From Booklist, October 15, 1998
Wingerson examines genetic testing, especially in pregnancy, geneticists' work in Germany and the U.S. (concentrating on the Human Genome Project), and how genetic research may affect human ethnic diversity. Finally, she discusses the implications of genetic research for the future. She does all this readably, thanks to her use of extended case histories and frequent accounts of the meetings of scientists and policy activists. She explains much current and recent research, imparting a good contemporary picture of a fast-developing field, and educes many intriguing facts, such as that Tay-Sachs disease is now more common in the U.S. among non-Jews than Jews. Her summaries of government reports and of various syndromes are quite useful, and her definitions of technical terms add further value. She is especially good on the assessment of genetic risks, the importance of informed and understandable counseling, and the personal decision to have or not to have genetic tests performed. To the literature of a subject already extensively covered, Wingerson makes a positive, popular addition. William Beatty - Copyright© 1998, American Library Association. All rights reserved

Book Description
In this timely, provocative new book, Lois Wingerson explores advances in human genetic research - and how these advances are redefining the way we view ourselves and our world.

Every week brings word of new genetic findings. It no longer startles us to read that a gene has been identified that predisposes an individual to breast cancer, to colon cancer, to Alzheimer's disease. From physical illnesses to behavioral traits, the mapping of our genes is moving with astonishing rapidity. Soon we will have extraordinary amounts of information about our most intimate selves. But - as this insightful, sometimes disturbing book makes clear - this new knowledge raises serious ethical, legal, and personal questions none of us can afford to ignore.

On the heels of each new finding comes the capacity to test for the disorder the gene may activate, then the test itself and then the questions. Just because the test is available, should we have it? The tests are often marketed by for-profit companies. Who is to determine what conditions warrant testing? Should it be up to the individual? A group of experts? A government agency? If a person learns he or she carries the gene for a particular disorder, what then? And, in the age of medical claim forms and computer networks, who else has access to that information? What if an employer finds out? If an insurance carrier denies future coverage? What about conceiving a child? Subjecting the fetus to prenatal genetic testing? If treatments for the condition lie well in the future, what benefit is it to know you or your child carry that gene?

As the latest genetic breakthroughs make their way from the scientists' laboratories into individuals' lives, we will all face questions like these. In clear and accessible language, Unnatural Selection takes us into the world of the researchers, physicians, ethicists, families, and people like ourselves as they contemplate the promise and consider the pitfalls of this exploding field of knowledge.

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