Play Book Tag discussion

Generosity: An Enhancement by Richard Powers - 4* - My Review

Russell Stone is a jaded writer teaching a creative nonfiction class in Chicago. He becomes fascinated by one of his students, Thassa Amzwar, an Algerian refugee with a seemingly boundless capacity for happiness. The class nicknames her “Generosity.” Eventually her perpetual joy attracts attention from scientists, media, and corporations, and the storyline morphs into an evaluation of whether happiness is a genetic trait that could be identified and potentially replicated. She is discussed online and the unwanted notoriety challenges even her seemingly endless supply of kindness.

This book explores themes of happiness, genetics, and ethics. It challenges readers to consider what might be gained or lost if happiness were a product of genetics. Richard Powers excels at delving into the ramifications of science-related topics. His prose is elegant, and the reader will be able to tell he enjoys wordplay. In this book, he frequently breaks the fourth wall, making observations about writing the novel, providing insight into the authorial process. Recommended to readers interested in bioethics, the nature of happiness, and the ever-blurring boundary between humanity and technology.

A gene for happiness and generosity? This sounds like something I would like! I’m surprised it never caught my attention before this. (Darn, I was about to download it but Hoopla doesn’t have it.)

I think you would like it, Nancy.