Genetic Twists of Fate

Fields and Johnston succeed in providing an accessible text that may appeal to the general public, and that is both enlightening and entertaining.

Anthony J. Dellureficio

The Quarterly Review of Biology

Fields and Johnston offer a wild and colorful ride through genetics, popular culture, and medicine. Where else can one learn about a murder trial, a Wimbledon final, Rita Hayworth, and gain-of function mutations? A lively, engaging read.

Alexander Johnson, University of California, San Francisco

For readers who seek a lucid and demystifying introduction to the complexities of human molecular genetics, this new entry by Fields and Johnston should go to the top of the list. The writing is graceful and the basic concepts are presented in an engaging style.

Troy Duster, Silver Professor of Sociology, New York University

This book is written in a very approachable style for the layperson wanting to know why there is so much interest in our genes. It provides a very accessible introduction to genetics and explains with well-chosen examples how genetics will affect our lives and its potential for benefit in the future.

Dame Kay Davies, Dr Lee's Professor of Anatomy and director, MRC Functional Genomics Unit, University of Oxford

With personal genetics kits now available online (and perhaps coming soon to your neighborhood drugstore), with Congress voting against genetic discrimination, and with genetics now influencing our therapies, we really need a book that engages the public in the genetics debate and gives scientists a handy companion in this vital dialogue. The signature personal stories in this book provide a remarkably fresh, engaging, and memorable experience.

George M. Church, Professor of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, and founder, Personal Genome Project