Pleased to Meet Me

Genes, Germs, and the Curious Forces That Make Us Who We Are

By: Bill Sullivan

Narrated by: Alex Boyles

Length: 11 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Why are you attracted to a certain “type?” Why are you a morning person? Why do you vote the way you do? From a witty new voice in popular science comes a clever, life-changing look at what makes you you.

“I can’t believe I just said that.” “What possessed me to do that?” “What’s wrong with me?”

We’re constantly seeking answers to these fundamental human questions, and now, science has the answers. The foods we enjoy, the people we love, the emotions we feel, and the beliefs we hold can all be traced back to our DNA, germs, and environment. This witty, colloquial book is popular science at its best, describing in everyday language how genetics, epigenetics, microbiology, and psychology work together to influence our personality and actions.

Mixing cutting-edge research and relatable humor, Pleased to Meet Me is filled with fascinating insights that shine a light on who we really are - and how we might become our best selves.

©2019 Bill Sullivan (P)2019 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

new perspective on personality

it is very lengthy, some parts are boring and complex if you do have a background of biology.
if you understand this book completely you will be amazed on what the world is made of.

Interesting Book

As an expert in economics & finance, I enjoyed so much this book of microbiology & genetics. Because, is engaging and novel. Also,I like the good humour of the writer and the good narration.

Amazing book for biology fans

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. so much so that I'm going to give it another listen after I submit this review. The author provides you with great examples and explanations. honestly, you don't even have to know too much about genetics to be able to understand what he's talking about. he explains it that well. and he keeps you entertained the whole time. 10/10 would recommend.

very insightful and inspiring

very insightful and inspiring, great compilation of recent discoveries and ideas of human nature, plenty of scientific references.

Interesting Insight for my Inner Layman Scientist

As an enviro-centric moderate, I've been looking for material to give me some insight on tribal politics. How can two people observe the same topic/situation and see it so differently? This book gave me some perspective based on gene studies. I didn't mind the pop/nerd humor, but I can see how it would annoy some readers/listeners [I'm an Audible book consumer].

A Thought

Rene Descartes was not wrong. When we are born with a split brain then he will be.

(Alex Boyles should read for everyone.)

Loved this book it was fascinating

Technical in places but stick with it, the information is stunning. You will love this book.

Every human should listen to this

Armed with the knowledge of this book, society stands a chance.
Funny anecdotes aside, this book contains a lot of very interesting explanations and motivations for things we never think about and could also be a guide for understanding how and why you are the way you are.

Very good except Chapter 9

Very interesting and evidence-based until the author gets to Chapter 9, about beliefs. He does a good job analyzing the neurological and behavioral differences between political viewpoints, but when it comes to religious people vs. non-religious people, he quotes none of the many studies that have been done. He takes for granted that all spiritual beliefs are wrong, superstitious, and harmful. When speaking about the soul, he forgets the basic scientific trope, 'absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.'

Otherwise, I do recommend this book. Narration is perfect, by the way!

fascinating information clouded by too many jokes

this book provides fascinating and useful information in an easy-to-understand way without talking down. The only thing I didn't like about the book was never ending pop references and jokes that detracted from the useful information.