Author, journalist, researcher, science detective are just a few of the descriptors I can use to depict Donna Jackson Nakazawa. You may recognize her name from prior books, notably, Childhood Disrupted: How Your Biography Becomes Your Biology And How You Can Heal. Donna is a gifted science storyteller. She translates complex biological processes seamlessly and describes them in relatable terms that are memorable.
The Angel and the Assassin is the story of how neuroscience has been turned on its head in the past few years because of a tiny brain cell that had been previously discounted. How Donna was able to turn this story into a suspense-filled page-turner is her gift to the reader. She translates science through the stories of the scientists that devote their careers to studying the unseen and unknown.
The mind-body connection can be understood through understanding the full scope of the work of microglia, “the tiny brain cell that has changed the course of medicine.” This once overlooked brain cell is now the focus of intense study in labs across the country. The next decade of research, when coupled with shared findings through “team science” will make the biggest difference in relieving human suffering. The book also offers hope for new ways of approaching depression and anxiety right now!
“Hope is coming and hope is already here.” Donna Jackson Nakazawa
Donna Jackson Nakazawa translates the language of science for the masses. I found myself reading the book with wonder and awe at Donna’s ability to speak directly to the reader. I may be a nurse, but I do not pretend to understand the complexity of neuroscience or the mysteries of the brain. What I appreciate most about this book is that while Donna translates the science, it is not dumbed down. In fact, Donna is incredibly respectful of the reader and raises the bar with her thoughtful and high level explanations of complex brain physiology. I felt smarter after finishing her book!
I was very lucky to have a chance to read Donna’s book prior to its release! I won a sweepstake by the publisher, Penguin Random House. The Angel and the Assassin is available to pre-order through a variety of independent bookstores as well as Amazon. It will be released on 1/21/2020! Here is the link: The Angel and the AssassinThe Angel and the Assassin: The Tiny Brain Cell That Changed the Course of Medicine
Bio: Donna Jackson Nakazawa is an award-winning journalist and internationally recognized speaker exploring the intersection of neuroscience, immunology and human emotion. She is the author of six books, including her latest, The Angel and the Assassin: The Tiny Brain Cell that Changed the Course of Medicine. Her mission is to translate the latest science to help those suffering from chronic conditions find hope and healing.
