Genetic counselor and novelist Janice Berliner unlocks the complicated world of human genetics in her second engaging novel exploring the impact of inherited disease. Her first novel, Brooke’s Promise, delves into Pompe Disease, a metabolic disorder impacting an infant girl and challenging her family’s understanding of their identity. Berliner’s second novel, In Good Conscience, tackles the devastating impact of Lynch Syndrome on the protagonist and his family, who must grapple with the impact it may have on their health as well.
In Good Conscience is a realistic story of love and loss, family relationships, and life and death. Aidan Sheridan has it all until his illness threatens to derail everything he’s worked so hard to achieve. The worst part isn’t the betrayal from his body, but from the people who should have been most fiercely protecting him. When oncology nurse Fiona Wood interferes with Aidan’s privacy, she does so for the greater goal of saving lives. The delicate bond she forms with Aidan ultimately redeems them both. Berliner deftly weaves in extensive information about cancer genetics, Lynch syndrome, and the delicate balance between privacy and the duty to warn relatives potentially at increased risk for cancer. She does this all without sacrificing storytelling.
This story raises awareness about the prevalent but underdiagnosed condition of Lynch syndrome. It tackles some of the most common concerns about cancer genetic testing, including survivor guilt, parental guilt, fear, and avoidance, in a very human way. In Good Conscience is essential reading for genetic counselors, patients, and providers alike. It challenges the reader’s sense of what is right, ethical, and just, exposing both the beauty and the ugly underbelly of sibling rivalry, relationships, love and forgiveness. Genetic counseling encounters are highlighted in the novel, during which Berliner explores the nuanced role genetic counselors play in the healthcare arena.
Berliner takes on the world of clinical genetics poignantly and effectively, as expected by her many years of clinical work before a plunge into academia. Her storytelling engages the reader, requiring them to think "what would I do?" in the situations she creates. The ethical, legal, medical, and familial issues she raises make this book a must-read page-turner. In Good Conscience provides a primer in genetics and ethics and is a true reflection of Berliner's expertise in both fields.
In Good Conscience by Janice L. Berliner
Publisher: Independently Published
Pages: 280
Retail price: $14.99 paperback, $6.99 e-book
Language: English
ISBN-13: 979-8461627966
Disclosures: NSGC confirms and discloses that the author of In Good Conscience, Janice Berlinger, is a member of the Perspectives Editorial Committtee.
Heather Hampel, MS, LGC is a Professor in the Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research and Associate Director of the Division of Cancer Genomics at City of Hope National Cancer Center. Her research focuses on Lynch syndrome and universal tumor screening for Lynch syndrome. She has >170 publications on the prevalence of Lynch syndrome among colorectal and endometrial cancer patients, the best testing protocols, cost-effectiveness, and referral guidelines for cancer genetics. She was on the Board of Directors for the American Board of Genetic Counseling from 2006-2011, serving as President in 2009 and 2010. She has been on the Steering Committee of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable since 2016. She was on the Council of the Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited Colorectal Cancer from 2016-2019, serving as president in 2017-2018. She is currently the Secretary/Treasurer of the National Society of Genetic Counselors.
Shelly Cummings, MS, CGC is the Vice President of Oncology Medical Affairs at Myriad Genetics. She has authored or co-authored >100 publications in genetics, primarily cancer genetics and genetic counseling, and has authored 5 college biology/genetic textbooks. She is currently the Executive Editor of Perspectives and has volunteered her time to Perspectives for the last 27 years and several other NSGC-related activities.