Genetic-Disorders Books

This was a very interesting book. The author did a good job of explaining the frustrating process of seeking a diagnosis and treatment of a rare condition. She includes a lot of useful information for those
who may have inherited this condition.

This is a great resource for the newly-diagnosed, and a well-written, gripping bio - but it is far more than that. ... What an moving reliance on the power of prayer! What an awesome testimony of faith! I loved the anecdote about the 'pennies from Heaven'!

A BIG 'thank you' to this author!I am confident that there are few people who will not profit by the information contained in this book. Especially in view of the so-called 'Pandemic which is looming over all of us, I feel that it is imperative for everyone to know how dangerous it is to be 'overloaded' with iron - which, to bacteria, fungi and viruses, is like 'fertilizer' to plants! This riveting, well-written, 'first-person' account alerts readers to the perils of iron accumulation in the body.

More than just about a disease!.
On another website, I saw this book described as the 'definitive book about Hemochromatosis', and I agree. However,a prominent researcher has written that it is the story of a remarkable man and an extraordinary relationship. He was right. - It's more than a layman's reference to genetic disorder. It's a consummate love story. Love at first sight...the enduring adoration of a teenager for a young man; which would lead her, in time, along an thorny path and against all odds, to a fight against ignorance of a disease. That fight has culminated in the saving of lives around the world.

Original edition - 1989 ISBN 0889258856 autographed. Collectors' item. Limited number available! $30.00

This book has some really great info that you can't find other places. A real must for anyone dx with or close to someone dx with "iron overload".

This book was recommended by a friend when my 26 year old son was diagnosed with hemachromatosis, before I even knew my husband and I are both carriers. I ended up getting two of my sons (2 of my 3 have hemachromatosis)a copy. It relieved a lot of fears and answered a lot of questions, questions that my family doctor didn't know the answer to. It also gave us direction as to what to do and what to expect. Very easy to read, very easy to understand.

This book should be much easier to find.The information is badly needed.If it were more accessable more people would see the symtoms and perhaps get better diagnosis. All doctors need this in their offices. My gastrointerologist said he'd have to do some research on this!!! He's suppose to be the "specialist"!This has helped me understand that with proper diagnosis and treatment this disease need not be a serious problem. Well written. A must read. Many thanks to Dr. Phatak for writing this.

Finally, there is definitive information out there, instead of just people passing word of mouth warnings. This books is worth gold for people of Celtic ancestry. I was diagnosed with HHC, laughingly called the Celtic Curse because it can strike people of Scottish and Irish ancestry, there was not a lot of information out there about it. One in four people can carry the gene that causes the body to store too much iron in the deep muscle tissue, kidneys, liver and heart. It can be fatal if not caught. This book helps those find a way to live with this problem.

When I learnt I suffered from this, I had not heard of it, no one I knew had it. However, within in the last five years, many people I know are aware of a friend or family member that now has it. It often mimics many other health problems, so it's good to get early treatment and have books such as this one that help you manage your lifestyle.

This book addresses all the issues and give people a sound understanding of the problem, how to face it and how to live with it.

At long last, a single source of invaluable information about diagnosis and treatment of Hemochromatosis along with many personal trials and tribulations of those who have experienced the frustrations of obtaining an appropriate diagnosis. "The Iron Disorders Institute's Guide to Hemochromatosis" is a tremendously welcome resource. I was so impressed I purchased 7 additional copies for my 5 adult children and 2 of the RNs who conduct my frequent phlebotomies.

I'm also relieved that newly diagnosed "Rusties" do not have to go through the agony of research as I did back in 1979 when I was diagnosed as a result of my younger sister's autopsy results. There was scant information available in the medical journals of the period. I recall one occasion spending more than 4 hours in a medical library only to locate a single 2 year old article about Hemochromatosis, which was replete with statements that have since been proved mythical. No one will have to endure that again with the advent of IDI's "Guide".

The "Web" has certainly provided considerably more accessibility to Hemochromatosis information, yet much of what is available still has to be validated. The "Guide to Hemochromatosis" overcomes this problem by providing in a single-source forthright testimony, easy-to-understand charts and time-tested data contributed by highly recognized scientists in their fields.

The "Guide" can reduce, even eliminate, the frustration often experienced when trying to convince a family member of how crucial it is for having the appropriate blood tests conducted to determine stored iron levels. The feedback I've received from those whom I have given this book to has been overwhelmingly positive. There is little doubt as to the value of this book in one's arsenal for educating loved ones about the insidiousness of excess iron and the damage iron can do to the human body.

I found that one can simply read individual chapters in no particular order and assimilate a plethora of knowledge without being bogged down in technical jargon. This book relates well on a very personal level. I can not emphasize enough the value of this book. It commands a highly visible location in my reading library, replacing the "Reader's Digest".

I also highly recommend this book as being very germane to every individual, worldwide, who has Irish, Scottish, or English ancestry.

I was advised by a breeder to get this book if I was interesting in breeding in the future.

As there is such a small gene pool here in Australia, I felt that I needed to get as much information as possible about possible genetic diseases and if they can be bred out.

Whilest I have not really started to read this book as yet, will start soon, I have been told that it is fantastic for new people who are looking to enter the breeding ring.

This is the kind of book tha every breeder should have! Not only by clear way he puts how to track and understand genetic diseases, but by his proposes about Open Registries.

A useful source of information on hereditary diseases of dogs, obviously slanted towards the USA scene. Just waiting for a UK author to produce a similar volume with less sweeping allegations of widespread canine defects amongst pedigree dogs.

Being a vet student I've always heard about how difficult genetics are and how it bores us to death. This book is written so well that there aren't too many technicalities or hard words to understand. It is extremely clear and well written and its a must for everyone intending to breed dogs.

This book should be on every dog breeder's bookshelf!
In the introduction Dr Padgett candidly writes:

` My goal is to help prevent serious genetic diseases in dogs, both in breeds and in kennels. If you learn the material presented here, follow the guidelines, and apply this information to your breed or your kennel, you will reduce the frequency of disease, and it will not take you twenty-five years to do it.
You need three things to accomplish this task: knowledge, information, and honesty. All three are within your control '

A professor of Pathology, one of the world's most celebrated researchers, writers and lecturers on the entire subject of canine genetic diseases, George A Padgett DVM has published numerous papers and has appeared before almost 100 breed clubs speaking on his specialty.

In his book ` Control of Canine Genetic Diseases' Dr Padgett addresses breed clubs and challenges them to encourage and reward members with honest information regarding the diseases within their lines.

He starts off by explaining the background, and then goes on to explain how to trace disease in your own dogs with a chapter that is titled ` The development of pedigrees'. In this chapter Dr Padgett teaches the reader to keep records and gives a number of scenarios of which the readers can test themselves to see if they are on the right track with this lesson.

Other topics he addresses are; modes of inheritance; the interpretation and use of pedigrees to determine the genetic status of given dogs and, the probable mode of inheritance of a trait; test mating; registries and prioritizing genetic disease; tables and probabilities; breed clubs and control of genetic disease; and the last chapter is aptly titled ` For the breeder '.

Dr Padgett is not a geneticist and doesn't claim to be one. He even admits that some of his data finding procedures would have geneticists screaming.
He is not suggesting breeders' refrain from ever breeding with an affected or carrying dog. He's realistic about breeding from the best dog from an overall perspective, but instead he explains about breeding out or diluting disease in order to lower the chances of producing affected animals, whilst maintaining honesty.
He clearly states that he acknowledges a breeder shouldn't ever breed their dog to an animal of lesser quality than what they want to represent them, their line and breed, just because they're making a test-mating.

George A. Padgett writes fluidly and convincingly and at times is quite amusing. I found his advice on prioritizing disease very reasonable. He explains the necessity to develop a hierarchy of disagreeability for various diseases by evaluating the severity of the disease, and its impact on the dog itself, and the people that own it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to every breed club, member and breeder whose goal it is to produce healthy, functional and beautiful dogs.

The author spoke from her own experience and that of her family having a gene that creates a higher risk for breast and ovarian cancer. She wrote the story in a way that all could understand her emotional delima for preventative surgery. Since my daughter, twin sister and myself are going through this same thing now, it was more than just an interesting book to me.

This book is important for men as well. Not just for the men who are standing by their wives, sisters, friends, daughters, mothers. But for the men who suffer from their own "breast" cancer battles. Diane Tropea Greene offers insight into the statistics that men too get diagnosed with "breast" cancer! That was an eye-opener. I had heard it was possible but her story of her beloved uncles' diagnoses really personalizes this little-known fact.

Most of all read this book for the warm, empathetic Everywoman tone Ms. Greene offers her readers. Very inspiring piece of work! I really enjoyed it and was quite moved in spots as she took me along her journey. Check it out.

Loved this book! There is a war on Cancer and this family's story of taking action and keeping hope alive, in the face of tragedy, is awe inspiring. Anyone who is battling cancer, genetically predisposed to cancer or fears a cancer diagnosis should read this book. It is expertly written and to the point. Diane Tropea Greene's story reveals how the past health of your family and a knowledge of modern medicine should heavily influence the choices you make when faced with a life altering disease. Greene shows you the devastation the disease caused within her family and the tough choices her generation was able to make to save their lives, while never losing humor and hope.

What I liked about the book is that it is not preachy and it reveals that there is no ONE answer. Greene shows that action and educating yourself is important when faced with Cancer. How well informed you and your family are can make all the difference in tipping the odds in your favor. I've given this book to friends who have lost family to cancer and are battling Cancer themselves. They have all identified with it and loved it. If you know anyone who has lost someone in their family to Cancer and is not actively going to get themselves checked, this book would be a great place to start a dialogue with them. We've lost too many people to inaction. I hope Dane Tropea Greene's book and the Tropea family will change the way people perceive this disease and the way they and their family manage their health care choices. The only wrong answer is to do nothing.

Ms. Greene has allowed all to learn from her personal crisis. Apron Strings has enlightened me to the many options open to those who suffer with breast cancer. It is a must read for any woman, especially living on Long Island. I am the mother of three daughters and plan to keep my copy of Apron Strings with my reference books. Ms. Greene and her sisters each chose different health options that best suited their situations. Each one of these options are clearly detailed for easy understanding. Diane Tropea Greene may have been cursed with a genetic nightmare, but she has been blessed with a support system filled with family, friends and health insurance.

A MUST READ: With an easy writing style, Diane shares her personal scrapbook of life, love, family and cancer. This lovely book takes us on the personal journey of a warm, intelligent and successful woman who has faced life's toughest challenges and not only survived, but thrived. Her decisions along the way are pioneering. Her bravery, strength and optimism are truly inspiring.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE: I've always known what a great guy my cousin, Jay, is... but reading Diane's book gave me new insight into what a terrific person he is and what a wonderful family life they share together with their boys.

Continued health and happiness to Diane and family!

Eileen Greene
Bolton, Massachusetts

I wish that I had had this book when my teenage daughter was a newborn. I am trying to undo the poor choices made along the way in her nutrition in order to maximize her health and physical well being. This book has been tremendously helpful.

You don't have to be an expert to understand the concepts in this book. It's written in such a way that the average person can understand the issues and put the tools to work. It tackles every feeding/eating issue that a person with Down Syndrome faces, from birth to adulthood. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who has a family member with Down Syndrome or who works with people with Down Syndrome.

Posted for, Brian Chicoine, MD of the Adult Down Syndrome Center

The Down Syndrome Nutrition Handbook is an outstanding resource for people with Down syndrome throughout their life span. It contains excellent information and practical suggestions for people with Down syndrome and their families. A wide variety of topics are addressed from general nutrition to nutritional intervention for diabetes mellitus, celiac disease and other health issues.

The book is well written, person-centered, and health-centered. It is beneficial when read cover-to-cover as well as when saved for use as a reference book. In addition to the writing style, the pictures make it a valuable education tool for people with a wide variety of reading abilities.

I highly recommend this book for people with Down syndrome, their families and anyone who wants to help them with their nutritional goals.

Very good book
Easy to read
Very informative for parents with and without medical knowledge
Have found it very useful as a guide to my daughters nutritional needs and abilities

Don't let the long (boring) name fool you, it is a GREAT book! As our daughter is getting older (she is 16,) she is taking control of her diet. I can't be with her all the time, so I have to teach her to eat healthy. This might sound simple, but it isn't. Well meaning relatives offer her foods she shouldn't eat, and others don't know that she has some 'nutritional issues,' like Celiac Disease. Our daughter has to know what she can and can't eat, as well as portion control. The DSNH not only has information for me as a parent, but it has worksheets and teaching activities for our daughter to help her learn healthy eating habits and good fitness activities. Did I say that it is a GREAT book? We copy off the worksheets and post them on the fridge, so our daughter can track what she eats during the day to make sure that she has 'hit' at the necessary food groups and water intake goals. She even has her fitness goals for the week.

The book covers nutritional information and needs from birth through adulthood. Section three is the one that we are working on right now: Teaching Healthy Choices to Encourage Healthy Lifestyles. It has everything from menu planning, to cooking and fitness. It's full of readable and understandable information for me and hands on learning for our daughter. That is a great combination if you ask me!

Our daughter will be the one in control of her own cooking, fitness activities and health in a few years. This book will help me help her to make a smoother transition to become a more independent and healthy adult with Down Syndrome.

Every parent of a newly diagnosed child with Fragile X should read this book. Mary Beth and Megan each have two sons with Fragile X. Their letters tell the story of two families' lives: the heartbreaking experience of searching for and finally finding a diagnosis, the simple joys of appreciating these children and their individual accomplishments, and the stories of husbands and wives adapting to their own kind of "normal." The difficulty of raising 2 children with Fragile X cannot be overstated. The coping methods shared by these two women are sometimes difficult to read, and sometimes just hilarious. But the overarching message is that you can find and new "normal", and that life gets better. When you think no one has experienced what you are going through, pick up the book and read about how alone these women once felt and what they each did to connect to other Fragile X families. Their individual accomplishments are astounding.

It is simply a WONDERFUL BOOK.
Many thanks to the authors for their courage to share with the readers their inmost feelings and unique personal experience of fragile x challenges.

Dear Meagan was an interesting read regarding Fragile X. The form of the book is through letters written by two women, both of whom have two sons with Fragile X. It is very personal, and the letters give information and research-based facts regarding Fragile X; however, it is intimate as it describes family situations, concerns, and details.

I've just listened to Mary Beth and Megan on the Diane Rehm Show and was very moved by their openness in describing their sons with Fragile X and their life with them, how they parent these sons, searched for the best education and medical care for them, and how they have found meaning and joy in their sons, despite their severe disabilities. Their book is an inspiration to all parents with disabled children.

This is the book that all of the families in the Fragile X community have been waiting to read. These letters between two women tell us the story of their personal griefs and triumphs; but they tell us so much more. The chapter called Dropping Bread Crumbs explains Fragile X for the layman more clearly than you've ever heard it explained before. We will all relate to the devastating news of the diagnosis in the chapter called Diagnosis and Dealing. And we will admire the courage of Kelly Randels' chapter on the hearbreak of facing an abortion. These women have the courage to tell us what we need to know; and the talent to keep you riveted throughout their journey in a world that has been defined for them by Fragile X. A extraordinary accomplishment.

Having experienced schizophrenia firsthand in my immediate family beginning in the 1950s, I was interested in seeing what medical explanations are being explored and what progress has been made regarding this devastating illness. This book beautifully presents necessary background data on brain function and on basic chemistry and genetics, and then gives lucidly presented information about new strategies and treatments. Various fields of medicine, genetics, and chemistry are coming together to present the real albeit complex picture of what these awful illnesses are about and how we can work to live with them or overcome them. Mental illness must be liberated from individual guilt, shame, and social stigma, which are still very strong in human society. Only knowledge of the facts can free us from these crippling attitudes, and this terrific book goes a long way to help. The author's PhD in literature also adds a humanistic touch to a scientific work, which I deeply appreciated.

BRAVE NEW BRAIN follows up the classic THE BROKEN BRAIN, both written by Dr. Nancy Andreasen. She is a recent winner of the National Medal of Science, and a great thinker in the fields of medicine and philosophy of medicine. The book is written for the general public so they will become part of the great revolution of knowledge in the neurosciences. She details not only traditional psychiatric illnesses, but expands this view into the neurological illnesses. This is important as now psychiatry and neurology begin to merge, each developing a new respect for the field of the other. She details how psychiatry cannot solve all of our modern day society's woes, but must turn these over to individuals to seek answers. A recommended book for any public or private library.

As a society we face, is it medicine or out of my house. We have some knowledge of medicine but what we don't have is knowldege of what to do with our nations poor, we need to think about this. Walking is important for people on medications but they don't tell you about this. What they don't tell you is not to drink coffee's etc. Or that many over the counters in general are bad. Our knowledge continues to grow as a society, however, there are many things we don't know. Nancy C Andreason gives a good review of things, and a well rounded perspective of things in her Brave New Brain. I am interested in also her genetics research as well. I believe the NAMI which she has mentioned is not the best helping organization though, and there is not much outside support or resources to help disabeled people which I think we need more of, when they don't have there families anymore. We need to think about how we are going to house homeless etc.

Having experienced schizophrenia firsthand in my immediate family beginning in the 1950s, I was interested in seeing what medical explanations are being explored and what progress has been made regarding this devastating illness. This book beautifully presents necessary background data on brain function and on basic chemistry and genetics, and then gives lucidly presented information about new strategies and treatments. Various fields of medicine, genetics, and chemistry are coming together to present the real albeit complex picture of what these awful illnesses are about and how we can work to live with them or overcome them. Mental illness must be liberated from individual guilt, shame, and social stigma, which are still very strong in human society. Only knowledge of the facts can free us from these crippling attitudes, and this terrific book goes a long way to help. The author's PhD in literature also adds a humanistic touch to a scientific work, which I deeply appreciated.

Nancy Andreasen is one of the top researchers in the field of Schizophrenia so is a good person to write this book. This is a very good book on the underlying causes of schizophrenia and other brain diseases and prospects better treatments and cures based on this knowledge. Great reading for a person who wants a better understanding of how the genetics revolution is impacting our knowledge of mental illness. Writen for a layman with some background or interest in science and biology.

"...a detailed practical guide for management of patients with genetic conditions...an asset to the bookshelf of any healthcare provider...also an excellent educational text..." (Journal of Genetic Counseling, Vol. 12, No. 4, August 2003)

"...quite useful to anyone...interested in a taste of what emerging technologies in genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics can bring to bear on questions of potential importance in biomedical research." (American Journal of Human Genetics, Vol. 72, 2003)

Cassidy and Allanson have assembled a talented group of authors to address the more common genetic disorders. The chapters are extremely well organized and each emphasizes not only diagnostic techniques and differential diagnosis, but also patient management. The generalist will find a wealth of practical information readily available and accessible. The clinical geneticist will discover and rediscover valuable "pearls" within this text. --Edward R.B. McCabe, Department of Pediatrics, Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA

This book organizes the collective clinical experience of multiple genetic experts, along with evidence-based medicine, into a comprehensive guide to the clinical management of the most frequent genetic disorders affecting children and adults. It is a valuable resource for specialists, and for primary care physicians who have the responsibility of coordinating care of their patients with these genetic disorders. It may become be a valuable resource for educated decision-making for managed care organizations as well! Ultimately, patients and their families will benefit.

This book is a newer version of Dr. Reading's "Your Family Tree Connection." Your Family Tree Connection: The Family Tree Way to Better Health
As a recently diagnosed gluten sensitive person, I read "Trace Your Genes" and was amazed at the correlations in my family, including my brother's celiac, my cousin's colon cancer, my father's obvious (but never discussed) gas and indigestion problems and my mothers anemia and heart attack, to mention a few, and not to mention the many tell-tale signs and genetic markers he outlines in his book that reinforce his theories. It all started to make sense and helped clarify past experiences in my health. I wish I had this knowledge 20 years ago when it would have mattered to my parents and cousin.
Fortunately for you, this book was written by a medical doctor (and psychiatrist), so it will be more credible to (and help dismiss doubt from) your doctor. This book can very likely help you and help your doctor help you on your road to health. I hope you will not only read it, but also pass on copies to your loved ones and friends. I know I will.

"Trace Your Genes to Health" is more than anything else an examination of the current state of the study of heredity and medicine. The author, Chris Reading, is a physician in Australia. After graduating from medical school he became qualified in psychiatry and specialized in organic psychiatry. From this point he began to notice the relationships between vitamin-mineral deficiencies, food allergies, and genetics as they affect neuropsychiatric disorders. Soon he was able to compile data to show that there are genetic factors in many, many problems that are not generally thought to be genetic in nature. Dr. Reading has distilled his years of experience and knowledge into this book.

It is not a book designed for self-diagnosis of problems and that is good. The book does an excellent job of explaining the basics of genetics and how the various types of dominant/recessive, autosomal, and X-linked factors work together to create a genetic pattern of inheritance. Throughout the book Dr. Reading builds a persuasive case for examining the family tree as part of a more holistic approach to health than just treating a symptom that occurs in your generation. Looking at the family history may reveal many clues as to how to treat a problem as well as how to avoid it altogether.

After discussing genetics and how it works Dr. Reading goes into the details of how to make a medical family tree. It includes the information you should be looking for, how to get the information, how to diagram it, and even how to approach your doctor with your findings. This is followed with a section on various illnesses and how they might have a genetic factor. The multiple appendices include information on Illnesses, categorized for family trees, symptoms and signs, congenital defects, phenotypes, sociological data, and recommendations to help you deal with problems.

"Trace Your Genes to Health" is a guide to help you take control of your health through investigating avenues that are generally overlooked. This would be a recommended book for anyone who has noticed a pattern of medical problems in their family and wants to know what can be done to help their doctor treat them. If you suspect that your family has had a pattern of medical problems and want to deal with it before it becomes a problem for you then this book will help you build the information necessary to determine if you need to be concerned or not.

This book was recently featured in Dr. David William's newsletter, Alternatives. Dr. Williams finds Dr. Reading's work essential to creating a health plan for ourselves. I think everyone should read this book and get an understanding of how disease is created through the generations, what clues we can find from our family trees, and what we can sanely do about our health futures!

Dr Readings Book is work of a pure genius. Getting patients to track family illness to determine proper treatment is what is lacking in the current medical practice. Not only can the cause of disease be treated and identified but prevented in the newer generations. The book contains excellent case studies of those who have recovered from serious mental/physical sickness from using the knowledge of the family tree. I would recommend it as a must orthomolecular resource book.

Written in concise yet vibrant language by an eminent geneticist, this volume offers a broad approach for the general public interested in useful and practical genetic information and advice. Many clinicians may also find it to be a useful resource in their busy clinical work. A brief introduction to genetic principles leads into succinct, informative reviews of genetic aspects and risks of a host of medical conditions, such as obesity, cancer, mood disorders, Attention Deficit Disorder, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's and longevity. The concluding chapters on "Avoidance and Prevention of Genetic Disorders" will appeal to those who wish to be genetically informed when making decisions about their own their lives or life styles.

This informed family health guide discusses the health implications of genetic disorders in a family history, drawing on the latest research and findings to discuss genetic predispositions to common ailments, tests available for identification, and when to seek genetic counseling. Your Genetic Destiny is an excellent and informative guide to the latest findings about how genetics influence health.

It must be a rare experience to encounter a book with many messages each having the potential to save many lives. Your Genetic Destiny: Know Your Genes, Secure Your Health, and Save Your Life is precisely such a book. Written in non-technical language without the reader needing a background in medicine or biology, Dr. Milunsky clearly spells out what each person should know about their family history and what actions and DNA or other genetic tests are now appropriate and even necessary. This is especially important given the many recent advances in human genetics.

Every family has concerns about the hereditary aspects of common illnesses covered in this book including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, Alzheimer's disease and aging. Ethnic-related diseases for which there are so many DNA tests available now, are also discussed. Important information is provided about the avoidance and prevention of mental retardation, birth defects, and many different genetic disorders. Most important are clear recommendations about who should seek genetic counseling.

Dr. Milunsky states that "the purpose of this book is to empower and encourage you to know your genes" so that you can secure your own health and life and that of your loved ones. He has fully accomplished his goals in this authoritative book that should be read by every family.

"Your Genetic Destiny," by Dr. Aubrey Milunsky, is a book for those concerned about their own genetic health and the health of children that they might have. Dr. Milunsky is an international expert on human genetics and genetic counseling and it shows in this authoritative and interesting book. Dr. Milunsky explains the inheritance patterns of genetic traits and then talks about what to look for in your own family tree in order to be aware of future health problems. He covers the complete gamut of genetic diseases, including mental illness, heart disease, obesity, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. He makes complex subjects easy to understand and presents the readers with the choices available today. I think that this book is not just for those contemplating having children, but for the general reader as well. We are beginning the century of human genetics and we all should be aware of the issues. As a geneticist (the author of a genetics textbook in its seventh edition), this is exactly the book that I would have written for the general public. In fact, after reading Dr. Milunsky's book, I have put my own plans for a similar book on the shelf-permanently. I highly recommend this readable, authoritative book to all.