Life Lessons from a Parasite by John Janovy, Jr ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

In this unique book, John Janovy Jr., one of the world's preeminent experts on parasites, reveals what humans can learn from the most reviled yet misunderstood animals on Earth: lice, tapeworms, flukes, and maggots that can eat a lizard from the inside, and how these lessons help us negotiate our own complicated world.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free audiobook was provided for an honest review.

August 2024; HighBridge Audio; 9781696616201
audio (9h 20m), ebook, print; nonfiction

In my day job, I work for a research center that is largely parasitology-focused (I'm in communications and not research). While I have a degree in biology and have done graduate work in ecology, parasitology isn't really a field I had much experience with before starting at this center 24 years ago. It is an interesting field and I often review books related to parasites and parasitic diseases for my own knowledge and interest. So while I may have heard of the parasites and the diseases they cause, I come to these books as a layperson and not as someone who has experience in the field.

Life Lessons from a Parasite (which is a bit of a misnomer since Janovy discusses several different parasites) is different from some of the other parasitology books I've read. At times it read more as a memoir as the author details his scientific career. But it wasn't like when I've read memoirs from female scientists - perhaps because he didn't have the same social struggles and obstacles to overcome. There is also some science history (which is a favorite subject for me). And then there is what I term "social commentary". It is the section where the author tries to bridge the study of parasites to contemporary social issues.

It is in these sections of linking scientific inquiry to social issues that I struggled the most with the book. 

Partly it is personal preference - I want to read about the science. But at times I thought he was reaching too far to make the connection or I didn't really see the metaphor the same way which then had me going off on a thought tangent which is fine if I was reading the book, but as I was listening to it I would then realize I was no longer paying attention to what was being said and missing parts. I also thought there was a time or two that he was being biased.

That all being said... I do agree that studying science as a discipline does change one's way of thinking about the world. And studying biology in particular gives you insight into life. However, I'm not sure if studying parasitology is the only discipline that makes one think this way or that even all parasitologists think the same way John Janovy, Jr. thinks (both of which I felt he was at least implying if not explicitly stating). Some of the questions he asks about parasites, I also ask as a naturalist when I see an insect or natural formation. I also could argue that anyone who studies infectious diseases could see information, words, and marketing as infectious agents.

But I do love the title. Life Lessons from Infectious Microbes doesn't have quite the same ring.

If you or someone you know is starting graduate school studying biological sciences, Janovy includes some advice on how you should approach the sciences. The book could also serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration for aspiring PhDs. 

The book isn't full of scientific jargon. Janovy gave clear explanations in an understandable way. For example, he explains how new species often get their names and provides descriptions of scientific procedures (sometimes too detailed when describing the collection and study of animals).

The audiobook was well done. Joel Richards has a clear, soothing voice but not one that lulls you to sleep. Though I had difficulty following the book as my mind often wandered as Janovy gave much "food for thought". 

Buy Life Lessons from a Parasite at Amazon

Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.

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