I love reading books about diseases. They're often at least as exciting as most spy thrillers. This one was unique in that the author, an important public health figure, tells stories and gives information about several relevant diseases in relation to his own personal life experiences.
Dr. Damani is truly an inspiration, taking chances and achieving his goals through unimaginable hardships. Even while struggling to find a way to become a doctor, he shows empathy for those suffering around him and gratitude for everyone who helped him.
There are several diseases Dr Damani covers in this book, which is well organized and easy to read. Additional information on a topic is weaved into the story in clearly written little subsections.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in biography, medicine, disease, and mystery, as there are also explanations as to how scientists track disease origins.
Thanks so much to NetGalley for letting me read this

I found this book amazing and what Dr Damani had to say fascinating. Not only does the book discuss the life of a great clinical microbiologist and public health figure, it adeptly and clearly explains some of the major infectious diseases that have afflicted mankind. Dr. Damani uses his biography as a doorway to enter into discussions of the diseases. I loved the plain language and conversational tone. All the science is very well explained. Dr Damani also tells great stories and some of his anecdotes were quite humorous. He also used a selection of quotes to add texture to the story. Overall I found this book well worth reading. Thank you to Netgalley and Troubador for the advance reader copy.