Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"Bloody Blood Groups!" by Hugh Graham is a fascinating exploration into the world of hematology, as a comprehensive guide to understanding blood types and their significance.

Graham, a seasoned Biomedical Scientist, delves into the subject with a blend of expertise and approachability, ensuring that the content is accessible to a broad audience.

The book begins with a primer on the ABO blood groups, detailing the unique characteristics of each type and providing a historical context for blood typing. Graham's conversational tone, paired with his humor, makes the introduction to such a complex topic both engaging and educational.

As the narrative progresses, Graham introduces the Rhesus (Rh) blood groups and their importance, particularly in medical scenarios such as blood transfusions. The discussion extends beyond the common knowledge of blood types and Rh factors, venturing into the lesser-known blood group systems and their implications in health and disease.

One of the book's highlights is its debunking of myths surrounding blood types, particularly the notion that they can determine personality traits. Graham's scientific approach provides a refreshing perspective, emphasizing the role of blood types in predisposition to certain diseases and their geographical distribution.

The latter chapters of the book focus on the technical aspects of blood transfusion, the significance of rare blood groups, and the intricacies of cross-matching. Graham also touches upon the future of medicine with a discussion on monoclonal antibodies and their potential.

"Bloody Blood Groups!" is not just a scientific treatise; it's a journey through the lifeblood of humanity, peppered with anecdotes about famous personalities and their blood types. Graham's ability to interweave facts with storytelling makes this book a compelling read for anyone curious about the liquid that sustains us all.

In summary, Hugh Graham's "Bloody Blood Groups!" is an enlightening and enjoyable read that explains blood groups and their impact on our lives. It's a must-read for those who appreciate science communicated with clarity and wit.

As the title suggests, this is about human blood groups, the history and science behind them. The author opens by noting that when it comes to blood groups, there are two kinds of people: those who know their blood type and those who want to know their blood type, which seems amusingly true. I knew a lot of the science behind blood groups already since I took a hematology class years ago, but it was still an interesting read. I was surprised to learn that there are actually more blood groups than just the ABO and Rh types. 3 stars.

This is a short book that looks at what blood is and offers conjectures about what your blood type might mean in terms of personality and susceptibility to disease and such, among other topics. It felt a bit like attending a somewhat witty college science professor’s lectures. Recommended for those who want to learn more about blood.

Book Review: ‘Bloody Blood Groups!’: Blood Types and Groups From A to Z
A book as entertaining as it is informative
BY MARK LARDAS MAY 20, 2023

Blood is the essence of life. It also forms an important part of our culture: If it bleeds, it leads; blood is thicker than water; blood will have blood. The word carries spiritual significance. But what do we actually know about blood?

“Bloody Blood Groups!” by Hugh Graham explains blood. Graham is a Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science, and a leading Biomedical Scientist in Haematology and Blood Transfusion. Don’t let his credentials intimidate you. He discusses this topic in a conversational manner that everyone can understand and writes with humor and candor. In the process, he reveals himself as someone enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his field of study.

He starts out explaining what blood is and what the major blood groups are. The opening chapter introduces readers to the ABO blood groups, describing what makes each blood type distinctive. He includes a history of blood typing and follows up with a chapter on Rhesus (Rh) blood groups, which explains the difference between Rh positive and Rh negative blood and its significance.

Most know their blood type and its Rh factor. Did you know there are other blood groupings? While primarily of interest to doctors, Graham introduces readers to the nine main blood group systems, and their significance.

He then explores what your blood type means—and does not mean—to you. In one of the book’s more amusing passages, Graham shows that using blood types to reveal personality traits has about as much validity as using zodiac signs. More seriously, he shows how your blood type might predispose you or protect you from different diseases.

Along these lines, he shows how geography can be destiny when it comes to your blood type. He spends a chapter each exploring the blood transfusion history, rare blood groups and their significance, and how cross-matching works.

Blood contains antibodies. Graham explains how these work and discusses monoclonal antibodies and the promise they hold for health. This is followed by an examination of animal blood groups and blood components that can be extracted from seeds and plants. He then dives into a lighthearted section on the blood types of famous people.

If you want to know what blood is, how it works, and what your blood group might mean for you, this book is for you. “Bloody Blood Groups!” offers every reader insight into the subject of blood, in an entertaining and informative narrative.

‘Bloody Blood Groups!’
By Hugh Graham
Matador, March 28, 2023
Paperback: 152 pages

I enjoyed this book. The writing is conversational and the science is explained very well. Although the book was too short to do a deep dive into any one area, there is enough detail to get a good appreciation of the subject matter. There are interesting quotes to start the chapters. Some of the anecdotes about working in a blood lab are excellent. Overall I felt that this book is well worth reading, both as an explanation of blood and to read some good science writing. Thank you to Netgalley and Matador for the digital review copy.

A very interesting and informative book on blood groups. A reader can learn not only about the blood groups but also about diseases and characteristics of different blood groups. The author mentions blood transfusions and blood substitutes. It's a quick read but full of knowledge.

I found this to be incredibly easy to read and understand. There is a lot of information in this! I loved the stories about individual cases. I liked learning about the history of blood and blood types.

The style of writing is almost conversational - like you're listening to a lecture with a speaker who is good at keeping things entertaining and informative, while also not becoming too technical or weighed down by details that don't matter.

Very approachable and informative!

I was intrigued to read this as we all have blood – but do we ever think about it and know what it does and its functions?

I was also drawn to this book as it promised to be written in a way to leave out the jargon and be understandable without being written as a medical journal. I wasn’t disappointed. The book was actually a very quick read as it was very interesting, and I found I was surprisingly learning quite a lot as the book went on.

The book explains about blood types; where they are found on the blood cell, how they were discovered and the history of blood genetics – all without being boring and repetitive. In plain English! It also explains the antigens and proteins found in blood and what they mean.

A very interesting and concise book, which I really enjoyed – aimed at anyone who wants to know more about blood and their blood group.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in return of an honest, unbiased review.