> it inspired quite a few researchers to go into the study of parasites That was me! First I read Peeps by Scott Westerfeld when I was ~13, where ever odd nu

> it inspired quite a few researchers to go into the study of parasites That was me! First I read Peeps by Scott Westerfeld when I was ~13, where ever odd numbered chapter is the story, and every even numbered chapter describes a different parasite. At the end of the book was a blurb that said "if you enjoyed the parasite chapters, go read Parasite Rex, which I did. I loved it. That book inspired me to take AP Bio, then get degrees in molecular biology and bioinformatics. In college I did research on a few different species of parasitic wasp for a couple years. I've written the wikipedia page for two different parasitic wasps and given numerous presentations on my favorite wasps. The wasps are more of a spare time passion these days, though. It's much easier to make a living with bioinformatics and robotics. I still keep my (well-worn) copy of Parasite Rex on the nightstand.