Elixir

Rating:
Summary: One of the best I've read in years
Review: I picked up Elixir because I was going to have an opportunity to meet the author at a reading/booksigning and wanted to get an autographed copy. I started reading it immediately and could not put it down. This book can fit in to so many different genres, and takes the very best from each one. It was definitely a mystery that waited until the very last page to unravel completely. It also presented a question of biological ethics, pertaining to everlasting life. This book draws the reader in emotionally because the characters are developed so well, and at the end I was left desiring more. Elixir was a literary roller coaster and I will definitely read it again.

Rating:
Summary: Elixir was so engrossing, I missed my train stop!
Review: This book was amazing! My husband tends to be the one who reads the thrillers; I prefer non-fiction. This book, however, had me on the edge of my seat. It mixes just the right combination of biological fact, cutting edge biotechnology, and believable biofiction to weave a frightening, well-crafted tale of desire and deception. Braver poses some disturbing questions about society, industry, science, government and most importantly, ourselves. This book will force you to reevaluate how you view aging, science, and our cultural obsession with youth.

Rating:
Summary: Elixir is a Winner!
Review: As a woman who normally avoids reading biotech thrillers, I thought this one might be intriguing and light because of the title. To my surprise, it stands far above any bestselling thrillers I have read. It is an intelligent book with such a fast moving plot that I hated to put it down to sleep or go to work. But more than that, the characters prove to be real people who respond that way. Braver has done his homework in planning this book! There is no supernatural or gratuitous violence to turn my stomach, just consistently realistic descriptions of what happens. No, this novel deals with real issues and surprises us at every turn. Long after I have finished the book, I still feel a familiarity with Chris and Wendy as I do with Parker's Spencer and Susan. I reconsider actions that took place and wish for more. Braver leaves the reader with the possibility of a sequel OR the denouement may just be left to our imaginations. I want to read it again to pick up things I've missed, but I also want to share it with friends so we can debate some of the issues and consider other options at the end. Elixir is a real winner!

Rating:
Summary: Truth or fiction?
Review: Gary Braver's book is a clever, energetic work of techno/ mystery/ science fiction. Elixer combines pure excitement with just enough science to provide a credible foundation. The topic of longevity is one that many other writers have wrestled with in many different ways--Braver's is the best yet. This book raises thought-provoking questions, giving it a suprising depth and substance.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent bio-tech thriller
Review: Fans of biotech thrillers will find this novel to be the right ELIXIRfor their needs. The story line is fasts-paced, filled with action, and numerous twists and turns. The characters seem genuine and, in turn, make the plot believable including the fountain of youth drug. Gary Braver provides a terrifying novel that will grip the audience with its insightful look at the aftermath of discovering the magical ELIXIR that reverses aging.

Rating:
Summary: An Early Review of a Top-Notch Thriller
Review: March 28, 2000. I just finished reading Elixir. Gary Braver has chosen a poignant topic that should be close to an ever-increasing number of Americans. He has woven his characters, locations and storyline into a seamless tapestry of intrigue and suspense. Unlike many novels in this genre, this one will leave you not only entertained but also pleasantly contemplating the education you have gained in the process. Should this be made into a movie, one could only hope that the screen writer would be Gary Braver and that the director would follow the plot with integrity.

Rating:
Summary: Attended Author Presentation
Review: Yesterday (3/25/00) I attended a presentation by 3 members of Sisters in Crime -- an authors' support group -- in the town hall of little (pop. 900) South Hampton, NH. One of the 3 guests was Gary Braver. He shared how the idea for the book was conceived (discussion with his wife on longevity on his wife's 42nd birthday); some elements of his research (picking the brains of fellow professors at Northeastern U in Boston and a trip to New Guinea); and even how decisions were made re the book's cover, etc. It was most fascinating. I am looking forward to the book's formal launch, and a scheduled Today Show appearance in late April. I can't wait to read this book!

Rating:
Summary: Exciting and Disturbing
Review: The premise of the book--the quest for eternal life--has been a popular theme for centuries. How Braver tackles this quest is fresh, new, and more importantly, just plausible enough to be disturbing. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a good biotech thriller!

Rating:
Summary: A Bit Lengthy, But Great Story
Review: Who doesn't want to live forever? The story starts with the discovery of a flower that promises life extension. Problem is, once you start using it, you can't stop. Imagine the difficulties of such a substance - everyone wants it, and whomever controls it can name their price, but ethical and moral considerations come into play when researchers start testing the substance - are they playing God?
Great story, a bit lengthy and drawn out, but well worth a complete read.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book for a Plane Ride
Review: This is a fast paced, easy to read, page turning thriller, I couldn't put it down and read it in less than 4 hours. The story in a nutshell - Chris Bacon, a microbiologist and son of an American ambassador, discovers in the forest of Papua New Guinea a plant which holds the key to human immortality. As Chris and his family find out, there are many people that will stop at nothing to get their hands on such a potion.

Closer to a made for TV movie script than anything resembling literature, the action never stops and includes Caribbean drug lords who murder people for amusement, corporate fraud in the millions, crazed religious fanatics both Muslim and the home grown kind, a family homicide/suicide, a car chase scene involving shooting, faked identities and living undercover for 15 years to escape mass murder charges, and a passenger airplane exploded with a bomb. Quite amusing to see all the plugs for Xanax, and the "with everyone living longer the Social Security System will collapse" agenda.

Cliche characters, and a plot line that is less believable than the concept of immortality, even so an enjoyable read, great book for traveling with.