Double Helix

Werlin, Nancy.  2004.  Double Helix.  New York: Sleuth.  ISBN 5148800599

In Nancy Werlin’s Double Helix, Eli Samuels’ mother has Huntington’s Disease, which is fatal and genetically programmed to be passed on to offspring fifty percent of the time. When Eli finds out that his father was also at risk for the disease, he distances himself with anger and defiance in an attempt to keep his world from shattering. The extremely intelligent guy who has, admittedly, never felt inferior to anyone, stumbles across a portion of his parents past he can’t quite explain, and he starts to wonder about his parents, how the enigmatic Dr. Wyatt is connected and what the circumstances leading to his own existence were.

This genetic mystery leads the reader on an emotional and physical chase through the lab. Eli is fraught with unknown and doesn’t seem to be able to express himself without elevating his own annoyance. Though the timeliness of a mystery about genetic testing is excellent, the lacking character development keeps the reader from becoming invested in the outcome.

Not until the last quarter of the book is a real reason to uncover the truth apparent, and many readers will likely have abandoned the sulky and irritable Eli before this point. While this book may appeal to some readers, particularly those interested in bioethics, the story and voice missed its mark for me.

"A solidly crafted, thoughtful novel featuring a clever, obsessed kid who finds truths, small and large, about life, family, and, of course, himself."(Booklist/February 2004)

"This story about bioethics will appeal to the intellectually curious reader.” (KLIATT/March 2004)

Possible Activities:
1. Initiate conversation about genetic-engineering and bioethics.
2. Can be easily tied to science and political curriculum.
3. May also allow conversations about grief and the impact of terminal illness on families.