Book Review: An Elegant Defense

A perfect title I must say, and I don’t say that often. Immunology is quite complex, and the textbooks that go along with it are generally not for those without a biology and physiology background. However neither are needed to enjoy this book and gain an appreciation for how important and complex our immune systems really are.

This is a fascinating tale of real human lives, interwoven with an amazingly easy to understand explanation of the immune system (that alone is worth the read). An Elegant Defense: The Extraordinary New Science of the Immune System: A Tale in Four Lives is an absolute must read for everyone. I say that because everyone I know knows at least one person who has suffered from an autoimmune disorder, or knows at least one person (if not more) who has had cancer.
A very well written book for the lay reader, with important concepts that were crystal clear in their explanation. A great review for anyone taking immunology (or better yet, a great introduction to the topic), all the while including great personal stories in between the science. The human personal stories actually bring meaning and purpose to the science.
A rare treat this book is, you gain both entertainment, and knowledge, all as one.

