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eldiente's review against another edition
3.0
This was an interesting exploration of the possibilities of unexpected DNA in Hispanic populations of Southern Colorado. Having been raised in this geographical area, I appreciated the deeper understanding of the culture, the history, and the attitudes of some of the people. In particular I gained greater insight into the unique contributions of the Penitente sect to the Hispanic population and attitudes.
There are several possible explanations for the Breast Cancer Gene found amongst this population including that advanced by the author (Sephardic Jewish DNA from Spain).
There are several possible explanations for the Breast Cancer Gene found amongst this population including that advanced by the author (Sephardic Jewish DNA from Spain).
kbrsuperstar's review against another edition
3.0
This book was like a really good New Yorker article that spiraled out of control and ended up being a whole book. Don't get me wrong; it would have been one of those super long ones articles that are really fascinating and then you feel a bit self-congratulatory at the end of it for having read it and learned something. The pace of this book is just way too leisurely (OMFG the unending descriptions of the freaking mountains!) -- it is a very interesting story, you just wish he would hurry the frig up and get to it already, though.
cyndin's review against another edition
2.0
The topics here are fascinating. A young woman dies from a very aggressive form of breast cancer. Many of her extended family members have had breast or ovarian cancer too. The family discovers it is linked to a particular mutation in the so-called breast cancer gene. One that is specifically Jewish. But the family is Hispano, descendents of Spaniards who came to the American Southwest centuries ago, and intermixed with native populations. With no known Jewish ancestry.
How this gripping story turned into the drek that is Wheelwright's book, I don't know. He took a lot of notes--notes from book research and from visits and interviews--mixed them randomly, then fleshed them out into purple prose. In other words, he skipped a few editing steps (or his publishers did). Maybe they thought the subject matter was so compelling that it would stand on its own? It almost does, but, ultimately, it's unsatisfying.
The other unfortunate part is the author clearly dislikes the main subject's religion and disagrees with her medical choices (to use alternative medicine and not lose her breasts to surgery). To the point that he makes fun of her and her family members who share these things. He implies that she died because of her choices and not, as the family believes, because the cancer was caught too late. It's not just once or twice; the author's biases permeate the book. Since the book is organized randomly, he has opportunities to denigrate this dead young woman, and her family, dozens of times (and he never passes up such an opportunity). He even reveals achingly personal information that has zero bearing on the topics of the book, information that will hurt the family who is still living.
Honestly, the more I think about it, the more I want to give this book a one-star rating. But I'm keeping it at two-star because the topics are very interesting and there is enough information in the book to lead me to better sources.
How this gripping story turned into the drek that is Wheelwright's book, I don't know. He took a lot of notes--notes from book research and from visits and interviews--mixed them randomly, then fleshed them out into purple prose. In other words, he skipped a few editing steps (or his publishers did). Maybe they thought the subject matter was so compelling that it would stand on its own? It almost does, but, ultimately, it's unsatisfying.
The other unfortunate part is the author clearly dislikes the main subject's religion and disagrees with her medical choices (to use alternative medicine and not lose her breasts to surgery). To the point that he makes fun of her and her family members who share these things. He implies that she died because of her choices and not, as the family believes, because the cancer was caught too late. It's not just once or twice; the author's biases permeate the book. Since the book is organized randomly, he has opportunities to denigrate this dead young woman, and her family, dozens of times (and he never passes up such an opportunity). He even reveals achingly personal information that has zero bearing on the topics of the book, information that will hurt the family who is still living.
Honestly, the more I think about it, the more I want to give this book a one-star rating. But I'm keeping it at two-star because the topics are very interesting and there is enough information in the book to lead me to better sources.
bookwormmichelle's review
2.0
Ugh. This story might have had interest, but it was so poorly written I could barely bring myself to finish it. As it is, I skimmed the most boring parts. This was disorganized, crazily, floridly overwritten, disjointed and at times almost nonsensical. (Pages and pages on sunflowers???? Stating that Jehovah's Witnesses and Orthodox Jews are more alike each other than any other two religious groups?) Too bad.
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