This review is about the book Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life, written by acclaimed science writer Ed Yong. This book takes readers on an incredible journey into the microscopic world of microbes, providing a fascinating look at how they impact our lives in ways we never could have imagined. For those not familiar with this groundbreaking work, it explores the complex and often overlooked relationships between humans and the trillions of microbes living inside us. Yong has crafted a captivating narrative that blends cutting edge science with an engaging story-telling style to deliver a captivating look at the human microbiome and its profound implications for humanity. As Yong explains in his introduction, “microbes shape our bodies, protect us from disease, guide our behavior, bombard our senses, and even alter our thoughts.” By delving deep into this hidden universe, Contain Multitudes provides valuable insight into the critical role microbes play in keeping us healthy and vibrant.
Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life Review
This book, Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life, unveils the hidden world of microbes, their surprising roles in our lives, and how we interact with them. Written by Ed Yong, a science journalist for The Atlantic, this engaging and informative read brings together interviews with leading scientists, stories from the front lines of research, and vivid descriptions of microbial life.
Key Features:
1. Explores the science behind the human microbiome
2. Draws connections between microbiome and fields ranging from evolution to neuroscience
3. Examines how humans interact with microbial life
4. Includes stories of pioneering researchers
5. Demonstrates how microbes are woven into every aspect of life on Earth
Contain Multitudes is an enlightening journey into the fascinating world of microbes and their far-reaching influence on our lives. It offers an accessible look at how these small organisms shape our health, our evolution, and even the very planet itself. With its captivating narrative style, Contain Multitudes will help readers better understand the remarkable power of microbes—and inspire them to consider their own relationship with this unseen universe.
Product Details
Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life Pros and Cons
1. Pros:
- Contain Multitudes is written by an award-winning, internationally renowned scientist and author, Ed Yong.
- This book provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse microbial life within us and how it shapes our world.
- The book is an entertaining and informative read that explains complex topics in an accessible way.
- It also has beautiful illustrations that bring the science to life!
2. Cons:
- It can be a bit daunting for people without a science background.
- Due to its length, it may take some time to get through.
Overall, Contain Multitudes is an excellent resource for learning about the incredible world of microbes and their impact on our lives. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in science or biology. And with its beautiful illustrations and accessible writing style, it’s sure to provide hours of entertainment as well!
Who are They for
Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life is an eye-opening exploration of the dynamic microbial world that exists within us, with captivating insights into the interconnections between human health, the environment, and all living things. Written by Ed Yong, one of today’s most acclaimed science journalists, Contain Multitudes takes readers on an incredible journey through our microscopic landscape and reveals how bacteria, viruses, and fungi influence our lives in ways we never expected.
From the microbes that live in our guts and keep us healthy to the viruses that shape evolution and make us sick, Contain Multitudes offers an unprecedented look at the unseen life forms that inhabit our bodies and our planet. Yong explains how these microorganisms interact with one another and with their human hosts to affect a wide range of behaviors, from obesity to mental illness. He also examines how scientists are using new technologies to uncover novel treatments for diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Drawing on cutting-edge research from around the world, Contain Multitudes sheds light on how microbial life shapes our own lives—and how it will continue to do so in the future. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the hidden power of microbes and their role in shaping human health.
My Experience for Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life
I’ve always been intrigued by the unseen world of microorganisms and their impact on our lives. Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life has helped me to gain a better understanding of the incredible diversity of these microscopic creatures that surround us every day.
What I found most fascinating about this book is how it integrates both scientific research and personal stories. It provides readers with an in-depth look at the microbial world, from the “microbiome” within our bodies to the environment outside. I was particularly interested in learning about how microbes can influence our health, from digestion to the immune system.
The book also offers a broader perspective on life itself, exploring topics such as evolution and the interconnectedness between humans and other organisms. It provides insight into cause-and-effect relationships between different species, highlighting how even tiny changes can have significant reverberations throughout ecosystems—and ultimately, on us!
For me, Contain Multitudes was an eye-opening read that gave me a deeper appreciation for all that exists around us, even if we can’t see it. With its engaging storytelling style, vivid descriptions, and fascinating facts, it made me realize just how much we take for granted when it comes to our microbial cohabitants—and why they deserve respect and protection.
What I don’t Like
Product Disadvantages:
1. Some of the scientific terminology used in this book may be difficult for some readers to understand.
2. This book lacks illustrations and diagrams which can help explain some of its more complex concepts.
3. It is an expensive book for a single volume.
4. It does not provide a comprehensive look at all the aspects of microbiology.
How to Use Microbes in Our Everyday Lives
The book Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life provides an inspiring look at how microbes can be used to improve our daily lives. Written by Ed Yong, the book examines how microbes interact with us, our environment, and the world around us.
In Contain Multitudes, Yong explains that every individual has a unique microbiome – a collection of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that lives on or inside them. These microbes play an important role in human health, both directly and indirectly. For example, some bacteria help break down food into nutrients that can be absorbed by our bodies, while others protect us from disease-causing organisms.
Yong also explores how understanding the microbiome can help us make healthier choices for our bodies and our environment. He outlines several strategies for improving our microbial health, such as eating prebiotic foods that feed beneficial bacteria and avoiding antibiotics when possible. Additionally, he discusses the potential benefits of introducing beneficial microbes into the soil and water to boost agricultural production or reduce water pollution.
Overall, Contain Multitudes is an informative and enlightening read about the power of microbes in our everyday lives. Whether you’re looking to learn more about your personal microbiome or want to find ways to improve your local environment, this book provides valuable insight into how we can use these tiny organisms for good.
Questions about Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life
What is the significance of Contain Multitudes?
Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life provides readers with an unprecedented look into the world of microbes, showing how they are essential to our health and well-being. This book presents groundbreaking research that offers a grander view of life on Earth, discussing how microbial communities interact with each other and their environment.
Who should read Contain Multitudes?
Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the important role microbes play in our lives. It is geared towards professionals in the fields of biology, ecology, and environmental science as well as educated lay readers seeking to learn more about the important connections between humans, animals, plants, and their microbial partners.
What topics does Contain Multitudes cover?
Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life covers a range of topics related to microbial life, including microbiome diversity, gut health, the role of microbes in animal and plant biology, ecosystem dynamics, and much more.

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.
Product | Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life |
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Author | Ed Yong |
Publisher | Penguin Press HC, The |
ISBN-10 | 0062368591 |
Publication Date | April 28, 2020 |