A review by mmgooden
Lifespan: Why We Age--And Why We Don't Have to by David A. Sinclair, Matthew D. Laplante

challenging hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

This is my second exposure to the topic of aging from Sinclair’s perspective — I listened to his guest appearance on the podcast The Knowledge Project episode #136 prior to reading his book. Although it was arguably a “quick read”, seeing as many chapters captured my attention from opening sentence to conclusion, Sinclair is undeniably repetitive. 

He walks the line between justifiably emphasizing a point and droning on to achieve a publisher’s word count. I found myself skimming paragraphs to reach fresh content, which there was no absence of between closing words. His main point? Aging is a disease. Humans can have longer lifespans and health spans, significantly reducing our years sick from other diseases by accepting this as a fact.

Notably, Sinclair has well researched and wonderfully clarified information on genetics and the process of aging which he should have used to his advantage to draw stronger, interwoven conclusions. As an introduction book to aging and genetics, he mixes comprehensive science and down-to-earth sentiments well. All and all, Lifespan is a fascinating read, had it taken one more pass through developmental editing, though, I may have rated it higher.