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  • Who We Are and How We Got Here

  • By: David Reich
  • Narrated by: John Lescault
  • Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (202 ratings)
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Who We Are and How We Got Here

By: David Reich
Narrated by: John Lescault
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Summary

A groundbreaking book about how ancient DNA has profoundly changed our understanding of human history

Geneticists like David Reich have made astounding advances in the field of genomics, which is proving to be as important as archaeology, linguistics, and written records as a means to understand our ancestry. 

In Who We Are and How We Got Here, Reich allows listeners to discover how the human genome provides not only all the information a human embryo needs to develop but also the hidden story of our species. Reich delves into how the genomic revolution is transforming our understanding of modern humans and how DNA studies reveal deep inequalities among different populations, between the sexes, and among individuals. Provocatively, Reich's book suggests that there might very well be biological differences among human populations but that these differences are unlikely to conform to common stereotypes.

Drawing upon revolutionary findings and unparalleled scientific studies, Who We Are and How We Got Here is a captivating glimpse into humankind - where we came from and what that says about our lives today.

A New York Times best-seller in Science Books. A #1 Amazon.com bestseller in the Biochemistry List.

©2018 David Reich (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

What listeners say about Who We Are and How We Got Here

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

We may never know the answer

I felt this was well written, referenced and presented. I listened mainly on my daily commute and at times longed to understand better as I was distracted by traffic. Consequently I couldn’t say how many out of Africa waves there were, if it was even stated, and what happened next. So the title question is still unanswered for me. Perhaps this helped me understand that if you want to know something you need to give it your undivided attention. I particularly liked the last part addressing the sensitivity of DNA testing and the taboo of race and religion. Ultimately we are all here because of the many different paths taken by others we do not know. We are all related and we need to get on better. There is no them and us, just us.

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Understandable and accessible

I thought he covered the genetic angle very well. Definitely changed my perspective about what it means to be African, European, Indian or Native American. Highly recommended essential reading.

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4 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Dry and narrated like a robot

Unfortunately I’m giving up on this as not only is the material dry, which I would cope with, but the narration is so detached and robotic that I had to check it wasn’t narrated by an AI software. Will look up the book version so I can read it myself.

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3 people found this helpful

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    2 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Fascinating subject. Terrible delivery.

I usually love books based on science and history. I thought this would be great. The narrators tones is so dreary I barely made it through the first chapter. Massive waste of a credit.

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2 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Not an easy listen.

The book started off really promisingly and I learned a few things about genomics. Around half way through, it became impenetrable with repeated mention of a hominid species I'd never heard of and it was difficult for me to keep track of what was going on. I'm sure that this title will be of great interest to people who know more about the subject than I do. The narrator's voice was very clear but the text was read in a really flat way, with no ups and downs or emphasis or attempt to make the content interesting. I've found this with other factual titles. The excitement of the subject area didn't come across. I hate giving negative reviews and I appreciate the effort that goes into making these audio books but I hope the feedback helps future titles.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Fascinating

Very solid position on human prehistory in light of modern genetics. Excessively anti racist at times but otherwise great.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Fascinating discoveries

Fascinating discoveries, got me even more interested in ancient DNA, but the structure/storytelling could be improved. The narrator did not help either

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Good book

Book is great and informative but at least at one place author of this book fell to what you would call Alt-Crap. Whaaaaaaaa!!!!!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Fascinating discoveries

A must read if you are interested in ancient history. This story is only starting to unfold so great time to be picking it t

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Fascinating content, dull style, wooden narration

I found the content of this book fascinating and intriguing, and the overall tale it tells is marvellous. I couldn't help wondering how much (perfectly reasonable) conjecture is involved though, given the small number of samples we have from some populations.
It's not a well-written science book for the general reader, but rather more like a text book. And it's a bit repetitive at times.
For me, the narration was wooden and lifeless, and the pauses before many names and non-English words made me feel that more rehearsal and preparation was needed.

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