96 pages • 3 hours read
Walter IsaacsonThe Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race
Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2021A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Code Breaker chronicles the discovery and development of the gene-editing technology CRISPR, primarily focusing on 2020 Nobel Prize winner Jennifer Doudna and her collaboration with French microbiologist Emmanuelle Charpentier. The book explores the scientific and ethical dimensions of gene editing, including its potential to cure diseases and the controversies surrounding its use in human embryos. The text discusses sensitive topics including genetic modification and bioterrorism.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Walter Isaacson’s The Code Breaker captivates with a thorough examination of Jennifer Doudna’s work on CRISPR technology. Praised for its accessible science writing and compelling narrative, the book also draws criticism for its sometimes overwhelming detail and dense scientific explanations. Nevertheless, it offers a balanced look at the ethical implications of genetic engineering.
Who Should Read The Code Breaker?
A reader who would enjoy The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson is likely fascinated by the intersection of science, technology, and human ingenuity. Similar to enthusiasts of Steve Jobs and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, they appreciate biographical narratives that explore groundbreaking discoveries and the minds behind them.