Search - Intuition

This book explores the fine line between rigorous science and individual dreams of success. Through the perspectives of different characters, we learn the story of Cliff, who has discovered a possible cure for cancer and Robin, his ex-girlfriend who believes that his results may be a bit too good to be true. Overseeing the lab are two senior scientists, one overly cautious and the other a brash seeker of publicity who realizes that research can only continue when grant money flows. This intriguing novel reads like a mystery as one anxiously strives to discover the truth while developing a real fondness for the characters.

A view into the competitive world of medical research, this novel also nicely develops it's characters and ther lives. This is obviously well-researched. I enjoyed this far more than "The Family Markowitz".

I like novels where interesting characters are thrown in a fishbowl and left to swim. Here, the fishbowl is a high-stakes laboratory setting, and the impetus for the ensuing action is first the drive to succeed as a scientist and second the question of to what extent the actions of a particular scientist crossed a line into unethical behavior (and how that issue relates to the first issue). The unfolding action asks us to consider how the politics and relationships of the workplace make a differ...more I like novels where interesting characters are thrown in a fishbowl and left to swim. Here, the fishbowl is a high-stakes laboratory setting, and the impetus for the ensuing action is first the drive to succeed as a scientist and second the question of to what extent the actions of a particular scientist crossed a line into unethical behavior (and how that issue relates to the first issue). The unfolding action asks us to consider how the politics and relationships of the workplace make a difference in what work gets done. Interestingly, I therefore don't think that the laboratory setting is of primary importance: it is merely an attractive fishbowl.

However, as a scientist myself, I see in the novel a fable about why I should keep organized and complete lab records (and wonder if this should be be required reading for graduate students!) I see characters drawn to science for the same myriad reasons as the colleagues I've known, and the consequences on their actions. The brutality of cutting off a no-longer-promising avenue of research or of telling a postdoc that perhaps she should "just teach" resonate tremendously with me. I find it utterly remarkable that Goodman has captured so many of the sociological issues of science so well!

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are very multidimensional and the story pulls you in to the reality of day to day life in a research lab without making it boring.
I recommend it highly!