A Series of Fortunate Events: Chance and the Making of the Planet, Life, and You

“Fascinating and exhilarating—Sean B. Carroll at his very best.”—Bill Bryson, author of The Body: A Guide for Occupants

"Profound, witty, and funny—this book will change the way you see yourself, and the universe, forever."—Alice Roberts, author of The Incredible Unlikeliness of Being

“With equal measure of scientific authority, lively storytelling, and a profoundly optimistic view of the future, A Series of Fortunate Events is the rare science book that reads like a guilty pleasure. Writing with deep insight and great humor, Carroll educates, entertains, and inspires.”—B. N. Horowitz, MD, coauthor of Wildhood: The Epic Journey from Adolescence to Adulthood in Humans and Other Animals

"In A Series of Fortunate Events, Sean Carroll pulls off a remarkable feat. He handles the 'Big Question'—the role of chance in the making of our bodies and our planet—with wit and scientific rigor. Carroll treats us to a tour of Earth history, DNA, cancer, and evolution that is awe-inspiring, urgent, and even at times laugh-out-loud funny."—Neil Shubin, paleontologist and author of Your Inner Fish

"A Series of Fortunate Events is an engaging blend of science and culture, written in Carroll's usual easygoing style. Highly recommended!"—Matthew Cobb, author of The Idea of the Brain: The Past and Future of Neuroscience