BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:
Werlin, Nancy. 2004. DOUBLE HELIX. New York: Dial Books. ISBN 9780803726062
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
DOUBLE HELIX cleverly unfolds the haunting and mysterious story of a teenage boy’s struggles to understand his true identity and the fate of his future. Eighteen-year-old Eli is faced with the heavy reality that his mother is dying from a terrible and debilitating genetic disorder called Huntington’s disease. Further complicating this emotional situation is the knowledge that Eli himself has a 50% chance of carrying the gene that will cause Huntington’s disease at some point in his adult life. As Eli deals with this difficult reality, a ray of hope enters his life as he lands a job at Wyatt Transgenics after taking a chance by emailing Dr. Quincy Wyatt, a famous and brilliant molecular biologist who had been called “a legend” and “the most acute mind on the planet.” This is Eli’s dream job, but Eli cannot shake the feeling that he and his family have an important connection to Dr. Wyatt. As Eli works for Dr. Wyatt, more questions about his identity, Dr. Wyatt’s mysterious connection to his parents, and “the situation” that Dr. Wyatt strangely refers to arise. Eli is a likeable character facing a difficult and intriguing situation, and readers will easily connect with and sympathize with him as he uncovers the mysterious secrets of his past. The supporting characters are also brilliantly created, drawing readers even further into the mystery. The action is suspenseful, and the plot is exciting and unpredictable with twists and turns that keep the reader wanting to know more. DOUBLE HELIX takes a unique look at the complicated and haunting ethics of genetic engineering through a teenager’s eyes, and mystery fans will thoroughly enjoy this gripping story.
CONNECTIONS:
Invite students to research more information about Huntington’s disease: when it was discovered, how genetics plays a role in the disease, progress on finding treatments or a cure, etc.
Encourage students to put themselves in Eli’s shoes and ask themselves whether or not they would want to be tested to discover if they carried the gene that causes Huntington’s disease. Have students discuss the pros and cons of such a difficult, life-altering decision.
Open up a discussion on the ethics of genetic engineering. When is it ethically acceptable, and when is it not? How can you tell the difference? Encourage a variety of viewpoints throughout the discussion.
REVIEWS AND AWARDS:
From BOOKLIST starred (February 2004):
“A solidly crafted, thoughtful novel featuring a clever, obsessed kid who finds truths, small and large, about life, family, and, of course, himself.”
“A solidly crafted, thoughtful novel featuring a clever, obsessed kid who finds truths, small and large, about life, family, and, of course, himself.”
From LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION (October 2004):
“Werlin creates thought-provoking topics and addresses familial conflicts and relationships that are intense. Readers will discuss the topics of cloning and genetic transformation long after they have finished the book. Highly Recommended.”
“Werlin creates thought-provoking topics and addresses familial conflicts and relationships that are intense. Readers will discuss the topics of cloning and genetic transformation long after they have finished the book. Highly Recommended.”
From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (March 2004):
“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.”
“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.”
TAYSHAS 2005
Wilson’s Junior High SchoolWilson’s Senior High School
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