Survival of the Sickest by Shannon

Survival of the Sickest by Shannon - February 2015 Scholarship Essay

Looking back on high school, one book in particular stands out to me still after years have passed. In my junior year AP Biology class, the teacher handed us each a copy of 'Survival of the Sickest', by Sharon Moalem. At first I was under the impression that I would grudgingly read it just to complete the assignment. To make a long story short—I was wrong. Immensely wrong. It was a ‘don’t-judge-book-by-the-cover’ moment fulfilled before my own eyes. The book addresses several interesting medical and historical aspects that are neither boring nor presented in a complicated manner. Each topic was uniquely intriguing, and for many reasons I wholeheartedly believe every high school student should take the time to read such an incredible literary work.

To begin with, the book is smart. After reading even a few chapters I felt genuinely enlightened, as if I could contribute this fascinating material I had learned in a conversation and everyone would pay attention. The author has found a way to transform topics including hemochromatosis, diabetes, vitamin D, cholesterol, malaria, Guniea worms, mutating DNA, genetic suppression, childhood obesity, and cancer cells into a purely enjoyable text. Even high school students who have no interest in health or biology could benefit greatly from the interest the book sparks in understanding your own personal health.

In addition, the book is undeniably a remarkable read. 'Survival of the Sickest' is immensely challenging to put down once begun. It presents points of humor and ‘Wow!’ moments to the reader over and over again. It has surprised the number of times in my own life that any of the topics have come up, and I was so appreciative to the book that I had a basis of knowledge and interesting points to offer. In conclusion, it would be incredibly beneficial for high school students to allow themselves the valuable experience of reading 'Survival of the Sickest'.