The Genes That Make Us: Human Stories From a Revolution in Medicine

by Edwin Kirk

Genes — we all have them and we’re all affected by them, often in unknown ways.

Whether directly inherited or modified by our environment, genes control or significantly influence almost every aspect of our lives. From the success of our conception and the development of our sexual characteristics, to the colour of our skin, hair, and eyes. From our height and weight, to our daily health. And, unfortunately, our genes are involved in an untold number of diseases. For many, the first time that genetics truly matters is in a doctor’s office as they learn about a condition that may affect them, their unborn children, or even their wider family. Yet from the first laborious survey of the human genome twenty years ago to the commercial machines that now sequence 6,000 genomes per year, a revolution is taking place in medicine. Genetic screening is already available for major diseases and will become an increasingly prevalent medical tool. Around the world, teams of researchers are working on cures for diseases such as cancer, certain degenerative disorders, and a host of syndromes, while others are inventing new ways to conceive — and even modifying our genome in ways that could change what it means to be human.

Navigating this world of heartbreaking uncertainties, tantalising possibilities, and thorny questions of morality is Professor Edwin Kirk, who in addition to having over two decades of experience is that rare doctor who works both in the lab and with patients. In The Genes That Make Us, he explains everything you need to know with humour, insight, and great humanity.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Medicine, Health, Genetics, Technology, Popular Science

288 pages, Paperback

Published February 11, 2021

About the author

Dr. Edwin Kirk is both a clinical geneticist and a genetic pathologist, a rare combination. As a clinician, he sees patients at Sydney Children's Hospital, where he has worked for more than 20 years. He is also a researcher, working in the fields of cardiac genetics, metabolic diseases, and intellectual disability, studies reproductive carrier screening, and is a co-author of more than 100 publications in scientific journals.

Reviews

[Tony Sunderland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is important to anyone who wants to make sense of the brave new science of genetic medicine. Professor Kirk works in the front line of this field, both as a clinical geneticist, and genetic pathologist. He is therefore perfectly positioned to communicate the story of how our genes influence who we are, and indeed who we may become. Understandably, this field of endeavour can be complicated, confrontational and controversial. But Kirk skilfully and compassionately introduces the reader to the very real opportunities and possible consequences of genetic medicine. By focusing on real people and their very personal journeys, he gives us both a platform for understanding the implications of these new discoveries, but also a perspective that focusses on personal wellbeing as the centrepiece for moral agency. From the book:
“In genetics, we make a virtue of non-directive counselling. The idea is that we give people information that empowers them to make their own choices, rather than telling what to do.”
This work is uniquely positioned to provide a bridge of understanding between each of us who are uniquely gifted and burdened by our genes, and those professionals who can inform us about The Genes that make Us.

[lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is way more approachable than it seems. so cool to learn about genetics and where it can take us in medicine.

[Uyar · Rating 3 out of 5]

İnsan genetiğine yeni yeni ilgi duyan kişiler için mükemmel bir kitap. Üstelik 2019 yılında pandemiden önce yazılıp 2020 yılında İngilizce yayınlanmış kitabın iki sene içinde Türkçe tercümesini görmek çok sevindirici. Yazar E Kirk Avustralya’nın ünlü genetik patologlarından biridir. 1970 li yıllardan başlayarak genetik tıp biliminin gelişimini bizzat yaşamış bir doktor olarak kendi hastalarına temel alarak bize bol miktarda genetik hastalığı olan kişilerin hikayelerini bazen acıklı bazen sevinçli bazen kafa karıştırıcı yorumlarla anlatarak genetik hastalıklara dalmamızı sağlıyor. Bu tip kitaplarda gördüğüm yazar hangi milletten veya geçmişten ise oranın literatürünü temel alıyor doğal olarak. Yazar Amerikalıysa, İngilizde, Yahudiyse, Almansa veya buradaki gibi Avustralyalıysa oradan hikayeler karşımıza çıkıyor, daha önceki kitaplarda da bunları gördüm. yazarın kendi tecrübelerini kitaba aktarması gayet doğal tabii ki… onun için bizim yazar doktorlarımızın kitaplarına da acil ihtiyacımız var gibi geliyor bana ama para kazanmak, paçanın yararları cs gibi Nabza göre şerbet vermek (pseudo-science’cılar gibi) için değil tecrübelerini aktarmak için yazmalı kanımca…

Kitap kabaca genetik bilimi ile günümüzde nerelere kadar ilerlendiğini abartmadan anlatıyor. Genetiğin cazibesine ve tuzaklarına düşmeden En azından şimdilik olan sınırlarda gayet güzel anlatıyor. Gelecekte ne olacağına ise son derece kısa değiniyor. Bu bakımdan diğer genetik kitaplarında göre oldukça alçakgönüllü buldum. Ancak kitap zaten tıp ve sağlık bilimi içinde bulunan birisi için biraz fazlaca yüzeysel geldi bana.. Gen isimlerini söylerken bile gayet çekingen davranıyor okuyucuyu sıkmamak için sanırım..

Son olarak yazarın güzel bir cümlesi ile bitireyim:
Teknolojideki değişikliklerden, yakın gelecekte geliştirilecek veya geliştirilemeyecek tedavilerden bağımsız olarak bilgiyi ne kadar hızlı biriktirirsek biriktirelim çalışma alanım olan insan genetiğinin temel doğası “insanların hikayesi” olacaktır.

[Michelle Skurr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent read for anyone interested in human genetics and genetic disorders, great overview of the history, current state of knowledge and possible future directions, illustrated by real stories can case examples.
Easy to read, good use of humour alongside the empathy and understanding of the difficulties that arise from such disorders and the impact on parents and families.

[Peter Skurr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great easy to read book all about our genes.

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not normally a fan of non-fiction but I loved this book! So interesting and easy to read!

[belisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

sadece genetik hastalıkların isimlendirilmesi bölümünde sıkıldım, onun dışında epey aydınlatıcı bir okuma oldu...

[Carlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favourite book that I have read on genetics thus far. Approachable, interesting and insightful.

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Maybe I’m biased because I work with Edwin but I appreciated how he makes genetics fun and accessible to everyone

[Scribe Publications]

This new book sets out to share the experiences and anecdotes of a career in genetic medicine more than two-decades long, while narrating segments of the history of genetic pathology and exploring the world of genes today and to come … Kirk makes effective use of footnotes to deflate the academic style and maintain a sense of personality and fun.

David Ferrell, Canberra Times

Both an account of the human stories at the heart of Kirk’s practice and a beginner’s guide to genetic medicine, The Genes That Make Us tells of the significant progress that has been made in genetics over the past two decades, while also signalling how far there is left to travel.
Diane Stubbings, Australian Book Review

[Scribe Publications]

This new book sets out to share the experiences and anecdotes of a career in genetic medicine more than two-decades long, while narrating segments of the history of genetic pathology and exploring the world of genes today and to come … Kirk makes effective use of footnotes to deflate the academic style and maintain a sense of personality and fun.

David Ferrell, Canberra Times

Both an account of the human stories at the heart of Kirk’s practice and a beginner’s guide to genetic medicine, The Genes That Make Us tells of the significant progress that has been made in genetics over the past two decades, while also signalling how far there is left to travel.
Diane Stubbings, Australian Book Review

[gretasbookclub · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains fascinating personal anecdotes of genetic abnormalities and stories from Edwin's career intertwined with technological and scientific developments which have occurred so rapidly in the field. The book is written in such a way that it is so readable and interesting (and definitely accessible even if you don't have a science background!).

The book also contained instructions on how to perform a DNA extraction at home - so you can rest assured that my Dad and I extracted the DNA of an onion a couple of days ago. This is just one example of how fun & funny this book is - highly recommend!

Edwin writes about his career as a both a clinical and pathological geneticist, and it was absolutely fascinating to me! So much so, that is now has me contemplating my career & the possibilities of becoming a genetic counsellor. In fact, I even reached out to the author to say how much I enjoyed this book & he kindly wrote back to me & offered to have a conversation with me about career advice. Just a small example of the good things in this weird year!
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When To Read:

Now! Great book to start learning about the world of genetics (one I'm very fond of) and one that is going to soon become part of yours.

#Gifted from @scribepub

[Matilda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gained a weird fascination for genetics a few years ago so my parents got me this book. It was very interesting.