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As a huge fan of the Youtube channel Kurzgesagt � In a Nutshell (which I cannot recommend enough), I had no qualms about purchasing this book as soon as it was released. Philip Dettmer, the author of this work and the founder and head writer of Kurzgesagt is on a mission to make difficult scientific concepts easy to follow and understand. Although this is my first book on the immune system, I believe Dettmer did a fantastic job and it served as a great primer into the subject.

We are given a tour of the extremely complex and intricate network that is the immune system, with its plethora of moving gears, all working in conjunction to keep you healthy and safe. The cells constantly patrol every part of your body, like a mini military force. Some attack any pathogen that manage to make its way inside your body, others constantly sample other cells, making sure the body is running smooth.

Dettmer repeatedly reminds us he oversimplifies many of these intricacies. That doesn’t mean that it’s easy to follow! One section discussed how cells communicate and how they connect with other cells via proteins called receptors. These descriptions, although dumbed down, were enough to make your head spin. I can’t imagine what a college textbook on the subject would look like.

The book contains gorgeous illustrations, both vivid and colorful. If you’re familiar with their Youtube videos, then the art will be a welcomed sight. My favorite was the magnification of a giant rusty nail penetrating the skin, with evil green pathogens swimming happily into their new home and with the angry immune cells nearby awaiting battle. Also, to supplement my reading, I listened to the audio book on my commute which is narrated by the beloved voice from the videos, Steve Taylor.

I finished this book with a basic understanding and a newfound appreciation for the inner world of the human body. Many of us go about our daily lives without ever realizing that millions of these microscopic cells are fighting and dying for us EVERY DAY. And they are extremely efficient at their jobs. As is the case with autoimmune diseases, sometimes the immune system is TOO efficient, and can easily kill us within minutes. Talk about eye-opening. Next time you get a small cut on your finger or come down with an annoying cold, remember that our cells are engaging in all-out war -- all in the name of YOU.