A SLOW BURNING

According to this fascinating novel, science will soon permit the correction of "undesirable" personality traits by sending synthetic microbes to the areas of the brain that store feelings about such hot-button issues as politics, religion, race, etc., with said microbes "fixing things up" nicely. Do we want our rough edges and prejudices removed, or are they part of what make us who we are? Narrator Richard Ferrone strikes a good balance, bringing emotional resonance to the hard, cold science that is trotted out, while not overplaying the heated arguments between brilliant African-American neurosurgeon Cush Walker and the opponents of his controversial plan to eliminate racist cops on the New York City police force. An interview with author Stanley Pottinger appears at story's end. J.P.M. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/MAR 01]