Dr. NO

In 1998, Dr. Louis J. Ignarro was awarded a rare and coveted Nobel Prize for his groundbreaking discovery of nitric oxide (NO) and its many critically important biological actions. But his work goes far beyond the development of Viagra. It has never been more urgently relevant to the world than it is today, as clinical trials are underway that involve using inhaled NO to treat patients suffering from COVID-19. Most Nobel laureate books have focused on the science. But in this fascinating and timely memoir, Dr. Ignarro opens up and shares intimate details about himself and his journey, his amazing accomplishments and heartbreaking setbacks, both in science and in life. This isn't just a scientist's story, it's a quintessentially American story. Only in America could the child of uneducated Italian immigrants start out a struggling student barely able to speak English, and go on to win the Nobel Prize.

This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership with DartFrog Books.

Book club questions for Dr. NO by Louis Ignarro PhD

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

How much did you know about Dr. NO before picking it up? What surprised you the most about the book?

How thought-provoking did you find the book? Did the book change your opinion about anything, or did you learn anything new from it? If so, what?

Did any part of this book strike a particular emotion in you? Which part and what emotion did the book make you feel?

How, if at all, did this book relate to your own life?

Did you highlight or bookmark any passages from the book? Did you have a favorite quote or quotes? If so, share which and why?

What was your favorite part of the book? What was your least favorite?

Would you recommend this book to someone? Why or why not? What kind of reader would most enjoy this book?

How would you adapt this book into a movie? Who would you cast in the leading roles?

Rate this book on a scale of 1 to 10. Why did you give the book the rating you did? Did any part of this book club discussion change your rating from what it would have been directly after finishing the book?

How much did you know about nitric oxide before reading this book?

Did this book help you to understand nitric oxide and what it does in the body?

What did you think of the writing and storytelling about nitric oxide?

How easy or difficult was it to follow the science?

What, if anything did you find surprising or interesting to learn about Alfred Nobel and the Nobel Prize?

Was there any story in Dr. NO that you found particularly amusing? If so, which one?

What, if anything, did this book help you understand how to live a healthier and longer life?

Dr. NO Book Club Questions PDF

Click here for a printable PDF of the Dr. NO discussion questions