Convincing you to buy a book about the history of cancer and the search for its prevention and cure
is either going to be easy or very hard.
For those already interested, all I will add is that The Emperor of All Maladies is expertly researched, clearly narrated, and hopeful, if realistic. It's everything you hope for.
For those not interested at first glance, I just have to say that this is one of the most compelling non-fiction books I’ve read in years. A page-turner chock full of scientists, discovery, failure, “victims,” genomics, politics, moral quandaries and a persistently evasive disease that will, alas, afflict one in three American women and one in two American men in their lifetimes. Knowledge is power, right? Get your knowledge here.
This book is fantastic (and totally readable for the curious layperson without being dumbed down). My highest personal recommendation.