A review by liketheverb
Survival of the Sickest: A Medical Maverick Discovers Why We Need Disease by Sharon Moalem

3.0

Dr. Moalem uses modern evolutionary theory to take a close look at some of the world's most common diseases. He examines how diseases that plague our society like hemochromatosis, type I diabetes, and malaria once may have provided evolutionary advantage.
Dr. Moalem introduces the reader to several complex theories from fields including evolutionary biology, molecular genetics, clinical microbiology, and immunology. While oversimplified at times, his examinations give the reader exactly the relevant information delivered in easy-to-understand prose and with enough context to engage the reader and aid in the overall narrative of the story.
An excellent choice for non-scientist readers who want to learn more about evolutionary biology, infectious disease dynamics, and the way our choices and our environment affect our health.