A little while ago I reviewed a book for Shiny New Books that you might not expect to see on my reading pile – The Remarkable Life of the Skin (2019) by Monty Lyman. Well, I’m learning that I should start reading more in areas that I don’t think will appeal. The whole review is over at Shiny New Books – below is the start.
The number of science books I’ve read can be numbered on my fingers, and the number of science books I’ve read that weren’t written by Oliver Sacks is nil. Until now! Full disclosure, Monty Lyman is a friend of mine – and that was why I picked up The Remarkable Life of the Skin. But I’m very glad I did, and would definitely recommend it to anybody who doesn’t have the privilege of being Monty’s friend.
Lyman (let’s keep this review professional) is a doctor in Oxford, and his research has specialised in dermatology. That interest has taken him around the world, and the book reports on interesting cases from most of the planet’s continents – with an especial interest in Tanzania. The real marvel of The Remarkable Life of the Skinis is how much content it packs into a relatively short space.
Stepping outside your comfort zone can be quite interesting sometimes… ;D
Your review is interesting, and it is good to step outside your comfort zone, but I’m not sure I’m brave enough for this one!
I heard this book reviewed on Radio4’s Inside Science as it was on the short list of books for the Royal Society Science Book award. Being a programme about science the review was obviously going to be pro the” science bit”, so it was interesting to read your review as a non-science person. I thought it sounded an intriguing book and would love to read it.In our household it may solve the what to get Mum or daughter present problem!
Oh lovely! Yes, I do wonder whether a scientist would know everything already in this book – it feels more aimed at the novice like me. but worth putting in a Christmas stocking nonetheless!