Reviews

Let me preface this with I DO RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. I picked it up, partly because I had read [b:Inferior: How Science Got Women Wrong—and the New Research That's Rewriting the Story|31869108|Inferior How Science Got Women Wrong—and the New Research That's Rewriting the Story|Angela Saini|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1483642947l/31869108._SY75_.jpg|52540217] and enjoyed it, and partly because a recent anti-racism workshop for my class was derailed by a few of my classmates who were resistant to the idea that racial categories might not be helpful in medical research and in subsequent medical recommendations. In fact, my classmates’ central critique was about blood pressure medications, which Saini does address in her book. I think Saini’s writing and research did give me many new ideas and thoughts about medical research, the study of human genetics, and human origins more broadly. I particularly enjoyed her conversation with Jay Kaufman, an epidemiologist who dissects some common errors researchers make when interpreting and adjusting their (race-based) data.

Now, the reason for the three stars: it’s a dry book. Saini’s wit shines through at times, but a lot of the book is comprised of direct quotes from other writings or from her interviews. Saini is a good writer - I just wish more of the book was written in her voice. It was easy to lose track of names as I was reading, and the information was dense. It felt like a slog getting through the chapters at times. Nevertheless, I’m glad that I read this book, and I do think it is a valuable read.

maylanth's review against another edition

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challenging dark informative medium-paced

5.0

philososquid's review against another edition

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5.0

As a scientist, this book was a really important read. It goes through a lot of the history of "race" in science -- I put it in quotes because there is no such thing as a biological race (but there is such thing as cultural/societal race!). Angela Saini makes it abundantly clear that, for centuries, scientists have been trying to prove a genetic basis to race, others trying to disprove it, and the end result is there is NO evidence that race is biological.

Angela goes through several problems that exist in science to this day, including scientists often "adjusting for race" in their results, despite the fact that there is no clear definition of race. Scientists keep reaching for more abstract and out-there theories to show that race does in fact exist, only to keep coming up empty-handed. She concludes that they keep reaching, but one day, there will be nothing left to reach for.

I really enjoyed the different examples and interviews Angela included in this text. She got a lot of different opinions and perspectives, and showed her opinions too. My favorite part of the book is when Angela suggests that we should be less concerned with our genes, and where our ancestors originated. We should instead focus on 'our actions, the choices we make, and the way we treat each other.'

mattrabpc's review against another edition

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2.0

A decently written book, but reads more as a history of scientists discrediting specific race scientists than bringing up and discrediting arguements. I wish the book was written more like the last chapter where it goes into the claims of racists and why they are wrong like the last chapter on Black Pills.

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