This book is such an amazing blend of nonfiction and story telling. If you enjoyed Cat Bohannon’s “Eve”, this book should definitely be on your ‘to read next list’. There were so many moments within this book that were so beautifully written and I can’t wait for this book to be released so I can get my hands on it. This book made very complex science very approachable and understandable, and that’s truly a skill not everyone has. I’m excited to see what else Jules Howard writes in the future, because I will be the first one to grab a copy. I plan on sharing this book with everyone I know, as well on my socials :)

A love letter to, of all things, eggs. The book takes us on a journey from the creation of Earth to the current climate crisis, through the lens of egg evolution and development. The subject matter comes with a dire risk of tedium, but Howard's prose is smooth, entertaining, and at times, sardonic. Despite the moments of brevity, I found a certain melancholic air in the whole narrative. There's certainly something optimistic about the millions of species that have experimented with and perfected different forms of reproduction, yet thinking about any of these organisms on an individual level leaves me feeling deeply inconsequential.

As for the science, explaining evolution in metaphors of contract negotiations, crime sprees, and star-crossed lovers manages to simplify incredibly complex concepts without coming across as reductive or condescending. The book easily could have been double the length, and I am deeply grateful that it was not. The brevity was well-executed - each chapter provided a solid overview of each era without droning. Howard was great about refreshing the reader on previously-explained science when needed, but never edging into the repetitive.

TLDR: The science was interesting, the length was perfect, and the author's voice is compelling.

Also, thank you to Elliott & Thompson publishing house for allowing me to read this ahead of publication.