YA
Werlin, Nancy. 2004. DOUBLE HELIX. New York: Dial Books. ISBN 9780803726062
PLOT SUMMARY - ANALYSIS
“We humans are going to tinker with our genetic makeup. The human genome is a locked box that we are going to pry open” (page 224). This ethical look at science and biotechnology is a fascinating read. The reader is left more informed and possibly more conflicted in the struggle between what we can do as human scientists and what we should do. In the book’s conclusion, Eli is speaking with Dr. Fukuyama and she says “there’s a difference between using gene therapy for the treatment of existing medical conditions, and using our growing, but far from perfect, knowledge of genes – or of humanity – to declare that we absolutely know who has – and who hasn’t – a right to life at all” (page 245).
Werlin’s writing of Eli’s character makes him incredibly complex noting so many conflicting personality aspects like being brilliant and confused, vulnerable and strong, attractive and despised, trustworthy and not willing to trust. The reader jumps into Eli’s life as he is graduating from high school, but with no immediate plans for college. Eli is a very lonely and closed person. He has a relationship with his girlfriend Viv, but not much of a relationship with his dad until later in the book.
Dr. Wyatt enters into Eli’s life as an employer, but turns out to have a heavier manipulative hand in Eli’s life. The lab where Eli works is a haven for his mind, where he can focus on science and taking care of the specimens. The lines are blurred for Eli with regard to the lab animals that he uses to comfort himself - and his girlfriend, Viv, who is more of a stable and clear head through all of the chaos that becomes his life. Eli’s missing mother figure is replaced a bit by Viv and eventually Eli’s father becomes an emotional part of his life, as well.
When Eli is faced with a new friend, Kayla, he finds a dark spot in his soul that needs some light. As Eli explores the lab and Dr. Wyatt, he makes a shocking discovery – one that will change his life, Kayla’s and his father’s forever.
The reader is left with a lesson to “live everyday to the fullest” because you never know what the future holds.
Exciting thrilling elements of distrust, dishonesty, ethical misconduct, and intellectual vanity run through this story. Werlin delivers more than just a solid thriller-cum-growing-up story. She offers a thoughtful consideration of genetic engineering and takes a stand, but not at the expense of an intriguing mystery (Booklist, Feb. 1, 2004 (Vol. 100, No. 11)). This fast-paced book is a gem for anyone who likes science and surprises and wants to explore a debatable topic with students.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Booklist starred 02/01/04
Publishers Weekly starred 02/16/04
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books 02/01/04
School Library Journal starred 03/01/04
Horn Book 10/01/04
Wilson’s Junior High School 01/09/10
Library Media Connection starred 10/01/04
Wilson’s Senior High School 10/01/04
CONNECTIONS
Patterson, James. 2005. MAXIMUM RIDE: THE ANGEL EXPERIMENT. New York: Little Brown. ISBN 9780316155564
· Partner this book in discussing more variations in genetic experiments in humans
Pearson, Mary E. 2008. THE ADORATION OF JENNA FOX. New York: Henry Holt. ISBN 9780805076684
· Partner this book in discussing the ethics of biotechnology developments
Pearson, Mary E. 2011. THE FOX INHERITANCE. New York: Henry Holt. ISBN 9780805088298
· Partner this book as a sequel to The Adoration of Jenna Fox to discuss further ethical boundaries in prolonging life
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