Every animal, be it a human, a squid or a wasp, is home to millions of bacteria and other microbes. Ed Yong, whose humor is as evident as his erudition, encourages us to look at ourselves and our living companions within in a new light - not as individuals, but as the larger interconnected and interdependent world that we most certainly are. Microbes in our bodies complement our immune system, helping it protect us from disease. In the deep oceans, mysterious creatures without mouths or guts depend on bacteria to give them energy. Microorganisms provide the squid with a cloak of invisibility, help beetles destroy forests and provide animals with their characteristic odors. Many people believe that microbes must be eradicated. But the ones that live with us—our microbiome—build our bodies, keep us healthy, shape our identities, and give us incredible abilities. In this amazing book, Ed Yong takes us on a grand tour of our inner universe that will change the way we view nature and ourselves. Knowing yourself is fascinating.