"What is Life" by Paul Nurse (Happy Readers Book Club)

In September's meeting of the Happy Readers Book Club, we'll be discussing "What is Life: Five Great Ideas in Biology" by Paul Nurse. If you're a bit busy and are hoping for a shorter read than usual, this is the month for you. This Nobel Prize winner's book is only 110 pages, but judging by the reviews there is no compromise on insight or quality. Brian Cox describes "What is Life" as "A nearly perfect guide to the wonder and complexity of existence". Phillip Pullman says the book "Provides the sort of clarity and understanding that could save thousands of lives". Humanist UK's own Alice Roberts calls Paul Nurse "A rare life form - a Nobel-winning scientist and a brilliant communicator". Here is the publisher's summary: "Life is all around us, abundant and diverse, it is extraordinary. But what does it actually mean to be alive? Nobel prize-winner Paul Nurse has spent his career revealing how living cells work. In this book, he takes up the challenge of defining life in a way that every reader can understand. It is a shared journey of discovery; step by step he illuminates five great ideas that underpin biology. He traces the roots of his own curiosity and knowledge to reveal how science works, both now and in the past. Using his personal experiences, in and out of the lab, he shares with us the challenges, the lucky breaks, and the thrilling eureka moments of discovery. To survive the challenges that face the human race today – from climate change, to pandemics, loss of biodiversity and food security – it is vital that we all understand what life is." About the author Sir Paul Nurse won a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2001, and has also been awarded the Albert Einstein World Award of Science and French Legion d'Honneur. He has acted as advisor to the Prime Minister on Science and Technology matters, and received over 60 honorary degrees and fellowships from international universities. He is currently the Director and Chief Executive of London's Francis Crick Institute, a centre dedicated to understanding the biology underlying health. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85454787483?pwd=alNxcGxHTUJIMlRxL0pIWGowR2p5dz09 Meeting ID: 854 5478 7483 Passcode: 839280