Double Helix
Nancy Werlin
243 pages
Rating: 8.5
The story revolves around a young man named Eli. He is an extremely smart person, but has had to rely on himself for most of his life because his mother has Huntington’s disease and his father is slowing drifting into depression. Eli hopes to go to college in the near future, but cannot find enough money to pay for it. Running out of choices, Eli sends an e-mail to his mother’s former colleague, the infamous Dr. Nancy Wyatt, owner of Wyatt Transgenic and head of scientific community for bimolecular research. Dr. Wyatt accepts Eli’s request, offering him a job that would normally require a six year degree in. Bewildered by his luck, Eli believes there must be some reason he is being offered the job, and starts to research the hidden connections between his parents and the greatest scientific mastermind on the planet. Unfortunately, some things are best left unknown.
I enjoyed Double Helix for numerous reasons. The mystery, the suspense, and of course, the science. It really helped my grasp more of an understanding about transgenics and bimolecular research, as well as many of the mysterious occurrences in cryptogenics. It showed me the connection to our life and science, and gave me a very realistic insight of the future, which brings me to the issue of science versus religion. Cloning, stem cell research and chromosome transplants, all of which have been in the news before. Many people look at it as an amazing step in the field of science. However, some see it as amoral, lawless and completely controversial, especially towards their religions and beliefs. The book did good job stating all of these, but sadly put them in an arbitrary structure, leaving hints here and there. However, Nancy Werlin showed that she had done her research, and definitely made me contemplate the facts. I decided that I really have nothing against human research, unless it becomes illegal or harmful. But it does leave me pondering the possibilities. With all our knowledge and advancements in technology, is it really possible? Can we really change, copy or fix some ones DNA structure to make them something else? If so, what is holding us back? The possibilities are endless! Either way, Double Helix is well-written, and will keep you thinking all the way through, as well as throwing in the occasional twist or turn that every good book contains.
Wow! You made this book incredibly interesting by your choice of words. Just you synopsis let me hanging. This will most likely be the next book I read. Thank you for such a great review and i cannot wait to talk to you about the book when I finish it.
ReplyDeleteInteresting perspective Sean. Since this is such a controversial issue, do you think the author put them "in an arbitrary structure" intentionally so as to not "lead the witness" to a conclusion, but rather have them develop their own conclusions? PS-I used lawyer-speak for you :)
ReplyDeleteYou are a very strong writer, and have made me want to read this book. I am very interested in science, and this book sounds like a good match.
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