“There are good books and then there are books that are so good you feel changed after reading them. Reading this book was definitely the latter for me.“

-Josh

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“It’s been a long time since I read a book cover to cover without stopping…Rather than telling me what to think, the book is an invitation on how to think from many different angles and through many different perspectives. A refreshingly unbiased treatment of an extremely difficult ethical dilemma…”
-Amazon Customer

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“A well-written and thought-provoking book…The author draws you in with his sensibilities as an inner struggle unfolds about whether or not to edit genes to alleviate possible future suffering with genetic illnesses. How far do we go? This book leaves one wondering about what choice they would make if they had the chance.”

-Tess

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“There’s something for everyone, whether it be asking the broader philosophical and ethical queries of the future, facing the true tests of love, or striving to comprehend the intangible familial bonds that connect us to our pasts.”

-Aarushi D.
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“Beautiful prose supported by great character development—each character in the novel is unique, but also deeply relatable. The compelling story and connection to each character's journey had me devouring this book… The decisions facing these characters—made all the more real with family dynamics and the weight of wondering about the road not taken—will resonate with everyone.”

-Caitlin K.
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“Wonderful debut novel! The book is an engrossing tale of family, science and history that offers entrancing prose. You contemplate your past, heritage and future throughout and become invested in the primary characters. It leads the reader to reflect on the interconnectedness of humankind and genetic overlap due to family connection as well as shared experiences.”

-Sarah

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“Fascinating - a real heartfelt experience at the intersection of science, technology, and humanity.”

-Christina
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“The book was an excellent journey into understanding the importance and limitations of legacy. I can't imagine anyone who has lost a parent/ mentor or had a child will not say 'yes. This.' throughout the novel. Still the structure and language made the story flow and page turning, while not skimping on analysis of relationships.”

-Steven H.

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“Lee asks us to probe the meaning of parenthood, family, and legacy in an era of rapid technological change. The questions and dilemmas that his characters, Sam and Clara, face over potentially editing the genome of their future child range from the personal to the societal. How do the choices we make change (or potentially erase) our histories, and what are the societal dynamics of emerging genetic technologies and possibilities? Not only does this novel beg us to think deeply about the ethical problems of our age, but it’s also written in gripping and relatable prose that I read it cover to cover in a single sitting.”

-Eben L.

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“Although we aren’t currently faced with making these types of life-altering pre-birth DNA engineering decisions, this book lays out in a beautiful love story how one couple approaches this choice. I was afraid the book might be too techie or science-fiction toned, but I was wrong! This is a great story of a young professional couple facing life changing circumstances.”

-Lisa P.

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“…Many novels are entertaining reads but can easily be returned to the library and forgotten about or swapped for a few quarters credit at the local used bookstore. But a few books are worthy of prolonged thought after you’ve put them down. This novel will stick with me and I recommend you let it stick with you as well.”

-Byron

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“Solid writing style and engaging dialogue. It’s easy to relate to the difficult decisions the protagonist has before him. It’s a great tribute to the legacy of our families and their experiences.”

-JJB

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“A page-turner that will tempt you to finish reading in one sitting. Everyone who is or hopes to become a parent will relate to this story, and picture themselves in Sam and Clara’s shoes as they grapple with this incredible decision. The writing is equally captivating and informative, and you’ll be tempted to keep reading to learn the characters’ rich histories and how they inform their decision-making. Highly recommend!”

-SQS

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“Emotional and intriguing. Well-written. Ideal for book club discussions.”

-Patty G.

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“This book is so compelling - the intricacies of science and the weight of history are woven together with the warmth (and conflict) of family dynamics and influential legacy, both past and present. It makes you think about who you are and where your innate motives and tendencies come from, while helping you appreciate the value of those who have walked before you and the impact they have on you now. Definitely worth the read!

-J. Doughty

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“Unique, brilliantly written, thought provoking, sentimental. Read it!”

-J. Dionisio

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“A thought provoking novel that weaves complex and challenging social and scientific topics. It will resonate with parents over how to balance and weigh advances in human genetics with preserving and continuing one's familial lineage. The novel reveals the raw mental and emotional deliberations that Sam and Clara undergo as they ponder whether to pursue genetic editing to safeguard their future unborn child's health at the expense of keeping its bond intact to Sam's beautiful but complicated family history. This novel is especially timely given the uncertainty, fear, and health decisions parents have been confronted with over the last few years to protect and safeguard their children's futures.”

-M. Byrne

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“Months after finishing this book, it has stayed with me. Thought-provoking and inviting all at once. It delicately threads the past, present, and (potential) future together in a seamless way. The ethical implications of scientific advancements are captured in an approachable and personal manner.”

-Gina

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“Great exploration of a challenging topic. This was a well-written, but quick read on a very current subject. The author explored the subject very thoroughly, but with a lightness of tone. I definitely enjoyed the book, so much so, that I shared it with my neighbor's book club. A great read!”

-Bob F.

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“What a beautiful book…the vulnerability of the characters, the complexity of the moral dilemma, and the mesmerizing writing. This author has captured the many facades of love and woven them into a brilliant story. Can’t wait for his next one.”

-Maryam K.

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“Lee has achieved quite a feat with this debut work; somehow knitting truly beautiful prose, plot suspense, and emotional anguish into a dissection of whether to edit the genes of future generations. Also a wonderfully effortless read you'll be tempted to complete in one sitting. Lee not only tackles an impossible decision - that many readers could one-day face - with such honesty, empathy, deep thought, and torment (don't worry there is some slap-your-knee humor to get you through it), but he does so through rotating first-person accounts across characters and generations. I found this approach particularly engaging and enlightening in not only thinking through the gene editing dilemma but also for one's outlook on life in totality. How often do we dismiss or forget the experiences of those before us? Forget they lived a full life through world events, joys, tragedies, and tough decisions, as we do? Not take their wisdom, from a life hard fought, into account? Lee masterfully pulls us back and forth in time to live through their eyes in a worldview-altering way. Lastly, he weaves his grief and its impact into life and decision-making in a way that only those who have experienced painful loss truly can. I can't recommend this book enough.”

-Claire E.

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“Between the Shimmer & the Blinding grapples with the age-old uncertainty of becoming a parent against a backdrop in which science may profoundly change the calculation. Readers will inevitably turn to their loved ones and ask: what would we do?”

-Tanisha C.

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“Criss-crossing generations through weighty moments in compelling characters’ lives, Between the Shimmer the Blinding reveals a hard truth: even the most existential scientific advancements get crystallized into individual struggles.”

-Cyndi G.

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“Between the Shimmer & the Blinding immerses you in an emotionally enriching journey of the human experience across time, and inspires you to explore your views of a transcendent scientific revolution."

-Vasum P.
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“The book is a well-crafted and enjoyable story on timely topics ranging from the most personal decisions about a child to society-wide issues about the future of humanity. The author weaves a tale that toggles seamlessly between the micro and macro, with compelling characters that bring these issues and questions to life.”

-Stewart A.

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