From Publishers Weekly
This compact book is a primer on both inherited disease and genealogy, but emphasizes the latter, as might be expected from the author, a genealogist. Gormley provides sketchy, anecdotal information on genetic research, but leaves diagnosis and detailed medical explanations to the experts. Instead, she offers a summary of resources for genealogic investigations, explaining how to utilize state records and home computers to ferret out information on otherwise unsuspected defects and illnesses that could affect present and future generations. Most readers will, unsurprisingly, find themselves urged to take the usual precautions against familial obesity, heart disease, diabetes, alcoholism or cancer; a small percentage may discover they're at risk for one or more of the dozens of rare disorders and birth defects mentioned more briefly. And those who unearth family histories of genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis, sickle-cell anemia or hemophilia may benefit from genetic counseling when planning a family.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
For more than a century, a controversy has been raging as to whether an individual is more likely to be formed by "nature" (inherited genes) or "nurture" (environment). Many diseases and birth defects have been shown to have a genetic component, and these studies are capably summarized by this book's author, who leans heavily toward the "nature" concept. The evidence she quotes for the inheritance of behavioral traits is less well documented and may lead the reader to faulty conclusions. She offers good advice on tracing ancestors to provide a family medical history, which may be helpful diagnostically. Another title to consult is Choices Not Chances: An Essential Guide to Your Heredity and Health (Little, 1989), written by Aubrey Milunsky, director of Harvard Medical School's Center for Human Genetics.
- Eleanor Maass, Maass Assocs., New Milford, Pa.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
