Who We Are and How We Got Here

By: David Reich

Narrated by: John Lescault

Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

A groundbreaking book about how ancient DNA has profoundly changed our understanding of human history

Geneticists like David Reich have made astounding advances in the field of genomics, which is proving to be as important as archaeology, linguistics, and written records as a means to understand our ancestry.

In Who We Are and How We Got Here, Reich allows listeners to discover how the human genome provides not only all the information a human embryo needs to develop but also the hidden story of our species. Reich delves into how the genomic revolution is transforming our understanding of modern humans and how DNA studies reveal deep inequalities among different populations, between the sexes, and among individuals. Provocatively, Reich's book suggests that there might very well be biological differences among human populations but that these differences are unlikely to conform to common stereotypes.

Drawing upon revolutionary findings and unparalleled scientific studies, Who We Are and How We Got Here is a captivating glimpse into humankind - where we came from and what that says about our lives today.

A New York Times best-seller in Science Books. A #1 Amazon.com bestseller in the Biochemistry List.

©2018 David Reich (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Great book

A well informed book from a well informed genetecisist. with relevant data and good well fundamented arguments. A great reading for the casual or a more interested reader.

The narrator is quite monotone, which to me, helps understanding the material but understandably might be a cause for boredom for some. You guessed it, this is not a funny book but a highly knowlegable and entertaining one.

Highly informative and entertaining.

Great book for anyone wanting a more in depth understanding of human origins, genetics, and the implications of uncovering ancient ancestry.

Fantastic Portrayal of New Advances

As a former student of anthropology I found this riveting, informative, and well thought out!

It is quite technical at times, for those unfamiliar with genetic studies, but on the whole should be quite enjoyable for most audiences.

✔️ Outstanding ‼️

Confirmed Audible Addict, so I have a rather large collection that’s grown over the years. What makes this particular offering so rewarding is that I actually finished it; although I did a lot of backing up to listen to particular segments over, just yo be sure I got all the important points. And the point I’m making is simply this: If you want to know where your ancestors came from as you respect their struggles, while you learn the latest genetic research, then in that case—this Audible offering is for you. Enjoy . . . Keith

Insights on human diversity

Tremendous insights on our human diversity that help shatter biases. Desperately needs a pdf to show migrations, evolutionary splits/recombinations, etc.

Dense, informative, worth the time...

Written almost like a memoir. This is dense stuff as compared to a book like 'The Twisted Tree'. That said, it is fascinating and informative, pointing out the developing relationship between various disciplines relative to the exploration of genetic evidence. I take this all with a grain of salt, as there are too many variables, both known and unknown regarding the title of the book. However, the author is clearly expert in his field.

The narration is well done. The pace is good, voice modulation pleasant, and diction very good.

I would recommend this for anyone interested in how advances in genetic sciences are being applied and the effects thereof.

Textbook for studying

This is a detailed academic work. If you are looking for excellent background on the study of human populations over the last several decades this is where to go. It’s not an easy listen, I found myself backing up multiple times and wishing I had read it on paper. For those with an interest in this research and the studies, it’s an excellent source.

Good summary of a science that is changing daily

I enjoyed listening to this book and will probably listen to it a second time. It is a good summary of our ancient past as far as we know and understand it now. Thing is, it is changing so fast that I am sure books being written now will be obsolete within five years. That is how it should be, however, with a ground breaking science looking at facts we never knew existed.
I did disagree with a few things here and there in the book. As a lifelong family historian and genealogist I have whole heartedly accepted DNA testing into my research and have actively reached out to others sharing segments of my DNA to compare notes. I have found DNA testing to be VERY useful and a real learning tool for me. That is why, in contrast, I found it unusual that the author openly admits he has never taken a DNA test and has absolutely no interest in doing so. Hmmm...really? There has to be a story there to have that view after writing a book discussing exactly how powerful a new science genetics has become.
But, be that what it may, I enjoyed the book and recommend it. If there is a sequel I will most likely listen to it too.

Excelente contenido.

excelente audio libro, el único problema es que los capítulos no concuerdan con el audio

New discoveries in genealogy and human history

There's a lot of information this book just throws at you. I found it hard to retain much of it and it was a struggle to get all the way through to the end. It doesn't help that the reading is bad (I think it's computer generated?). However the subject of ancient DNA testing is very interesting and makes it worth it.