How the Immune System Works
, 2nd Edition
By Lauren M. Sompayrac Blackwell Publishing, 2003
ISBN: 0-632-04702-X
Reviewed by Sheldon Ztvordokov - April 10, 2006
Knowledge of how the immune system works is vital for a diverse range of people from medical students and college students studying immunology to those with food allergies, Rheumatoid arthritis, and those with compromised immune systems who want to have a solid understanding of immunology so that they can become an informed participant in their own health care. Lauren M. Sompayrac's book: How the Immune System Works meets the needs of all these people. For college students, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the immune system and how it works, acting as both a study guide and a review manual.
The target audience for this book is university level, science oriented students, however both patients and non-science majors will find that while they might not understand everything in the book, it will provide them with a basic understanding of how the immune system works. In addition, both students and general readers will find that throughout Sompayrac uses clear and understandable terms, a conversational and often zany writing style, and explanatory illustrations that enhance the material covered in the text.
The second edition of How the Immune System Works consists of nine, short, pithy lectured-styled chapters that are divided into two parts: 1) The Healthy Immune System and 2) The Immune System in Disease. Many of the chapters begin with a brief overview of the material covered so far, and most conclude with a selection of 'Thought Questions' that will help you gauge how well you understood the material in the chapter. In addition, Sompayrac has included tips on how to use this book and a glossary of terms.
How the Immune System Works makes learning about the immune system fun, yet still manages to maintain a high standard of scientific instruction. It is ideal for anyone seeking to gain a general understanding of the basic concepts and principles related to immunology, as well as those seeking a solid review of the subject or as a supplemental text for use in introductory immunology courses. In this book, Sompayrac shows that she is a master at taking a complex subject and making it fathomable. Highly recommended!
