Editorial Reviews:

Product Description

A Nobel Prize-winning cancer biologist, leader of major scientific institutions, and veteran of science policy wars reflects on his remarkable career. An English major with a year of graduate studies in literature at Harvard University, Harold Varmus discovered he was drawn instead to medicine and eventually found himself at the forefront of cancer research at the University of California, San Francisco. In this warm, engaging memoir, Varmus considers a life’s work that thus far includes not only the groundbreaking research that won him a Nobel Prize but also tenure as the director of the National Institutes of Health and his current position as president of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Varmus also shares his perspective from the trenches of politicized battlegrounds ranging from budget fights to stem-cell research, global health to science publishing. Beyond evidence of Varmus’s penetrating intellect, self-deprecating humor, and the deep joy he takes in science, The Art and Politics of Science offers a stimulating reminder to people in all walks of life about the fascinating–and central–role of science in our world.

 “An Elegant Combination of Science and Biography”   February 24, 2009
Leigh Sutton (Massachusetts)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Cancer researcher Harold Varmus has been called a Renaissance man, and the label is aptly bestowed. Varmus is as much at home in the world of art and literature as he is in the scientific realm, where his work with the oncogene–the mutating gene that causes cancer–earned him the Nobel Prize in Medicine. These dual abilities uniquely qualify him to tell his tale. While Varmus describes his life and work engagingly, he is able with equal and contagious enthusiasm to explain, for example, the structure and function of DNA. As a nonscientific person, I didn’t understand all the details of the discoveries he describes, but I got the gist and was warmed by the excitement he communicates. A stunning story by a powerful intellect.

 Fans of Biographies — take note   February 26, 2009
reading widely (San Francisco, CA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

I am fan of biographies and history of science, too. This book hugely satisfies on these levels. Dr. Varmus’s passions come through beautifully — from the lab, to heading large, important institutions, to his friends and colleagues, to his family, to the love of learning. I am not a scientist and you don’t have to be one to enjoy this book (although a certain level of science literacy is necessary). This book is elegant on the science and the personal comes through. Very appealing.

Not worth your money. February 23, 2009
0 out of 1 found this review helpful

Let’s look at ways to help this terrible economy, Suzanne has made ‘nuf off of her thigh-ab etc machines. She should retire after her nezt session with Colleen on HSN! for Pete’s sake! Terrible book!

Loved it!! February 17, 2009
Robin (Tucson, AZ)
I think everyone should read this book. What an eye opener. Thank you Suzanne!!!

Wonderful book February 15, 2009
H. Hubble (Michigan)
I loved this book. I will refer to it often. Every woman or man should read it,so they can know their own body. How it works and why things go wrong.

Breakthrough: Eight Steps to Wellness February 13, 2009
C. Moore (The Pocono Mts. of PA USA)
Suzanne Somers has given us another excellent resource. She’s edgy with this one…alternatives to Western medicine, and it is elucidating!

Information that women need to know! February 7, 2009
Reevster (North TX)
It would nice to have all the time and money Ms. Somers has–to wrap your life around looking and feeling younger. But the reality is: most of us don’t. However, Ms. Somers’ book does give some good advice. It’s worth reading–even though most women won’t have the resources to implement all the suggestions given.