OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Prize" by Geoffrey M Cooper.]

In his debut novel The Prize, the author Geoffrey M. Cooper brings forth a chilling tale. Dr. Pamela Weller, an up-and-coming young scientist and Dr. Eric Prescott, winner of the prestigious Lasker Award and a likely candidate for the Nobel Prize are both determined to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. In spite of the same end goal, their motivations are quite different. One wants to put an end to the disease, while the other is lured by the worldwide fame such a ground-breaking discovery would inevitably bring. As Pamela nears the goal, Eric cooks up devious schemes to humiliate her and steal all the glory. How can Pam prove herself innocent when even her trusted scholars, mentors and well-wishers have turned against her?

Before saying anything else, I must first convey my thanks to the author for showing a true picture of the cut-throat competition for novel discoveries that is very common in the scientific world. He shows us how even a highly accomplished and respected personality of the scientific community can lose his morality and scientific ethics when obsessed with fame and glory. He even loses basic humanity, sinking lower and lower, all to achieve just an award.

I found the plot development to be unique. For the first time, I encountered a book where pretty much everything depended on whether a scientific experiment had been designed in a way so as to cover all the loopholes. As a young researcher myself, it was interesting to see how the experimental set-ups employed to identify the anti-Alzheimer's drug without any doubt could end up being detrimental to Pam’s career. In my opinion, this plot showed Dr. Cooper in his element as a renowned professor. Also, indexing the chapters by dates instead of chapter numbers was a clever way to show the timeline.

The title and the cover of the book require special mention. The title can have myriad implications. What might a scientist consider as a prize - a chance to put his/her research for the greater good by finding a cure for a deadly disease? Or can the Nobel Prize be considered as the ultimate honor for a researcher, even if it comes at a cost of his/her moral values? A question to ponder over!

While I admit that a book should never be judged by its cover, the cover picture of this book seemed a symbolic one. The woman in the white lab coat might be running towards fame, or alternatively, towards truth. It certainly created a powerful first image about the theme.

The character portrayals were mostly real. Pam showed strong moral character and good judgment, undaunted even in the face of dire situations. Eric was the polar opposite of her in being greedy, ruthless and unscrupulous. The hypocrisy and opportunistic behavior of the Director of Langmere Institute, sadly, rang true. However, the character that appealed to me the most was that of Holly, Pam's postdoctoral student. She made a number of wrong choices, but those were driven partly by the frustration and insecurity she felt and partly by her greed. I could sympathize with that young researcher even though she went for desperate measures.

I felt at ease while reading the book since the day-to-day laboratory works, types of equipment or student curriculum the author mentioned were familiar to me. The rigorous selection procedure required for the tenure and the proceedings to deal with scientific fraud were enlightening to read. At the same time, I have to admit that the author has very deftly maintained a simple manner of storytelling without diving into any kind of technical jargon, so the book will equally appeal to readers who are not from a scientific background.

I should mention a few doubts my reading experience left about some aspects of the story. I felt that as the senior post-doctoral fellow in Pam’s lab, George could have played a more significant role. Also, the methods Pam applied to clear her name were certainly not very ethical. Could there be any other way out of the mess that did not involve an ex-FBI boyfriend? Jake, Pam’s boyfriend was portrayed merely as a loving and helpful companion with no other distinct character traits. Also, the ending was pretty predictable and seemed a bit abrupt. In my opinion, these were some of the areas the author could have explored differently.

Having said all these, I rate this book a 4 out of 4 stars. It not only has a gripping storyline but seems to be professionally edited as well. I would recommend it to anyone who loves thrillers. As a researcher, I have either encountered or have learned about a few instances of unfairness, unjust politics and unethical choices. These have made me question if research is merely a tool to gain name, fame, and recognition. Kudos to Dr. Cooper for raising such critical and thought-provoking questions! I am looking forward to more books from him.

******
The Prize
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes

Like Shrabastee's review? Post a comment saying so!

Very well-written review. Had I reviewed this book I too would have given it 4 stars. Alas, I downloaded it to read the sample for BOTD and couldn't put it down. I read it before it even came up as a review option.
The only down side to me was, as you noted, the convenience with which Pam was able to use Jake to clear her name. Other than that, the characters and story line were wonderful. This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. The concept of searching for an Alzheimer's cute is unique and I actually enjoyed the explanations for how the cure was discovered. Normally science bores me, but Cooper kept me constantly engaged.

kfwilson6 wrote: ↑11 Jun 2018, 20:22 Very well-written review. Had I reviewed this book I too would have given it 4 stars. Alas, I downloaded it to read the sample for BOTD and couldn't put it down. I read it before it even came up as a review option.
The only down side to me was, as you noted, the convenience with which Pam was able to use Jake to clear her name. Other than that, the characters and story line were wonderful. This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. The concept of searching for an Alzheimer's cute is unique and I actually enjoyed the explanations for how the cure was discovered. Normally science bores me, but Cooper kept me constantly engaged.

Thank you so much for sharing your views.
I came across this book in a similar way, I had read the sample in BOTD and was completely engrossed. Then I purchased a discounted kindle version and read it. This book was not for review back then, so I thought I'd just review it on Goodreads and Amazon. Only later I found that it was available for reviewing and I took the opportunity immediately.
Thia was a unique story in many ways. The villain is exposed from the very first, the crime is described. You have to keep biting your nails to see how the good scientist can clear her name. All the while there were no loopholes through which she could be saved! I actually could not imagine how she could survive the evil scheme! That probably was the reason the author had to introduce an ex-FBI.
P.S.Cooper was already one of my favourite authors because of his textbook 'The Cell'. I was so glad to get a novel from him! I wish he writes more of them.

Wow, thanks for the thought-provoking review. You even analyzed the title and cover! I could almost picture the characters through your description. I can even guess why you liked Holly! I have to read this book!!

Cotwani wrote: ↑22 Sep 2018, 06:14 Wow, thanks for the thought-provoking review. You even analyzed the title and cover! I could almost picture the characters through your description. I can even guess why you liked Holly! I have to read this book!!

Thanks for commenting, Cotwani! I really liked the book since was basically a story of my everyday life. I could relate with Holly very well, and share her frustrations and uncertainty. This was the first book I read that gave such an ample glimpse on the life we scholars live.

The book doesn't only seem to have an original and engaging plot, but its also quite realistic and it presents an issue that concerns me: the greed that can overcome some doctors and end in horrible consequences for everyone that seeks healthcare.
I liked very much your assessment of the characters and, especially I enjoyed that you shared how your experience was with this book, having yourself first-hand experience in the research area.
Thank you!

I like how you mentioned the book cover and title to describe the plot. The woman in the lab coat could be running to fame or truth. Pam had researched how to treat Alzheimer's, and Eric wanted to take the credit for her work. It sounds like the book made it seem realistic and probable for what could go on in the scientific research area of competition and recognition of some major breakthroughs.

To what extent would one go to achieve a big, hairy, and audacious goal? Prior to this current decade, I've never even thought about this question. I've always felt and known that hard work and doing one's part would always put a person in good stead. Recent years have made me realise the more common reality, though. I just do hope that justice prevails in this piece and in real life. Thank you for a thoughtful review.

I agree with you. The book cover is not really that catching. I might not notice it if I am passing by a bookstore and it is displayed right in front of me. Though reading your review, I must agree that the book cover really represent the story.

As someone who works with academic researchers, I would hesitate to call this the "truth" about the world of academic research. As in all fields, not everyone is completely ethical, and a situation like this is not completely impossible, but I would hate for anyone to think this is the "truth" of research. Should you be prepared to deal with massive egos and people who care more about their research than their postdocs? Absolutely. But, in general, you shouldn't have to worry about one researcher purposely trying to destroy the life of another researcher just so one can reach a goal before the other.

Well written review, I will get the book and read it too.