Status
Available
Call number
Call number
F Wer
Collection
Publication
Dial (2004), Edition: First Edition, 244 pages
Description
Eighteen-year-old Eli discovers a shocking secret about his life and his family while working for a Nobel Prize-winning scientist whose specialty is genetic engineering.
Original publication date
2004
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User reviews
LibraryThing member ansate
this is the second book I've read by Nancy Werlin, and she has an strange problem that I don't think I've run across before.
Her books are interesting, but not enjoyable. She has great ideas, but maybe she writes teenagers too well, because hers are all self-centered and annoying.
At least the books
I'm writing this so that I remember how little fun they are next time I'm thinking about what a neat job she does with the mystery.
Her books are interesting, but not enjoyable. She has great ideas, but maybe she writes teenagers too well, because hers are all self-centered and annoying.
At least the books
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are short, so you don't have to suffer through much time with the protagonists. I'm writing this so that I remember how little fun they are next time I'm thinking about what a neat job she does with the mystery.
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LibraryThing member lindabeekeeper
Eli Samuels is an outsider. Smart and athletic, he always held himself back. Now, with his mother dying of Huntington's Disease, he finds that his father is keeping secrets from him. His father finds that Eli has not applied to college for the next year. They live together in a state of uneasy
Eli decides to apply for a job at Wyatt Transgenics, with THE Dr. Wyatt, who is also part of the mystery surrounding Eli. He gets the job, which leads him to more mysteries about his past and about the beautiful Kayla, a young friend of the professor.
The plot turns out to be pretty straightforward but Werlin manages to keep up the suspense. You care about Eli, his father and Viv. The themes about what should be private and where trust comes in is interesting. The real ethical issues concerning genetic engineering are only touched upon in this book.
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truce. The only one that understands is his long term girlfriend, Viv.Eli decides to apply for a job at Wyatt Transgenics, with THE Dr. Wyatt, who is also part of the mystery surrounding Eli. He gets the job, which leads him to more mysteries about his past and about the beautiful Kayla, a young friend of the professor.
The plot turns out to be pretty straightforward but Werlin manages to keep up the suspense. You care about Eli, his father and Viv. The themes about what should be private and where trust comes in is interesting. The real ethical issues concerning genetic engineering are only touched upon in this book.
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LibraryThing member mattsya
Werlin's mystery slash sci fi novel does not match up to similar novels by Scott Westerfield and M.T. Anderson, but it does work as a suspenseful and intriguing story about cloning. The story is quickly paced with a strong narrative voice. More simplistic than other books, it might be a better
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introduction to this sort of story for reluctant readers. Show Less
LibraryThing member jrealin
# of pages I read: 121 /248
Double Helix is about a high school guy named Eli Samuals. He's offered a great job at Wyatt Transgenics. For some odd reason his dad is absolutely fustrated about the job because of Eli's boss, Dr. Wyatt. Later weird things start to happen is his new job.
Eli is a very
I can relate to this book my love for the human body and health department. I plan on becoming something in the medical field. Eli's job is all about DNA and cell research. This is the things i like to learn about.
Even though this book was about health, it is not as good as I thought it would be. It was sort of boring and not fun in my opinion.
i would recommend thiss book to a person who loves science, health, and mystery because all of these are contained in this book. A doctor or a scientist might find this book nice to read.
i plan to use this website to find better books. :)
Double Helix is about a high school guy named Eli Samuals. He's offered a great job at Wyatt Transgenics. For some odd reason his dad is absolutely fustrated about the job because of Eli's boss, Dr. Wyatt. Later weird things start to happen is his new job.
Eli is a very
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smart, athetic guy who is fresh out of high school. Salutatorian of his class and plays basketball vey well because of his height. Eli changes from a funny simple guy in the beginning, to a serious focused person later on. I think Eli is a very responsible bright guy who has a very good life.I can relate to this book my love for the human body and health department. I plan on becoming something in the medical field. Eli's job is all about DNA and cell research. This is the things i like to learn about.
Even though this book was about health, it is not as good as I thought it would be. It was sort of boring and not fun in my opinion.
i would recommend thiss book to a person who loves science, health, and mystery because all of these are contained in this book. A doctor or a scientist might find this book nice to read.
i plan to use this website to find better books. :)
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LibraryThing member franoscar
Young Adult. A young man who is too smart & too skilled finds out that he is the product of some genetic manipulation designed initially to make sure he doesn't inherit the Huntington's gene from his mother. This is a mostly generous-hearted book.
LibraryThing member 2bSkyHi
This past summer for school I had to choose a novel to read: either The Secret Life of Bees or Double Helix. Since I'd already read The Secret Life of Bees, I figured I'd give this other book a chance; it sould semi-interesting. It turned out to be quite the opposite. Nothing quite exciting
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happened until around the last fifty pages of the book--and the book in itself was only about 250 pages. Also, there was nothing great about is literary quality either. It seemed like something a younger student would read, not a high school student! The main character lacked something that could connect him with the reader; the father, a minor character, was more interesting. Show Less
LibraryThing member PghDragonMan
Slightly better than average story of genetic manipulation and the unintended consequences it has. Stronger than Michael Chricton's "Next", but by no means a ground breaking work. While this officially classed as YA, there is enough discussion about sex it is almost the equivalent of PG13. Nothing
While the basic premise, a young man is the product of gene manipulation by a world class genetic scientist and this work was done long before such things became readily available, is credible, the story never explores this as fully as it could have been. We are left with a scenario that is way short of "Boys From Brazil", although something of the sort is alluded to, and at times the author is prone to speeches on bioethics almost as annoying as Chrichton's wrap up in the previously mentioned "Next". Character development for some of the supporting cast, essential characters, such as the boy's father and mother, are not as developed as I would have liked. The main characters, well developed enough to complete the plot, left no lasting impression on me. After finishing the story, I didn't care about them. Their job was completed and they've faded from memory. That's what makes really good books great books: memorable characters in a memorable plot.
I found the audio book version an ideal listen on my daily commute. Scott Shina does a nice job bringing the characters' voices to life without becoming overly dramatic.
If you enjoy stories of genetic tinkering, without overly complicated plots, if you read YA literature and don't object to young main characters, this could be an interesting read for you. If you are looking for a book that really stays in your mind, you should probably look elsewhere.
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graphic, but the high school aged protagonist is described as being in bed with his girlfriend and they do spend the night together more than once in the book. Nothing I find objectionable, but if you recommend books to others, you might want to be aware of these scenes.While the basic premise, a young man is the product of gene manipulation by a world class genetic scientist and this work was done long before such things became readily available, is credible, the story never explores this as fully as it could have been. We are left with a scenario that is way short of "Boys From Brazil", although something of the sort is alluded to, and at times the author is prone to speeches on bioethics almost as annoying as Chrichton's wrap up in the previously mentioned "Next". Character development for some of the supporting cast, essential characters, such as the boy's father and mother, are not as developed as I would have liked. The main characters, well developed enough to complete the plot, left no lasting impression on me. After finishing the story, I didn't care about them. Their job was completed and they've faded from memory. That's what makes really good books great books: memorable characters in a memorable plot.
I found the audio book version an ideal listen on my daily commute. Scott Shina does a nice job bringing the characters' voices to life without becoming overly dramatic.
If you enjoy stories of genetic tinkering, without overly complicated plots, if you read YA literature and don't object to young main characters, this could be an interesting read for you. If you are looking for a book that really stays in your mind, you should probably look elsewhere.
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LibraryThing member kellyoliva
This book is mesmerizing! I was completely turned off by it's cover, but decided to read it anyway. The first two or three chapters were a struggle to get through, I have to warn. The story heats up, however, when Eli's father leaves Eli a pleading note, begging him to quit his new, fabulous job at
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Wyatt Transgenics. Eli's father, however, refuses to explain his hatred for Dr. Wyatt, however, and the father-son relationship spirals downward. I loved the fact that Nancy Werlin developed only a few characters in this novel. She kept it simple yet believable. The scientific aspect of the book is easy to understand; it is clearly written for teens, but her discussion of genetics within the book is fascinating. I can see why this book won an Edgar Award. I also recently heard that Nancy Werlin holds a mindless day job that allows her to pay her bills and focus entirely on her writing. Show Less
LibraryThing member readingrat
A compelling coming-of-age story that also explores the perils of gene manipulation.
LibraryThing member maribs
In search of answers to his father's dislike of his new boss at Wyatt Transgenics, Eli Samuels discovers secret testing going on in the lab that is somehow related to him and his mother.
A good medical thriller for teens. A bit of mystery, teen angst, and science all rolled into a quick read. It
A good medical thriller for teens. A bit of mystery, teen angst, and science all rolled into a quick read. It
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raises questions about medical testing with humans, genetic engineering and fertility. Big topics for teens? I don't think so. This is another great book that could get young adults interested in science, ethics and/or law. Show Less
LibraryThing member rpultusk
This is the story of Eli Samuels, an eighteen year old high school graduate with a sick mother, a somewhat absent father, and a mysterious new job at a genetic engineering lab. When Eli attempts to discover why his father hates his new job and why his new boss seems so interested in him, he
While the premise of the story is captivating and will likely appeal to readers, the plot is predictable, with internal (italicized) questions and annoyingly obvious foreshadowing. The characters are, for the most part, flat and their dialog seems forced. While the concept is interesting, the heavy use of scientific vocabulary/concepts might make the plot inaccessible to younger readers. The setting is in present-day Boston/Cambridge. There are no significant cultural markers.
Recommended for middle and high school libraries
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discovers the truth about his parents, his birth, and his personal connection to genetic engineering.While the premise of the story is captivating and will likely appeal to readers, the plot is predictable, with internal (italicized) questions and annoyingly obvious foreshadowing. The characters are, for the most part, flat and their dialog seems forced. While the concept is interesting, the heavy use of scientific vocabulary/concepts might make the plot inaccessible to younger readers. The setting is in present-day Boston/Cambridge. There are no significant cultural markers.
Recommended for middle and high school libraries
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LibraryThing member chibimajo
Eli gets an internship working for a Nobel-prize winning genetics scientist and makes a very shocking discovery about himself and his family.
LibraryThing member JRlibrary
I read this book many years ago. It was just reviewed by Jen Robinson, so I'm posting her review here, because I forgot to link the book when I read it, I didn't like it as much as she ocviously did, and I've forgotten most of it, but Jen wrote a decent review, so here it is:
Double Helix is a
Nancy Werlin is a gifted writer of eye-opening suspense novels. Her 2006 novel, The Rules of Survival was a finalist for both the National Book Award and the Cybils Award. Double Helixis a quick read that touches on interesting questions about genetics and morality. Eli is a likable protagonist. Even when he's making what are clearly mistakes, you still pull for him. Although he's gifted in many ways, his problems and insecurities keep him utterly relatable for teens. Here are a few passages to give you a flavor for Eli:
"Sometimes--no, often--I hated being a teenager. Hated not having the full control I wanted. Even by the time you're eighteen, adults don't take you seriously. Even at eighteen, you're considered a kid." (Page 9)
"And suddenly I felt like an experimental rat in a lab cage, with sharp objects jabbing at me from all sides. It was the emotional analogue to the way I'd felt yesterday, poked and prodded, tissue- and blood-sampled, lung-capacity and hart-rate measured" (Page 38)
"It was a good week, a rare week. I found myself springing from bed each morning like a piece of toast from the toaster, and my legs seemed to have made an independent decision to fun all the way to work." (Page 69)
I don't want to say much more, because I wouldn't want to spoil the mystery. Let me just say that this is a compelling read that explores intriguing scientific and human questions. I think it will go over especially well with reluctant male teen readers, though there are a couple of strong female characters to appeal to girls, too. It would make a good companion novel to The Adoration of Jenna Fox. Because of the ages of the main characters, and the nature of some of the issues, I do think it's more a high school book than a middle school book.
Double Helix is a
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suspenseful novel for young adults, with a cutting-edge, scientific slant. Eli Samuels is a promising student, about to graduate high school in Cambridge, MA. In the presence of his mother's incapacitation from Huntington's Disease, Eli plans to take a year off before starting college. Based on a vague memory that his parents once knew the famous biologist Dr. Quincy Wyatt, Eli applies for a research job at Wyatt Transgenics. To his surprise, he's given a well-paying job working in one of the animal research labs at Wyatt. To his even bigger surprise, Eli finds that his father is downright hostile in regards to Quincy Wyatt. It soon becomes clear to Eli that there's a mystery about his family, one that also involves Dr. Wyatt. Eli works on tracking down the mystery, while also dealing with his complex family dynamics, his relationship with his girlfriend Viv, and the distraction of Dr. Wyatt's beautiful young houseguest.Nancy Werlin is a gifted writer of eye-opening suspense novels. Her 2006 novel, The Rules of Survival was a finalist for both the National Book Award and the Cybils Award. Double Helixis a quick read that touches on interesting questions about genetics and morality. Eli is a likable protagonist. Even when he's making what are clearly mistakes, you still pull for him. Although he's gifted in many ways, his problems and insecurities keep him utterly relatable for teens. Here are a few passages to give you a flavor for Eli:
"Sometimes--no, often--I hated being a teenager. Hated not having the full control I wanted. Even by the time you're eighteen, adults don't take you seriously. Even at eighteen, you're considered a kid." (Page 9)
"And suddenly I felt like an experimental rat in a lab cage, with sharp objects jabbing at me from all sides. It was the emotional analogue to the way I'd felt yesterday, poked and prodded, tissue- and blood-sampled, lung-capacity and hart-rate measured" (Page 38)
"It was a good week, a rare week. I found myself springing from bed each morning like a piece of toast from the toaster, and my legs seemed to have made an independent decision to fun all the way to work." (Page 69)
I don't want to say much more, because I wouldn't want to spoil the mystery. Let me just say that this is a compelling read that explores intriguing scientific and human questions. I think it will go over especially well with reluctant male teen readers, though there are a couple of strong female characters to appeal to girls, too. It would make a good companion novel to The Adoration of Jenna Fox. Because of the ages of the main characters, and the nature of some of the issues, I do think it's more a high school book than a middle school book.
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LibraryThing member rfewell
Fun story about bio-genetics... a mystery, too.
LibraryThing member mrpascua
I really enjoy cellular biology/genetics stories (having a biology background and all) and this story is facinating. While not a fresh new idea, the story is a good science thriller/mystery for teens. Double Helix is a mystery thriller set in the modern world of biotechnology, and it's also a love
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story about Eli and his girlfriend, VIv and it’s also a father-son story. The book raises many important questions on genetic engineering, ethics and morals, loyalty to family and the value of your work. The characters are believeable and realistic as well. You do not need to know everything about genetic engineering to enjoy this book. For the TL, this would be a good addition to the high school or middle school LMC as it ties into the life science (7th grade) and the biology (10th grade) curriculum standards. Show Less
LibraryThing member jjohlend
After graduating high school, Eli takes a job at a transgenics lab, but gradually begins to suspect that there is something fishy going on there that might even center on his own family. One of the most powerful things about this book is that it may be science fiction, but in reality things like
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this could happen and may even be happening in parts of the world. As such, the message of the book is very resonant, but some people may feel it is mere political agenda being pushed by a fear monger. This message is placed in a great mystery story, with a believable, if slightly immature and self-centered, main character. Much of the early happenings are concerned more with relationships than action, with Eli experiencing troubles with both his father and his girlfriend. If readers can make it through this sometimes slow beginning, they will be treated to an ending that reveals questions that need to be considered regarding science and the future of human life. Show Less
LibraryThing member Philip10
The novel, Double Helix by Nancy Werlin encompasses the relationship an eighteen year old boy name Eli Samuel that graduated from high school and trying to get the job at Wyatt Transgenic, so he can work as a legendary molecular biologist . In the beginning, Eli the main character of the struggles
Total Pages Read: 252/252
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with his relationship between Dr. Wyatt and his parents with the job Eli is taking. Throughout the middle he perserves through uncovering disconcerting information about himself, working as an apprentice to Dr Wyatt. By the end he has learned that solving mysteries and clues about scientific experiments can change your action on mastering to become a molecular biologist. My Final Thought about this book is that it explains the complicated ethics of genetic engineering.Total Pages Read: 252/252
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LibraryThing member Julia12
The novel, Double Helix, encompasses the hardships of trying to find out the truth while realizing everything you've ever known has been a lie. In the begining, Eli Samuels, the protagonist struggles with having a new job at Wyatt Transgenics while he struggles to find out the secret about his
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parents and himself. throughout the middle, he perseveres through finding out he has a sister and that he could possibly be a carrier of the Huntington disease. By then end he has learned that he should have listened to his father and that not everything is as you expect it to be. (248/248) Show Less
LibraryThing member wealhtheowwylfing
Boring boring boring "omg biotech!" YA book, ostensibly about a genetically engineered boy. I say ostensibly because although the main character has angst about how much better he is at everything than everyone else, the story was mostly about his love life. Also, the Huge! Ethical! Dilemna! that
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the book examines (whether we should do genetics work) is a pretty played-out question. A much better book dealing with these issues is Nancy Kress's Beggars In Spain. Show Less
LibraryThing member RABooktalker
An interesting story about genentic engineering which has more basis in reality than we would like to think. Scary...
LibraryThing member Cheryl_in_CC_NV
I like science fiction, and YA, but was concerned that this was going to be too plot-driven, too much about the mystery and the suspense. Well, that was there, and I would recommend this to fans of adventure and related genres. But it was also a provocative exploration of science and ethics and
In so far as the revelation at the end, well, sure there were clues. But it wasn't exactly foreshadowing, because there could have been several different actual 'answers.'
I recommend reading this with a friend and then conversing about the ethical choices. These ideas should be explored. A quote is relevant: Exclusivity amounts to secrecy, and I think that's a mistake.""
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human nature. Everybody was flawed, and made questionable choices, but nobody was truly evil - and the key characters grew wiser and more compassionate. In so far as the revelation at the end, well, sure there were clues. But it wasn't exactly foreshadowing, because there could have been several different actual 'answers.'
I recommend reading this with a friend and then conversing about the ethical choices. These ideas should be explored. A quote is relevant: Exclusivity amounts to secrecy, and I think that's a mistake.""
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Pages
244