo primitive and even crazy when compared to modern medicine. And yet, how many of our principles of today will seem primitive and crazy in a mere 50 years from now????
The thread about social issues was provocative. So many lessons we never seem to learn. The idea of forbidding medical care to large portions of the population because of their race or ethnicity is disturbing but not hard to believe. The treatments that were promoted for pure financial gain with absolutely no medical basis are shameful and ever present.
Finally, the idea that we have never completely defeated the enemy, Tuberculosis, should stick with every reader. Our medical world is rife with micro-organisms that are mutating faster than our technology can compete. We should never lose our diligence against disease and its partner, poverty.
I have always been fascinated by the history of health knowledge and treatments throughout time. Some of the theories seem sooooo primitive and even crazy when compared to modern medicine. And yet, how many of our principles of today will seem primitive and crazy in a mere 50 years from now????
The thread about social issues was provocative. So many lessons we never seem to learn. The idea of forbidding medical care to large portions of the population because of their race or ethnicity is disturbing but not hard to believe. The treatments that were promoted for pure financial gain with absolutely no medical basis are shameful and ever present.
Finally, the idea that we have never completely defeated the enemy, Tuberculosis, should stick with every reader. Our medical world is rife with micro-organisms that are mutating faster than our technology can compete. We should never lose our diligence against disease and its partner, poverty.
October 12, 2012
In Invincible Microbe, Jim Murphy and his wife Alison Blank chronicle the history of one of the greatest killers in world history: tuberculosis. They trace TB back to microorganisms in African soil and water 3 million years ago and follow it to the frightening drug-resistant strains of the disease that threaten us today. Along the way, they explain how TB attacks the body, how it is spread, and the bizarre attempts throughout history of treating the disease. Murphy and Blank make excellent use photographs and first-hand accounts to enrich the narrative. Readers obtain a complete picture of how tuberculosis has impacted society and what having the disease is like for the individual.
Jim Murphy is a seasoned non-fiction writer. In his books American Plague, Truce, Blizzard and The Real Benedict Arnold he has shown that he can both inform and engage young readers. Invincible Microbe continues the trend. He and Alison Blank have crafted a fascinating tale that sustains younger readers’ interest. They provide just enough information to thoroughly educate the reader without becoming to dull. This book would work very well for classrooms looking for STEM titles. Students will enjoy discussing the various attempts to cure tuberculosis, and they can debate what needs to be done to combat the disease today.
4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for grades 5 and up
Jim Murphy is a seasoned non-fiction writer. In his books American Plague, Truce, Blizzard and The Real Benedict Arnold he has shown that he can both inform and engage young readers. Invincible Microbe continues the trend. He and Alison Blank have crafted a fascinating tale that sustains younger readers’ interest. They provide just enough information to thoroughly educate the reader without becoming to dull. This book would work very well for classrooms looking for STEM titles. Students will enjoy discussing the various attempts to cure tuberculosis, and they can debate what needs to be done to combat the disease today.
4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for grades 5 and up
January 4, 2023
This is a disappointing book by one of my favorite nonfiction writers. It's written in typical textbook fashion rather than the narrative style I have come to expect from Murphy. It covers the history of tuberculosis from ancient to modern times.
Most of the book covers the late 1800s through World War I when great efforts were made to find a cure. Hundreds of sanatoriums were built around the country to get infected individuals away from the cities and into the fresh air of the countryside. It wasn't a cure, just a way to alleviate symptoms. The disease finally met its match with the discovery of a ground mold called streptomycin which kills the bacteria in its active state. Today tuberculosis is practically nonexistent, but it's highly contagious nature causes people to remain vigilant. Several outbreaks have occurred in recent years in places like the Ukraine.
There are many photographs and a wealth of information, but it's a dull read. The only kids who will check out this book are ones doing an assignment on disease. Most kids today go to the internet for that. Can't recommend this one.
Most of the book covers the late 1800s through World War I when great efforts were made to find a cure. Hundreds of sanatoriums were built around the country to get infected individuals away from the cities and into the fresh air of the countryside. It wasn't a cure, just a way to alleviate symptoms. The disease finally met its match with the discovery of a ground mold called streptomycin which kills the bacteria in its active state. Today tuberculosis is practically nonexistent, but it's highly contagious nature causes people to remain vigilant. Several outbreaks have occurred in recent years in places like the Ukraine.
There are many photographs and a wealth of information, but it's a dull read. The only kids who will check out this book are ones doing an assignment on disease. Most kids today go to the internet for that. Can't recommend this one.
September 19, 2012
From the days of homo erectus, tuberculosis has been a fatal disease for humans whose attempts at cures were often painful and harmful, and have led to today's super-resistant microorganism strains. A straight-forward, clearly written history of a disease with the kinds of details that keep readers fascinated. Lots of black-and-white illustrations emphasize the world-wide nature of this plague, its place in history, and the various efforts to treat it. Along the way Murphy manages to weave in extensive social history, the effects of segregation in medicine for the patients and their caregivers, and lots and lots about medical history in general. The excellent source notes are actually interesting to read as well and there's an annotated bibliography, picture credits (from all over), and an index. Exemplary nonfiction for middle school and teen readers as we've come to expect from Jim Murphy. A grand companion to his yellow fever book,An American Plague.
May 11, 2016
I love these books that don't overwhelm me with facts but yet give an accurate history of events. This book was an enlightening look at the progression of the Tuberculosis infection and how it progressed through time. The additional pictures and trivial information really made this book engaging and I would highly recommend it if you just want to know about it or if you are doing a report on the subject. The book is geared toward junior high and lower high school readers but I am okay with that! Definitely not a book to overlook when adding non-fiction to your collection!
January 23, 2025
Yea! For my never ending Love of Tuberculosis. Sadly, this book did not have the science I craved. Probably because it was intended for twelve year olds. And let's face it, the idea that laughter is be the best medicine except that probably killed half the population in the the eighteen hundreds,is kinda scary for kids. Still, I will never get over the cover of this book. TB so chic and that photo was taken at a Texas sanatorium. Yee haw!
March 11, 2015
Here is the best book you never knew you wanted to read. Yes, I just read an entire book about nothing but tuberculosis and rated it five stars. Such is the magic of the invincible Jim Murphy. Absolutely the most interesting and engaging book on the subject you will ever read, ever.
March 22, 2014
Scary!!!!!
February 15, 2023
The Invincible Microbe: Tuberculosis is a non-fiction book written by Jim Murphy and Alison Blank that provides a comprehensive history around the deadly bacterial disease, tuberculosis. It also explores the scientific, social, and cultural aspects of tuberculosis, explaining how it has impacted people of different ages, races, and social classes.
The book is divided into eleven chapters, each providing a different perspective on tuberculosis. The first few chapters cover the history of the disease, diving into its impact on society, including its association with poverty and its impact on public health policies. Additionally, the efforts made to combat the disease. The later chapters explore the scientific aspects of the disease, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
The authors’ main goal in writing this book is to raise awareness about tuberculosis and its impact on society. The authors’ provide a wealth of evidence to support their arguments, referencing historical records, scientific studies, and personal accounts. The evidence presented is comprehensive and convincing, and the authors do an excellent job of explaining complex scientific concepts in an easily understandable manner.
The book is very well written, with a good writing style that is both informative and engaging, and the authors’ enthusiasm for the topic is evident. This makes the book suitable for anybody to read, as it also does not assume any prior knowledge of Tuberculosis.
The book’s greatest strength is its comprehensive coverage of tuberculosis. The authors provide an in-depth analysis of the disease, its history, and its impact on society. The book’s weakness from my perspective is that it can be a bit tedious, especially when discussing the scientific aspects of the disease. Additionally, the book could have benefitted from more visual aids, such as diagrams and illustrations, to help the readers better understand the science behind the disease.
Overall, The Invincible Microbe: Tuberculosis is an informative and engaging book that provides a thorough exploration of tuberculosis. I would recommend this book to a wide range of readers, in particular to those interested in history or science. The book is well written and easy to read, making it accessible to a wide audience. It is very interesting and provides a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the impact of tuberculosis on society.
The book is divided into eleven chapters, each providing a different perspective on tuberculosis. The first few chapters cover the history of the disease, diving into its impact on society, including its association with poverty and its impact on public health policies. Additionally, the efforts made to combat the disease. The later chapters explore the scientific aspects of the disease, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
The authors’ main goal in writing this book is to raise awareness about tuberculosis and its impact on society. The authors’ provide a wealth of evidence to support their arguments, referencing historical records, scientific studies, and personal accounts. The evidence presented is comprehensive and convincing, and the authors do an excellent job of explaining complex scientific concepts in an easily understandable manner.
The book is very well written, with a good writing style that is both informative and engaging, and the authors’ enthusiasm for the topic is evident. This makes the book suitable for anybody to read, as it also does not assume any prior knowledge of Tuberculosis.
The book’s greatest strength is its comprehensive coverage of tuberculosis. The authors provide an in-depth analysis of the disease, its history, and its impact on society. The book’s weakness from my perspective is that it can be a bit tedious, especially when discussing the scientific aspects of the disease. Additionally, the book could have benefitted from more visual aids, such as diagrams and illustrations, to help the readers better understand the science behind the disease.
Overall, The Invincible Microbe: Tuberculosis is an informative and engaging book that provides a thorough exploration of tuberculosis. I would recommend this book to a wide range of readers, in particular to those interested in history or science. The book is well written and easy to read, making it accessible to a wide audience. It is very interesting and provides a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the impact of tuberculosis on society.
March 20, 2020
I read this at the beginning of the insanity attached to COVID-19 in Australia. When toilet paper was being hoarded and people were just generally going nuts. And it kind of felt like a really good time to read about a microbe based disease. Alright, there are a lot of differences between TB and Corona, but there were also SO many similarities!
I do have a background in biology (although I focus on environmental biology), so my basic understanding of diseases such as TB and others is fairly sound. Yet, even if I didn’t have this background, I would find this book incredibly informative. Murphy and Blank are able to inform the reader about the journey of TB without getting too scientific. A great read for those who want to find out more but don’t have the science background.
The history of a prominent disease is always going to be kind of fascinating. Not just because it’s the history of an important aspect of science (discovering that microbes can in fact cause death), but also because it provides an insight into the people and cultures of the time. From the beginning of Sanitoriums and the isolation of patients to the understanding of contagions… the discovery of TB and the race to find a cure were a fascinating story.
To end out this book, the status of TB today is talked about. And, more importantly, it’s potential to mutate into an untreatable version. Something which is always a risk when dealing with a disease that can mutate. It serves as both a message of hope for the treatment in the future, and a pretty dire warning as to what could be just around the corner. A little scary, but definitely something worth thinking about. Especially in the global climate today.
I do have a background in biology (although I focus on environmental biology), so my basic understanding of diseases such as TB and others is fairly sound. Yet, even if I didn’t have this background, I would find this book incredibly informative. Murphy and Blank are able to inform the reader about the journey of TB without getting too scientific. A great read for those who want to find out more but don’t have the science background.
The history of a prominent disease is always going to be kind of fascinating. Not just because it’s the history of an important aspect of science (discovering that microbes can in fact cause death), but also because it provides an insight into the people and cultures of the time. From the beginning of Sanitoriums and the isolation of patients to the understanding of contagions… the discovery of TB and the race to find a cure were a fascinating story.
To end out this book, the status of TB today is talked about. And, more importantly, it’s potential to mutate into an untreatable version. Something which is always a risk when dealing with a disease that can mutate. It serves as both a message of hope for the treatment in the future, and a pretty dire warning as to what could be just around the corner. A little scary, but definitely something worth thinking about. Especially in the global climate today.
May 13, 2019
I thoroughly enjoy Jim Murphy’s nonfiction books (The Great Fire, Truce, An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic), but this one was my favorite!
Tuberculosis has definitely been romanticized in stories and movies, and I always thought it was more of a disease of the past. I have had TB tests done for school, but was never really concerned. In my mind, only people who lived before WWII or who lived in very poor countries could get it.
Wrong! TB has evolved over time, and it manifests in many forms. It can be latent, or it can be active. You can have it in your lungs, or in other parts of your body including the spine, kidneys, or brain. Jim Murphy did an excellent job explaining the discovery, treatment, and evolution of TB — and its story has not come to an end yet.
In the 1990s, MDR-TB (multi-drug resistant TB) was discovered, and today we now face XDR-TB (extensively drug-resistant TB). Although TB continues to evolve as a super germ, many people do not consider it a threat because they believe it will not affect where they live. What they fail to realize (and what I failed to realize) is that people travel now more than ever, and TB is highly contagious. It only takes 1 infected person to start an outbreak.
I am not trying to sound like a doomsday-er, but I think it is important to be aware and to continue research. This book was an eye-opener filled with fascinating information!
Tuberculosis has definitely been romanticized in stories and movies, and I always thought it was more of a disease of the past. I have had TB tests done for school, but was never really concerned. In my mind, only people who lived before WWII or who lived in very poor countries could get it.
Wrong! TB has evolved over time, and it manifests in many forms. It can be latent, or it can be active. You can have it in your lungs, or in other parts of your body including the spine, kidneys, or brain. Jim Murphy did an excellent job explaining the discovery, treatment, and evolution of TB — and its story has not come to an end yet.
In the 1990s, MDR-TB (multi-drug resistant TB) was discovered, and today we now face XDR-TB (extensively drug-resistant TB). Although TB continues to evolve as a super germ, many people do not consider it a threat because they believe it will not affect where they live. What they fail to realize (and what I failed to realize) is that people travel now more than ever, and TB is highly contagious. It only takes 1 infected person to start an outbreak.
I am not trying to sound like a doomsday-er, but I think it is important to be aware and to continue research. This book was an eye-opener filled with fascinating information!
November 17, 2019
Excellent nonfiction for young readers about the history of tuberculosis. I recently became interested in tuberculosis while doing some genealogy research. I learned about several relatives who died of the disease in the early 1900's. Two that I know of died in sanatoriums. The images and stories of sufferers in this book were particularly poignant to me because of this personal connection.
Murphy shows how horrible the diagnosis was throughout most of history. He relates about the frantic search for a treatment and how cruel and painful and futile some early treatments could be. He shows that racism and poverty increased exposure and fatality.
A very interesting history for upper elementary through teen readers--really for any reader who wants an insightful look at history through the lens of a particular, long enduring condition.
Murphy shows how horrible the diagnosis was throughout most of history. He relates about the frantic search for a treatment and how cruel and painful and futile some early treatments could be. He shows that racism and poverty increased exposure and fatality.
A very interesting history for upper elementary through teen readers--really for any reader who wants an insightful look at history through the lens of a particular, long enduring condition.
July 9, 2018
Please note the word "Never-Ending" in the title. Before reading this overview of the history of tuberculosis and the many attempts to find a cure I had no idea that this disease is still proving to be an enigma to scientists and the medical world.
The disease is airborne and virulent, keeping a pace ahead of the antibiotics that have proven to be effective against it. Most of Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, and parts of Central and South America are still hot spots for the spread of this killer of masses.
The take home I got from this presentation of material written in such a way as to be accessible to a young audience is "stay tuned".
The disease is airborne and virulent, keeping a pace ahead of the antibiotics that have proven to be effective against it. Most of Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, and parts of Central and South America are still hot spots for the spread of this killer of masses.
The take home I got from this presentation of material written in such a way as to be accessible to a young audience is "stay tuned".
October 3, 2019
This book delves into the history of Tuberculosis and finding a cure. It continues with how it is currently as of the book's publishing in 2012.
My 6th grader and I were reading this book as part of his science for homeschool. I thought that the book was really interesting and I learned so much about Tuberculosis that I didn't know before. I didn't find the writing dry at all and actually wanted to read the book. My son, who is a bit squeamish with medical stuff, found some parts hard to read about and wasn't as excited about the book as I was (he's actually glad that we're finished). He is also a bit of an anxious kid and when it got to the part of talking about drug resistant TB he started worrying about that.
My 6th grader and I were reading this book as part of his science for homeschool. I thought that the book was really interesting and I learned so much about Tuberculosis that I didn't know before. I didn't find the writing dry at all and actually wanted to read the book. My son, who is a bit squeamish with medical stuff, found some parts hard to read about and wasn't as excited about the book as I was (he's actually glad that we're finished). He is also a bit of an anxious kid and when it got to the part of talking about drug resistant TB he started worrying about that.
January 15, 2021
I actually liked this book but..
They spent the first few chapters talking about this disease what it does and stuff like that. The next few chapters were about the many failed attempts at curing it. One of which includes pneumothorax which collapses one of your lungs.
Some of the chapters after that were about the vaccines and antibiotics that "worked". Of course then, the disease changed so that it was now immune to the vaccines and antibiotics.
Also going into this book I thought that turburculosis was a disease that died in like, the 1940s. Turns out it is still a thing and still very much alive.
Isn't that just great...
They spent the first few chapters talking about this disease what it does and stuff like that. The next few chapters were about the many failed attempts at curing it. One of which includes pneumothorax which collapses one of your lungs.
Some of the chapters after that were about the vaccines and antibiotics that "worked". Of course then, the disease changed so that it was now immune to the vaccines and antibiotics.
Also going into this book I thought that turburculosis was a disease that died in like, the 1940s. Turns out it is still a thing and still very much alive.
Isn't that just great...
June 9, 2019
This was another young adult book, younger, really, but I learned facts about TB that I didn't know. I was always under the impression that TB was a disease of the lungs; apparently it is possible to contract a centralized variation of it. My grandfather's sister died of TB while still a young woman; he always said she had it "in her side." Having read this book, now I understand what he meant, and my great-aunt probably had TB in her liver or kidneys. It's amazing that no one else in my grandfather's immediate family contracted it.
November 3, 2020
The "biography" of the evolving microscopic TB germ by award-winning author Jim Murphy and his wife, Alison Blank, covers how tuberculosis came to be treated and cured, only to change and flourish around us again. The authors also bring out how society treated the sufferers of this deadly disease. Photos plus images of prints, woodcuts, and maps enliven the text. Murphy and Blank's clear writing style and excellent research (as revealed in the back matter's bibliography and Source Notes) make this book a fascinating read, especially during the 2020 Covid-19 epidemic!
May 15, 2019
Did you know that to treat tuberculosis they used to purposely deflate people's lungs? Over and over again? And that Betty MacDonald, the author of the "Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle" series, had TB and spent time in a sanitarium? Fascinating and scary, especially the account of the new XDR strain of TB and the bit about the Russian prisoners.
September 22, 2019
This book has been on my list....and my library shelf....for a long time. I have been tested for TB when I started working at a public school. I knew it affected the lungs and use to be called consumption. This was the extent of my knowledge. This book filled in LOTS of gaps. Interesting for sure. Not sure I need it in an elementary library.
November 20, 2020
My 10 yo and I loved this book! Fascinating history of tuberculosis, not just the evolution of the virus itself and all the "cures" along the way, but the social implications for a variety of populations. The ending felt like a bit of a cliffhanger with the talk of XDR-TB and how insidiously this disease continues to pop up around the world today. Very eye opening and engaging read!
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