50 pages • 1 hour read
The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance
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Book Brief
368
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2013
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Sports Gene, David Epstein investigates the role of genetics in athletic performance, combining scientific research, expert interviews, and athlete biographies. He explores topics like the 10,000-hour rule, genetic factors affecting elite athletes, environmental influences, and evolutionary causes behind athletic abilities, ultimately arguing that both genetics and environment are essential in shaping athletic success. The book addresses genetic mutations that can affect athletic performance.
Informative
Challenging
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
17,789 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
David Epstein's The Sports Gene offers a compelling exploration of the role genetics play in athletic performance. Readers appreciate its thorough research and engaging writing style, although some critique it for not fully addressing the nurture aspect. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read for sports enthusiasts and those interested in human biology.
Who Should Read The Sports Gene?
A reader who would enjoy The Sports Gene by David Epstein is curious about the intersection of genetics, sports, and human performance. Fans of Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers or Daniel Coyle’s The Talent Code will appreciate Epstein's blend of scientific research and compelling narratives, exploring how nature and nurture shape athletic greatness.
17,789 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Epstein's College Track-and-Field Training Buddy
Epstein's College Track-and-Field Training Buddy
A fellow college athlete whose experience with training differed from Epstein's, providing a narrative example of how genetics may affect an individual's response to sports training.
368
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2013
Adult
18+ years
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