After reading, finishing, and sitting with The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer , I feel confident saying this is not only one of the best nonfiction books I’ve ever read — it’s also my personal favourite in the popular science genre. Last year, I read The Song of the Cell: An Exploration of Medicine and the New Human , also by Siddhartha Mukherjee. While I appreciated the ideas it explored, it didn’t leave quite the same impression. So I approached The Emperor of All Maladies somewhat cautiously, unsure of what to expect after a lukewarm experience with his more recent work. In hindsight, I’m so glad I picked it up. I’m already thinking about revisiting The Song of the Cell with fresh eyes and reading more of Mukherjee’s work. An Emotional and Scientific Journey This book is not always an easy read emotionally — cancer is a heavy, deeply human topic. In my undergraduate classes, I learned about the biology of cancer in a clinical, detached way: the mechanisms behin...
A Blog on Books is where I share my thoughts on the books I’ve read. Each post offers a deep dive into my insights, opinions and experiences with a diverse array of literature. Join me as I explore and reflect on the books that have left a mark on me, and engage in a shared love of reading.