Sonia Shah has written a very interesting book about malaria and its impact on humanity.  More than just a scientific (and medical) overview of the disease, the book also very skillfully examines many of the social, cultural and anthropological reasons behind the lack of success in achieving its eradication.  Reading "The Fever", one is reminded that science is only one of many components of the art of medicine, and that those who would focus solely upon it at the exclusion of the others do so at their own (and their patient's) peril.

To read the full review in the Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2010/07/07/in_fever_examining_malarias_ruthless_history/