I Contain Multitudes

The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life

De: Ed Yong

Narrado por: Charlie Anson

New York Times Bestseller

New York Times Notable Book of 2016

NPR Great Read of 2016

Economist Best Books of 2016

Brain Pickings Best Science Books of 2016

Smithsonian Best Books about Science of 2016

Science Friday Best Science Book of 2016

A Mother Jones Notable Read of 2016

A Bill Gates “Gates Notes” Pick

MPR Best Books of 2016

Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books of 2016

Minnesota Star-Tribune Best of the Year

A Kirkus Best Book of the Year

A PW Best Book of the Year

Guardian Best of the Year

Times (London) Best of the Year

Joining the ranks of popular science classics like The Botany of Desire and The Selfish Gene, a groundbreaking, wondrously informative, and vastly entertaining examination of the most significant revolution in biology since Darwin—a “microbe’s-eye view” of the world that reveals a marvelous, radically reconceived picture of life on earth.

Every animal, whether human, squid, or wasp, is home to millions of bacteria and other microbes. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ed Yong, whose humor is as evident as his erudition, prompts us to look at ourselves and our animal companions in a new light—less as individuals and more as the interconnected, interdependent multitudes we assuredly are.

The microbes in our bodies are part of our immune systems and protect us from disease. In the deep oceans, mysterious creatures without mouths or guts depend on microbes for all their energy. Bacteria provide squid with invisibility cloaks, help beetles to bring down forests, and allow worms to cause diseases that afflict millions of people.

Many people think of microbes as germs to be eradicated, but those that live with us—the microbiome—build our bodies, protect our health, shape our identities, and grant us incredible abilities. In this astonishing book, Ed Yong takes us on a grand tour through our microbial partners, and introduces us to the scientists on the front lines of discovery. It will change both our view of nature and our sense of where we belong in it.

Transformative and compelling

Changes the way you see the world around you. Stunning insights. this is a must read. along with the Selfish Gene.

Much more scientific than I thought it would be.

I had listened to his interview with Terry Gross, and based on that thought the subject matter would be far more mainstream. It was very interesting, but definitely technical.

Engaging and relevant science topic

Although I didn't race through this, I found it incredibly interesting in small doses. I'm not a scientist, but love learning about science topics that are presented in a way that I can access.

There was too much info for me here to listen to in long sessions, so I appreciated that these was packaged in self-contained chapters. I don't think I lost too much by listening over time.

The narration was perfect. I appreciated someone who made the dense material interesting and also had a charming voice.

Life changing

It was fascinating, well-researched, well-read. I feel like every sentence was a new and eye opening fact. I loved it.

Fascinating and easy to read.

Despite the topic being very specialized to those that are in bio industry, being a homemaker myself without any background in biology except for the bare minimum we get in schools, this was very enriching and influential for ways I view the world around me. Thank you, Ed Yong.