Review of The New Eugenics

This forum is for volunteer reviews by members of our review team. These reviews are done voluntarily by the reviewers and are published in this forum, separate from the official professional reviews. These reviews are kept separate primarily because the same book may be reviewed by many different reviewers.
Post Reply
User avatar
Kirstiene Mydale
Posts: 3
Joined: 26 Jun 2022, 18:16
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 2
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kirstiene-mydale.html
Latest Review: The New Eugenics by Conrad B. Quintyn

Review of The New Eugenics

Post by Kirstiene Mydale »

[Following is a volunteer review of "The New Eugenics" by Conrad B. Quintyn.]
Book Cover
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review


This book entitled The New Eugenics: Modifying Biological Life in the Twenty-first Century by Conrad B. Quintyn tackles the concerns that are brought upon by the eugenics that is prevalent today. It starts with the definition of new eugenics in contrast with the old. The few following chapters then are discussions that revolve around some examples of biotechnology that we have today. In each of these chapters, specific questions are raised to give insight to the reader into what stand they want to take on that particular biotechnology discussed. Each chapter topics a dilemma that not just scientist and the government should take into account but to you as an individual reading the book. The book is not just about the innovations and the development they represent to humanity but the part they take beyond the scientific results. It is always emphasized by Dr. Quintyn that these technology shapes social constructs and how they change the society.

I am impressed with how Dr. Quintyn introduced the genetic biotechnology he discusses. Instead of only focusing on describing the technology itself as it is today, he presents the history of how the specific technology happened especially on how the concept started. In this case, the reader can see the primary purpose on why the technology was even developed in the first place. So, the chapter takes you into a journey from how it all started and to what it is now. This could give you a wider perspective while also being presented the questions that should be kept in my mind regarding the technological advancement.

Another aspect that I liked on the book is that the author provides short, concise definitions in important terms to make the book more understandable especially that it is not a fictional novel. One example is on page 60, second paragraph, first sentence. A definition of totipotent is given to make sure the reader understands.

On the negative aspect, there is nothing in particular that I don’t like since this is a book that the topic interests me. On the technical part, there’s also zero to rare errors that I found.

I will give this book a 4 out of 4 since I have found only one grammatical error in the preface. The rest of the book is well-edited and written. Given that it is nonfictional, the author also provided proper citation and credit to all the ideas that he mentioned and even acknowledged Daniel Kevles who sparked the idea for the book. Along the way, the author did not stray from his objective to raise questions for readers to think about regarding the new technologies that are being developed nowadays.

I would recommend this book to audiences that are particularly interested about genetic biotechnology all the while having a background about biochemistry and medicine. For those who are not familiar with basic biochemistry and medical terms would find The New Eugenics hard to read.

******
The New Eugenics
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Post Reply

Return to “Volunteer Reviews”