In the dynamic narrative of "Genentech" by Sally Smith Hughes, the biotechnological revolution of the late 20th century is encapsulated through the lens of Genentech, Inc., a company that in 1980, captured the world’s imagination and Wall Street's fervor with an unprecedented initial public offering. Without a single marketed product to its name, Genentech’s valuation soared, marking a historic moment in stock market history and igniting a speculative frenzy around the potential of biotechnology to revolutionize pharmaceuticals, yield unimaginable profits, and perhaps even address economic stagnation. Hughes masterfully chronicles not just the financial astonishment but the audacious science and visionary ambition that powered Genentech's rise from obscurity to a beacon of industrial innovation. Drawing upon a wealth of interviews with the key figures who were at the heart of Genentech's formative journey, Hughes offers more than a corporate history; she presents a compelling saga of how personality, ambition, and science intersected to forge a new path in biotechnology. Through intimate portraits of founders Herbert Boyer and Robert Swanson, among others, the book delves deep into the human elements that shaped Genentech’s trajectory. "Genentech" is thus a profound exploration of the interplay between scientific discovery, commercial interests, legal battles, and the broader societal implications of biotechnology's rise. Hughes’s account stands as a testament to the power of innovation and entrepreneurship in charting the future of medicine and industry, making "Genentech" an essential read for anyone captivated by the story of how the impossible became possible.