The Carriers

Reviews / Votes

The Carriers offers a lucid and insightful look at the many consequences of an expansion-type mutation of the fragile X gene. A remarkable quality of this book is the way Anne Skomorowsky emphasizes the humanity of those experiencing its consequences, because of the gene itself and the lack of understanding on the part of caregivers. A must-read for both clinicians and families. -- Paul J. Hagerman, distinguished professor, UC Davis Mind Institute This is the book I wish I'd had when my bloodwork came back mid-pregnancy, and the book I'm glad my daughter will have. I'm grateful that Skomorowsky, a gifted writer and practitioner, has woven together narrative and research to help us see and understand what is invisible and unknown to so many of us. -- Lauren Sandler, author of <i>This Is All I Got</i> and <i>One and Only</i> Who would have thought that the carrier state of a genetic mutation-fragile X syndrome-would warrant a book? With great insight and kindness, Anne Skomorowsky tells the fascinating story of a group of people who may appear unaffected but struggle mightily with a remarkable number of inherited medical conditions. -- Barron H. Lerner, author of <i>The Good Doctor: A Father, A Son and the Evolution of Medical Ethics</i> Wonderfully reported and written in close-up about people and their families, their tears, and medical challenges, The Carriers is the rarest book in science, a beautifully readable investigation made from a set of portraits. Like a biography of a genetic mutation, it tells the story of fragile X syndrome through people it most affects. The result is both personal and rigorous, particular and general, science that examines things, but also feels them. -- Edward Ball, author of <i>The Genetic Strand</i> and <i>Slaves in the Family</i> Lucid, comprehensive history of Fragile X. A compassionate medical account. Blending stories and interviews with science and statistics, The Carriers balances the worldwide scope of a disease with intimate details. * Foreword Reviews * Exceptionally well written, organized and presented. . . . Essential reading for fragile X families, including those just learning they are carriers, and for all professional and non-specialist general readers with an interested in the complexities of heredity, the ethical dilemmas of genetic medicine, and the relationship between genes and personality. * Midwest Book Review * Skomorowsky deftly interweaves science and narrative. The heroic efforts of astute researchers ... read like a fast-paced detective story and have ramifications beyond medicine. [An] enlightening account. * Science Magazine * Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, and enhanced with an especially informative Foreword by pediatric professor and Fragile X researcher Randy J. Hagerman. Essential reading for Fragile X families, including those just learning they are carriers, and for all professional and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the complexities of heredity, the ethical dilemmas of genetic medicine, and the relationship between genes and personality. * Midwest Book Review * Skomorowsky's clear, frank, and compelling writing, [ensures] that this book is appealing and accessible to all audiences. In addition, she brings the vantage point of a psychiatrist who has firsthand experience working with those with intellectual disabilities. As such, she presents complex and comprehensive scientific information about fragile X and the premutation in a simple and engaging manner. The book is well researched, captivating, and an important contribution to better understanding our relationship with genes. * H-Net Humanities and Social Sciences Online * Recommended * Choice * Anyone who's been gripped by the title of the book or its description would find it a delightful read, especially those interested in the biomedical sciences. * Mustafa Abbass *