Module 9-Double Helix

Module 9-Mystery

-High School

Double Helix by Nancy Werlin

ISBN:  978-0-1424-0327-3

Audience (according to School Library Journal):  Grades 8 and up

Werlin, N. (2004).  Double helix. New York, NY: Dial 
     Books.

Pricing (as of 10/12):

*Amazon:      Hardcover:  $12.83

                        Paperback:  $6.99

Book Summary

            Eighteen-year-old Eli Samuels knows that his family has secrets…secrets that may start with Dr. Quincy Wyatt and Wyatt Transgenics.  When a hasty email results in a job at the famous laboratory, Eli is convinced that he will be able to unravel the mysteries that his father refuses to discuss.  Along the way, the handsome, particularly intelligent and physically fit young man, discovers more about himself than he is truly comfortable knowing. With the help of his normally taciturn father, his girlfriend, and a new friend (and possible relative), Eli comes face to face with the disease that killed his mother and the science that created him.

APA Reference

Werlin, N. (2004).  Double helix. New York, NY: Dial Books.

Impressions

            The characters in this book are distinct and fully developed:  Eli is shown to be both emotional and analytical with a single minded focus on uncovering the truth.  His father is a man who struggles to come to grips with both the death of his wife and the choices she made in order to have a healthy son.  Vivian is both a typical high school girl in love and atypical in the way that she sets out to help the boy she loves.  Dr. Wyatt is a complex character with warmth and affection for Eli and Kayla as well as a cold, calculating side that puts science above all human affection.  Most readers will be able to accurately predict coming events, but will continue reading just to be sure that they are right.  The end may be predictable, but it is satisfying.

Professional Reviews

            << In this mesmerizing novel, Werlin (The Killer's Cousin) adapts the medical mystery genre to explore the bewildering, complex issues surrounding experimental gene therapy… The characterizations feel somewhat incomplete, but the plot moves at a tantalizing clip, with secrets revealed in tiny increments, and hints and clues neatly planted. Werlin distills the scientific element to a manageable level, enough for readers to follow Eli as he ponders Wyatt's work and his mother's illness. As the author tackles bioethical issues, the story's climax appeals to reason and love for humanity without resorting to easy answers. Brisk, intelligent and suspenseful all the way. Ages 12-up. (Mar.)

Double helix (book). (2004). Publishers Weekly, 251(7), 173-174. Retrieved from http://www.publishersweekly.com.

            << Werlin clearly and dramatically raises fundamental bioethical issues for teens to ponder. She also creates a riveting story with sharply etched characters and complex relationships that will stick with readers long after the book is closed. An essential purchase for YA collections.

Forman, J., Jones, T. E., Toth, L., Charnizon, M., Grabarek, D., & Larkins, J. (2004). Double helix: A novel (book). School Library Journal, 50(3), 222-222. Retrieved from http://www.slj.com.

Library Uses

            No science fiction book talk or display would be complete without a large segment devoted to the science of cloning and genetic engineering/manipulation. Librarians should be prepared to balance the fictional offerings with non-fiction titles on the same topic.  Database search lessons could be incorporated into the presentation so that interested students could search out materials on this controversial subject from ILL services.