Science and Inquiry discussion

For May 2021, we will be reading Altered Inheritance: Crispr and the Ethics of Human Genome Editing by Françoise Baylis.

Please use this thread for posting questions, comments, and reviews, at any time.

Unfortunately, I failed to check availability for this book as thoroughly as I should. Amazon U.S. does have hardback and ebook versions, but no paperback. And my library does not have a copy. I don't like to buy books that I'm unlikely to read more than once, which is why I try to do the library thing when I can. And the kindle version is pretty pricey. I requested that my library purchase it, but who knows when or if that will happen. I'm still debating whether to purchase the kindle.

Betsy wrote: "I requested that my library purchase it, but who know when or if that will happen. I'm still debating whether to purchase the kindle."

If I may ask, wouldn't it be easier to change the May 2021 book to the runner up (assuming it's more widely available)?

Herman wrote: "Betsy wrote: "I requested that my library purchase it, but who know when or if that will happen. I'm still debating whether to purchase the kindle."

If I may ask, wouldn't it be easier to change t..."

I can't go against the vote of the members just because it's inconvenient to me personally.

Betsy wrote: "I can't go against the vote of the members just because it's inconvenient to me personally."

Fair enough.

Betsy, it's not available through the Sno-Isle system yet, but I've recommended it.
Maybe it will be purchased if you request it, too.

Back in the day, my Falmouth Public Library would buy any book that had 2 or more requests.

Let's collaborate. I can request it through SPL. Win/win.

I had to be a member of SPL to request it. Is that not the case with Sno-Isle? I'll try.

Yes. It wouldn't let me request the book without a valid card number. Oh, well.

Yes, but you can piggyback on my account. I'll message you.

UW libraries has a copy. But I'm not a current student or staff so I don't have access.

I was able to join the library in a neighboring county, and request that they purchase a copy of the e-book. Surprisingly, in less than a week they had purchased a copy and I was able to borrow it. Sometimes, being demanding pays off.

I can't find it either.

Hi, I was the one who suggested the book and I regret that many of you are having problem accessing it. Below is the article that inspired me to suggest it. It may be worthwhile to check before making a decision to purchase:
https://www.nature.com/articles/d4158...

I am planning to read all three books mentioned in the article this year. The other two are fresh out of press, nevertheless some of you may have better access to these in case you would like to read on the same topic.

Dr. Been wrote: "I can't find it either."

I'm sorry you're having trouble. Since your profile is private, I don't know where you live, so I don't know how to advise you. Do you belong to a public library? If so, have you tried requesting that they acquire it?

Often, your own library will buy the book if two or more people request it.
When I want them to buy a book, I have a friend call the library for me, and we get some books that they might not have copies planned for. And, sometimes we both discover a good book. Win/win.

Since it is newish, they would be open to buying it if you request. They need feedback from the library patrons. Otherwise, the science and history books will all be ignored, and churches will take over. It depends on the feedback from the community.

The public libraries both in New England and those in the PNW where I have lived have always been this way. I just didn't find it out until I turned 30, a long, long time ago. It just occured to me that you might not all know this. A librarian told me this, because I used to be the curious type, and asked a lot of questions.

I never cease to be amazed how much more the libraries do for us than we ever are aware of unless we use them. I'm so grateful.

I love my libraries. They love me back.

There's some interesting research going on.

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-s...

This is exactly the kind of thing that needs careful consideration among scientists and bioethicists.

I finished this book. I have mixed feelings about it. It was pretty dry and sometimes quite boring, but short. Here is my review.

I have started reading the book as well, I am right in the middle of it. It covers multiple aspects of the subject in a very accessible manner, though I agree with Betsy that the writing is somewhat dry. Still, it seems like a good introductory book.

Betsy, I live in Maryland.