Living Proof

Apr 28, 2012 Karla V added it

read complete review here: http://notjustnonsense.blogspot.com/2...

It's the year of 2027 and the line separating the Church and the State is growing very thin.

Dr. Arianna Drake owns a private clinic in Manhattan. A clinic she makes sure never stands out from the others. Why? Because she's doing highly illegal business inside. She buys eggs from donors, fertilizes them and uses the embryos for stem cell research.

She longs to find a cure for many diseases, but especially MS (multiple sclerosis),...more

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Aug 29, 2012 Harry rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: philosophical-novels

As I am thoroughly familiar with the works of Ayn Rand (philosophical and fiction-wise), as well as Peikoff's writings on Objectivism I was more than eager to read this debut from Kira Peikoff, the daughter.

Ayn Rand is a tough act to follow: Period. I consider The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged two of the best if not the best novels ever written. Not just from a specific reading pleasure perspective, but the books' life changing aspects. The books engage the mind, fully, in a way no other books...more

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Jun 17, 2012 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-erotic, science-fiction-fantasy, suspense-mystery

Originally posted at: http://lasrsff.blogspot.com/2012/06/l...

It’s easy to surround yourself with people who agree with you. What many moral crusaders don’t realize, though, is how even the most noble intentions can buckle into something unrecognizable if there’s no one around to challenge their assumptions about the world.

Trent and Arianna are deeply committed to their respective belief systems. Both see themselves as the heroes of their stories, as guardians of something precious. Neither one...more Originally posted at: http://lasrsff.blogspot.com/2012/06/l...

It’s easy to surround yourself with people who agree with you. What many moral crusaders don’t realize, though, is how even the most noble intentions can buckle into something unrecognizable if there’s no one around to challenge their assumptions about the world.

Trent and Arianna are deeply committed to their respective belief systems. Both see themselves as the heroes of their stories, as guardians of something precious. Neither one has the self-knowledge to understand how someone could ever disagree with their positions on abortion or stem cell research. The awkward, sweet interactions between Arianne and Trent as they slowly begin to understand one another were my favourite scenes in the story.

Unfortunately there was a very black and white separation between the the pro-life/anti-stem cell research and pro-choice/pro-stem cell research sentiments in the book. Certain scenes came across as carefully scripted sermons instead of spontaneous, genuine conversations between friends.

While I understand the simplicity of painting one side as fighting for good and the other as evil the story would have been more compelling if all of the characters had been allowed to have more nuanced opinions. The vast majority of people cannot be pigeonholed into narrowly-defined labels and I think showcasing characters with such extreme opinions on this issue hurt the character development and plot.

When the characters weren’t being fed lines they flowed smoothly from one scene to the next. I found myself growing quite invested in Arianna’s story in particular and it was a little disappointing to switch from those heavy emotions to characters saying things that sounded like those political ads that air during election season in the U.S.

The premise of this book was fantastic, though. After I finished reading it I couldn’t stop thinking about Ms. Peikoff’s projection of one possible future. She's one of those writers who can create a universe similar enough to our own to be believable and just different enough to send a jolt of terror down your spine.

So what would the United States look like in a few decades if the separation between church and state were to erode? Living Proof will give you a spine-tingling glimpse into one possibility. Just remember that it’s only fiction.

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May 25, 2012 Tez rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. In the mid-to-late 2020s, religion and US government are almost inseparable. In this right-wing conservative Christian society, the Department of Embryonic Preservation ensures that all embryos are accounted for. Dr Arianna Drake's practice consistently records a high number of embryos, and the DEP head is suspicious. Thus he enlists underling Trent Rowe to worm self into Arianna's good books to learn her secrets.

Turns out the embryos are being cloned for their stem cells to create a cure for Ar...more

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Apr 22, 2012 Lenore Webb rated it 5 of 5 stars

Dear Hubby and I always end the day by reading a bit to slow down. But it is getting hard to get him to read just a bit! He has a new book on his bedside table. And I know he is enjoying it. But have to say the author Kira Peikoff sure is pretty good on the eyes too! Of course Dear Hubby said he did not even notice. Good cover!

So what is it about Living Proof that has him going? Dear Hubby tells me that Kira writes with the audacity of Heinlein (his all time favorite author) and does it well. Sh...more

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Mar 11, 2012 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, philosophy, politics, religion, science-math

Living Proof is not only a book that will keep your attention and have you staying up half the night. It's also a very important and timely book, due to the ongoing debates on embryonic stem cell research. Living Proof makes the moral case for why this research is desperately needed, and why the government and religious communities have no right to stop it. Not only that, but it also presents the other side of the debate in a fair and accurate way. It gives a picture of what our world could be,...more

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Mar 03, 2012 Deborah rated it 5 of 5 stars

This story is extraordinarily engaging and compelling. It takes an issue (embryonic stem cell research & treatments) that is often the subject of theoretical political debate, and brings the issue to life with a dramatic plot that expands in detail on the dictatorial government actions that would follow in practice from a formal, legal codification of the principle that life begins at conception. The political system of the year 2027 is a kind of theocratic fascism, in which the events of th...more

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Mar 02, 2012 Richard Gazala rated it 3 of 5 stars

After reading "Living Proof," it's clear debut author Kira Peikoff has no fear of jumping into controversy. Peikoff's book is a well-written and compelling thriller that boldly examines some of the most contentious medical, legal and philosophical issues confronting us today. Arianna Drake, a brilliant young doctor specializing in infertility treatment, runs a clinic that attracts unwanted and potentially catastrophic scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Embryo Preservation. Trent Rowe, the DEP...more

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Dec 16, 2011 Amy Lignor rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book of suspense cannot be classified only under that one category. In fact, while the setting of this novel is the year 2027, the author has taken serious cultural debates from our present-day society and blended them into a tale that’s not very fantastical, since we're not far off from bringing this extremely frightening story to life.

In 2027, there is a clinic in New York City operated by Dr. Arianna Drake, Dr. Gavin Ericson, and his wife Emily. This is a fertility clinic that offers the...more This book of suspense cannot be classified only under that one category. In fact, while the setting of this novel is the year 2027, the author has taken serious cultural debates from our present-day society and blended them into a tale that’s not very fantastical, since we're not far off from bringing this extremely frightening story to life.

In 2027, there is a clinic in New York City operated by Dr. Arianna Drake, Dr. Gavin Ericson, and his wife Emily. This is a fertility clinic that offers the wonderful dream of family to infertile couples. In this futuristic day and age, fertility clinics have to pass inspections made by the U.S. Department of Embryo Preservation (DEP). These inspections are ‘surprise visits’ and one of the most rigid rules is that it is considered first degree murder if any developed embryo is destroyed, and if the clinic fails an inspection they will be prosecuted.

The clinic has excelled and they are making a wonderful reputation for themselves. Unfortunately in Dr. Drake’s past, she was an advocate of what the DEP considered to be a notorious scientist with a bad reputation who stated in print, that the DEP, “is dragging America back to the Middle Ages.” So, the DEP Chief sends in an undercover agent, Trent Rowe, to investigate Dr. Drake.

As Rowe investigates, he starts questioning his own faith in the project and his investigation begins to fall apart. Between dealing with his own beliefs and the truth, Trent’s life, loyalties, and love seem to be headed in three different directions, causing him to question everything that he once had faith in.

This is a story of love and life, although supremely scary in certain areas. For a debut novel this author has certainly chosen a ‘touchy’ subject to write about, and will find legions of fans that will admire her ‘moxie’ and look forward to her second novel. For anyone interested in a writer who cuts to the chase over a highly difficult subject, this is the book for you.

Reviewed by Amy Lignor, author of “Tallent & Lowery - 13” for Suspense Magazine

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Apr 17, 2012 Nora rated it 3 of 5 stars

Living Proof has an intriguing premise and could have been very good, but was dragged down by a weak story structure. In 2027, fertility clinics have to pass inspections by the US Department of Embryo Preservation; if they are missing any eggs, they can be fined or imprisoned. Trent Rowe is assigned to Arianna Drake’s case when his supervisors note a startling upsurge in her clinic’s popularity. The department is suspicious of Arianna because of her radical background; for this reason, Trent is...more Living Proof has an intriguing premise and could have been very good, but was dragged down by a weak story structure. In 2027, fertility clinics have to pass inspections by the US Department of Embryo Preservation; if they are missing any eggs, they can be fined or imprisoned. Trent Rowe is assigned to Arianna Drake’s case when his supervisors note a startling upsurge in her clinic’s popularity. The department is suspicious of Arianna because of her radical background; for this reason, Trent is told to go undercover as a possible suitor. As Arianna begins to trust him, Trent discovers more about her life and experiments while falling for her. In the end, Trent must make the choice to uphold his oath as an Embryo Preservation agent or go with Arianna.

The premise of this story held a lot of potential, but the execution didn’t play out. Because the reader is continually told why something happened rather than shown the effects, the impact of those actions is lessened. For example, we’re told that Trent has a crisis of faith during his pre-Embryo Preservation career as a reporter, and we’re told why, but the explanation seems more like exposition than a natural extension of Trent’s thoughts. Occasionally the author does do a great job with exposition. For example, there’s no explanation about why this world is so against stem cells until Trent goes into the NIH files and finds articles about it. That section flowed naturally, and was a good example of how to show information. In contrast, other sections seemed choppier.

Besides the exposition, the major problem with the story is Arianna. We’re told that she is smart, and that she has kept this secret for years. She is supposedly a very good doctor and researcher. So why does she trust Trent immediately, especially when she knows strangers have been sniffing around her clinic? This is not the action of someone who’s aware of danger. Arianna seems much too trusting to be what she is described as. The secondary characters are more realistic, from the bitter scientist with a personal vendetta to Trent’s boss, whose reasons for supporting the department are personal.

What I didn’t realize until I finished the book (and what colored my reactions after) was that this is the author’s debut novel. I think that Peikoff is a writer to watch, as her future works will likely be stronger. I really enjoyed the premise and I did keep reading until the end. Final grade: B-
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Aug 07, 2012 Shieka( Doctor's Notes) rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have to say I went into this book not really sure what to expect. I was hoping it wasn't going to be too preachy and I was disappointed. Peikoff did a great job of showing both sides of this issue and in such an engaging way. She told an amazing story with characters that I found myself rooting for to come out on top. This book was truly a great read and like nothing I have read lately.

We start this book out by meeting Arianna and learning that she is a fertility doctor. I immediately picked u...more I have to say I went into this book not really sure what to expect. I was hoping it wasn't going to be too preachy and I was disappointed. Peikoff did a great job of showing both sides of this issue and in such an engaging way. She told an amazing story with characters that I found myself rooting for to come out on top. This book was truly a great read and like nothing I have read lately.

We start this book out by meeting Arianna and learning that she is a fertility doctor. I immediately picked up on how strong she was and how brilliant she was. Arianna is in the lab waiting on the routine DEP inspector to come in and make sure everything is up to par. You can tell she is nervous about something and I found myself caught up in it also wondering what she was hiding. The secret she was hiding wasn't what I expected and had me so excited.

Arianna is secretly using some of the embryos to use to make clones so that she can further her research. The world building in this book was amazing as it wasn't hard at all to imagine living in this time. I could see the government putting these regulations in place and monitoring the clinics. The bigger question Peikoff brought out in this book was if it was ok. Should the government have that type of control and should people like Arianna be fighting against it. I loved her meeting Trent and turning everything he thought he knew on his head. It was truly amazing to see how his growing love for Arianna made him question what he has always thought was right.

Arianna and Trent have to both deal with different things and try to race against the clock to try to keep Arianna alive. I loved the characters of Megan who was Arianna's cousin and Sam who was the another scientist trying to further their research. Megan was the great family support that Arianna needed and Sam was like a father figure. He had a bit of a mad scientist vibe about him and I felt sorry for him at times. He seemed so alone and aloof. They all worked together so well to try to come to the common goal.

Peikoff wrote an amazing story with great plot twists and turns throughout. I loved her ability to put both sides of this story out there without making it too preachy or scientific. The story flowed and was a read I couldn't put down. I was enthralled with it and I loved how Peikoff was afraid to push the boundaries and take risks. It made for a great read because of it. I highly recommend this book to others.

Thanks to the pulisher and Netgalley for this one.(less)

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Dec 22, 2011 Chip Joyce rated it 5 of 5 stars

"Living Proof" presents a not-to-distant, and believable, world in which Christian fundamentalists have influenced government policy and created a new dark ages in science--specifically with respect to pregnancy and embryonic stem cell research. There are government agencies that subject each pregnant woman to rights-violating control in order to dictate what she does to her body, treating her like a slave because she is carrying a fetus that has more rights than she.

Fertility clinics are subjec...more "Living Proof" presents a not-to-distant, and believable, world in which Christian fundamentalists have influenced government policy and created a new dark ages in science--specifically with respect to pregnancy and embryonic stem cell research. There are government agencies that subject each pregnant woman to rights-violating control in order to dictate what she does to her body, treating her like a slave because she is carrying a fetus that has more rights than she.

Fertility clinics are subjected to searches without warrant, and doctors face first degree murder charges if they fail to preserve embryos properly. There is a total ban on embryonic stem cell research, preventing the discovery of life saving procedures. The Christian notion of cell masses having a soul--the premise of the "right to life" movement--has created a terrifying police state.

The story creates a stark reality: this supposedly love-driven desire to be "pro-life" is actually a freedom and life-destroying movement, a modern day Inquisition, and the enforcers are just as evil. If you are sympathetic to this view, you'll really enjoy how this story concretizes what such a world would be like. If you are "pro-life" or sympathetic to that position, hopefully you'll have enough honesty to contemplate the logical implications presented in this story.

The novel has a tight plot: a life-and-death race against time, both as character Dr. Arianna Drake and colleagues try to save her from a terminal disease, and the police state hell-bent on imprisoning them. The conflict is with a man torn between his religious precepts and commitment to the law, versus his love and desire to help save the doctor's life.

Despite its serious subject matter and ideological ramifications, and it being steeped in reproductive and stem cell science, it's fast-paced and easy reading: it can definitely be enjoyed on the beach, as I did. It takes skill to pull off a balance between thought-provoking ideas and pleasure reading, and I think it's very impressive, especially considering this is Kira Peikoff's first novel. I look forward to her future works.(less)

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May 11, 2012 Jeff Yoak rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: audio-collection, read-in-2012

Living Proof is one of the books I've enjoyed most in the last few years. I think the best way to understand it is as a modern and popularly consumable literary novel. It has well-constructed plot and theme. Characterization is pretty tight. Its form should be generally appealing to an American audience, and yet has a shining sense of life extremely rare to find in modern books. It is a fast-moving page-turner that makes you laugh and cry, and leaves you just a little in love with the heroine.

Tr...more

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May 29, 2012 Imogen rated it 4 of 5 stars

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

The idea behind the book is one that I applaud. Going along with that, it's not a story that will bore you, but it might kill you with all the anticipation of certain events. The last 10% of the book had me nearly gouging my eyes out--I just wanted the big showdown to happen already! However, anticipation is what makes the end of a book work for me. So as much as I complain about it, I really can't finish a book without it.
While I enjoyed...more

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Mar 25, 2012 William Alan Ritch rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sf

Living Proof is a first novel by Kira Peikoff. It is the controversial story about the use of embryonic stem cell research. An SF novel set in the near future, after the federal government has declared embryos as human and made all experimentation on them illegal. In fact all embryos must be preserved in perpetuity - because destroying them is considered murder.

Our heroine is an OB/GYN who runs a fertility clinic in NYC. Periodically state bureaucrats inspect the number of embryos she has prese...more Living Proof is a first novel by Kira Peikoff. It is the controversial story about the use of embryonic stem cell research. An SF novel set in the near future, after the federal government has declared embryos as human and made all experimentation on them illegal. In fact all embryos must be preserved in perpetuity - because destroying them is considered murder.

Our heroine is an OB/GYN who runs a fertility clinic in NYC. Periodically state bureaucrats inspect the number of embryos she has preserved - which must tally with the records of fertilized eggs she has produced by in vitro fertilization. She is wary of these inspections because she has something to hide: she is passing some to closeted scientists who are working on a treatment for her MS.

The NY state department that oversees these inspections seem to be staffed entirely by Roman Catholics, who are particularly zealous in their enforcement. The head of the NYC branch becomes suspicious of our heroine because her production of zygotes has recently spiked. So he sends an undercover investigator to find out what is really happening.

This is a good novel of ideas that comes out clearly on the side of science and reason. There is adventure, romance and long discussions about biology and religion. I recommend this to my friends who enjoy science fiction. I very much enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more by its young author.

Here is my minor nit-pick. Peikoff's Catholics are a little too much like facile straw men. It is the same problem I had with Bill Maher's movie, Religulous. It's easy to laugh at the extreme ignorance of the faithful. But there a lot of religious people who are intellectual and informed and nuanced whose arguments are not as easily overcome. Arguments with these people can be extremely logical often boil down to attempts to get each other to examine their premises.

I can easily believe a near future where the religious have made embryos legally the same as babies. What I think would be a harder sell is that Catholics would be so openly religious at their state-funded offices. America is a religious melting pot and the various religious minorities have to build coalitions to achieve their goals. The Roman Catholics have to get the the Baptists and Jews and Buddhists on board.

Which leads me to another bit of straw-man argumentation. There is a brief reference to evolution. Almost every Catholic I have ever talked to has accepted the validity of evolution (as God's mechanism to create life). Didn't some previous Pope take official papal notice of this? The extreme opposition to evolution is the providence of the fundamentalist Protestants. Furthermore the high church Protestants are a little more flexible about what can be done with embryos and fetuses. You know, I think there are a lot of people of various religions who have actually had abortions. Not all of them are atheists.

Peikoff should have a had some religious characters who openly disagreed with the government's laws. One of the scientists could have been a Lutheran or something. It would have made the book more intellectual and more interesting.

But, as I said, this is my only real complaint. This is a good book. The characters are well drawn. The pace is fast. The emotions are true. And you all should read it!

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May 07, 2012 cupcake rated it 3 of 5 stars

Fifteen years from now, in Kira Peikoff's vision, the United States is under siege. Religious conservatives have banned not only stem cell testing, but the destruction of all in vitro embryos. Those embryos, the conservatives believe, are human beings who deserve the opportunity to exist, whether in continued embryonic form or not. Destroying them is akin to murder.

But what if you had a debilitating, life threatening disease, such as multiple sclerosis? What if the only path by which you could b...more

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May 28, 2012 Deb rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: science-fiction-dystopian, mystery-thriller

I received this book from NetGalley and really enjoyed it. It's well written, fast-paced and has a great story. The book is set in the near future, where Christian extremists have created a government agency to monitor all pregnant women and monitor the collection of all embryos. The use of embryos for purposes like stem cell research has been criminalized. Arianna is a doctor suffering from advanced multiple sclerosis, who is racing against time to collect stem cells so she and her friends can...more

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Aug 26, 2012 Jessi rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: dystopian, unfinished

I had a seriously hard time believing that a woman smart and savvy enough to maintain an illegal science lab in a seriously oppressive society would fall so easily into the hands of an apathetic spy. I was so annoyed with her that I gave up reading despite a niggling interest in knowing the outcome of the story.

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Jul 23, 2012 Daphnar rated it 3 of 5 stars

An suspenseful book, set in the near future, where not only is abortion illegal, so is taking inadequate care of yourself/baby when you are pregnant, and let's not even get started with genetic research. In fact, our protagonist, a physician at a fertility clinic, is indeed taking "extra" genetic material and supplying it to a lab doing genetic research. But it is ok, as she has MS (an unrealistically extremely fast-acting one that puts her in a wheelchair within 3 months) and the team is helpin...more

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Aug 02, 2012 Cindy rated it 1 of 5 stars

This is not a book I would pay for. Premise is interesting – set about 15 years in the future, there is a government ban on stem cell research and a police force to back it up. However, the promise of the premise is never fulfilled. A priest who left the church for love, cliché, is now the zealous head of that police force and trying to atone for leaving the church, cliché. The plucky brave researchers, cliché, defy the ban to save one of their own from MS, ad nauseum. The only interesting point...more

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Sep 21, 2012 Russ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Living Proof is thrilling novel that, while keeping the reader entertained, discusses profound moral ideas. The novel is set in the not so distant future, the year 2027, and is centered around the life of Dr. Arianna Drake, who runs a fertility clinic. Because of the clinic's success, it becomes the prime target of the Department of Embryo Preservation (DEP), charged with protecting all "unborn babies" from harm. Unfortunately for Arianna the government crackdown comes at a time when her life de...more

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Jul 25, 2012 Tome rated it 3 of 5 stars

Living Proof is set a in a world where the church and the state are closer than ever. In a very religious society the progress made by 2012 in stem cell treatment has all but been forgotten; embryos cannot be used for experimentation or treatment, only their use in procreation is allowed. However even in this world there are those who remember the potential benefits of stem cell treatment, people like Arianna, a fertility doctor with a personal motive to continue the research, no matter what the...more Living Proof is set a in a world where the church and the state are closer than ever. In a very religious society the progress made by 2012 in stem cell treatment has all but been forgotten; embryos cannot be used for experimentation or treatment, only their use in procreation is allowed. However even in this world there are those who remember the potential benefits of stem cell treatment, people like Arianna, a fertility doctor with a personal motive to continue the research, no matter what the cost. But will her new boyfriend be a blessing or a curse to her cause?

The subject matter of Living Proof is very relevant in today’s society and the book portrays both sides of the controversy. It is obvious the author favours science, as at times the religious argument is put across in a somewhat flippant manner through the way the religious characters are portrayed. I personally didn’t like this, as a constant thread though the book was essentially that the religious characters were extremists and almost stupid because of their beliefs. I did however enjoy the way Trent, who works for an enforcement agency protecting embryos, questions his faith in an intelligent and fascinating way which came across as very real because you could feel his confusion. From the science side, which I personally support, some arguments were ‘preachy’ and very run-of-the-mill. I would have preferred, from both sides, for characters other than Trent to have more varying opinions and degrees of belief; this would have made the characters more interesting and complex.

There is a romantic sub-plot in this thriller. Whilst I’m not normally a fan of romance, it was done well and I did find myself routing for the couple by the end. Again, this is something that could have been taken further, and whilst there was some conflict, this could have been more complex to make it more interesting and less predictable.

The book was somewhat let down by the drop in pace in several parts which detracted from the suspense and left me slightly bored. Despite these slow parts, usually where characters were introduced or explored, there were still some characters, such as those in Arianna’s lab team, that I felt I didn’t know by the end of the book. Along side this there are small plot problems that make Arianna less believable as a character – why would she trust Trent so fast? Why does her MS progress so quickly in a matter of weeks?

Overall this book is an interesting look at a possible and realistic future. I enjoyed reading it, as I think other science/medical thriller fans will, due to the ethics involved. The plot does take a backseat to the pro-choice agenda and this may put some readers off. Christians and those who are strongly pro-life will also probably want to avoid this due to the characterisation of religious people; whom in this book are definitely the bad guys. I would especially recommend this for book clubs and school groups due to the discussions it will spurn, in fact I would have liked to see a ‘questions for discussion’ section or similar, which can often be found in similar books.
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Feb 15, 2013 J rated it 2 of 5 stars

BEWARE OF SPOILERS. I DON'T HIDE OR PROMOTE MY REVIEWS.

This novel -- with fairly shallow characters and an implausible plot -- is a pro-choice screed.

By implausible plot I mean the heroine falls in love with a guy who embodies the opposite of her own beliefs. She's pro-choice, with an illness that may be arrested with stem-cell therapy. He's pro-life.

He neatly drops his religious faith as he falls in love with her. She neatly falls in love with him after he's tracked and documented her transgre...more

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Mar 18, 2012 Dkattean rated it 3 of 5 stars

Recommended to Dkattean by: goodreads.com

Dr. Arianna Drake, a fertility specialist, is researching a cure for her own debilitating and progressive multiple scleroris using fetal stem cells. The year is 2027 and stem cell research is a felony. Dr. Drake's nemesis appears in the form of Gideon Dopp, Director of the Department of Embryonic Preservation and former Catholic priest. Dopp appoints junior agent Trent to pose as an admiring suitor and woo Dr. Drake into trusting him so she will spill the secrets of her lawbreaking research, ens...more

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Apr 03, 2012 Shelley rated it 1 of 5 stars

I am vascillating between 1 and 2 stars. I didn't hate the book. I felt like the Author has an agenda. The writing was OK, but I never really cared for any of the characters-very shallow. The story is really about the debate between science vs. religion and specifically focuses on stem cell research and throws in the abortion issue as well. It is obvious the author is pro stem cell research and anti religion. I was disappointed that the characters represented only the far, far left and far far r...more

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Dec 21, 2011 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read Living Proof in one sitting - I could not put it down. Not only does it carry a valiant message about the ongoing battle between religion and science, it makes a strong case for humanity and the power of people to change. All the characters are well-developed and complex, and the distinction between good and evil is rarely black and white. This is an incredible journey through the relevant medical debates today, and the millions of human lives at stake. I would recommend this book to any...more

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Apr 12, 2012 Jo Anne B rated it 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

This was book is very relevant for our time. It was about using embryonic stem cells to cure diseases. Thus, the controversy between science and God was at the center of this story. I liked how this book made you think about this important topic and what our future might be like if certain laws are passed.

The setting is 15 years in the future when abortion and creating embryonic stem cells are illegal. The government is very intrusive on people's lives and has created departments that p...more 3.5 stars

This was book is very relevant for our time. It was about using embryonic stem cells to cure diseases. Thus, the controversy between science and God was at the center of this story. I liked how this book made you think about this important topic and what our future might be like if certain laws are passed.

The setting is 15 years in the future when abortion and creating embryonic stem cells are illegal. The government is very intrusive on people's lives and has created departments that police the fertility clinics closely monitoring their records to make sure the laws are being upheld. The people in charge of these departments are religious fanatics with an agenda so the lines are completely blurred between church and state.

This was a good first book for the author. Some of the writing was awkward at times but I was so engaged in the story and what was happening that it wasn't a big deal. I really enjoyed the story and was so interested in it that I didn't want to stop reading. The narrator of the story changed several times within a chapter and we would hear different characters' internal monologues. This works better when this only happens in alternating chapters. It got confusing to read it the way this author did it. The dialogue was at many times unnatural and not realistic. Plus, the author's opinion on this topic was pervasive throughout the book and a bit one-sided. I prefer not to be lectured on this topic but rather presented with the story objectively.

The science in this book was very accurate. It got into the process of differentiation of embryonic stem cells and the physiology behind multiple sclerosis. I would think 15 years from now we would be using our own saved umbilical cords as the source of embryonic stem cells since people freeze them now and there is no risk of rejection. But of course, the medical field in the future in this book suffered a set back because of government intervention.

I really liked the character Trent in this book. He was put in quite the awkward position with his job and he represented the personal struggle people have with God. His character undergoes an emotional toll and is torn between his instincts and his beliefs. Adriana on the other hand seems to just represent the author's true feelings on this topic.

The ending left you hanging quite a bit. It just ended without letting us know if things worked out for the best or not and that was what the whole story was building to. This book had plenty of emotion packed into it, the topic was engaging and important, the characters were easy to relate to and likeable, and it was very realistic. I look forward to the author's next book.(less)

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Dec 28, 2011 Rosalie Beilis rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book will be available to the public in February,2012. Having had the opportunity to read it....let me give you a heads up....PRE-ORDER IT NOW ON AMAZON!!!!! This young writer immediately grabs you into a world of several layers.....science, medicine, love, religion. It's the book you can't put down, it's the book that poses several conflicts, it's the book that keeps you wanting to know what happens next, it's the book that totally entertains!!!! Bravo Kira Peikoff! What's next????!!!!!

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May 29, 2012 Brenda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: library-book

I tried this author because I read interesting reviews of this book. At first I thought the story was going to center around some lost Christians, but it didn't. Yes, the story made me think about when life begins, but it also pointed out how we can get so wrapped up thinking we are doing God's will, that we truely don't do what God wants. I can see both sides of the story, so I can not at this time pick either side. I will seek out this author again in the future.

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Dec 28, 2011 Cristina Leport rated it 5 of 5 stars

Very engaging. I felt swept into the conflicts and the drama. The life or death outcome hanging in the end became my own and I desperately wanted to know the fate of the brave heroes who challenge millennia old institutions and believes.
A true page turner, until the last page, when I was sorry sorry it ended, because I wanted more like it to read.
Refreshingly different than most modern books I came across recently.
I highly recommend it.

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title link	preview: Living Proof
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