Dean Warren’s newest book, Growing Young, proves once again that he is a master of this writing genre. He writes of a futuristic society while weaving in facts of things happening in our own time; scientific and genetic research, unemployment, division of the poor and the elite, war and over- population. He not only entertains but makes readers think of the possibility of these things and the repercussions that go along with them.
Reviewed by Pat Hayworth
Growing Young
by Dean Warren
Xlibris Corporation
Paperback, 372 pages
ISBN: 1401051626; (May 2002)
Dean Warren’s newest book Growing Young proves once again that he is a master of this writing genre. He writes of a futuristic society while weaving in facts of things happening in our own time; scientific and genetic research, unemployment, division of the poor and the elite, war and over- population. He not only entertains but makes readers think of the possibility of these things and the repercussions that go along with them.
In this story the world is still populated by the Welfies and Achievers Warren created in his previous book The Last Underclass. The line is becoming blurred as many Achievers are losing their jobs to smarter and faster computers, leaving them to fall into welfare along with the Welfies they despise. The Federal Government has created a plan called The Bargain requiring all those on welfare to sign up for free food that contains fertility supplements to keep them childless, thus controlling the population. They have also taken over property for farming and have built mega-cities that contain most of the people. Welfies are taken care of, but are full of hatred at a government that controls their lives and keeps them unable to bear children. However the rich and powerful see only the improvement in their life. The air quality has been improved with development of new technology, the acquired farmland has increased food supply and the overpopulation has finally declined. They feel that the end justifies the means to reach their goal.
Dr. Susan George Bastian is a microbiologist whose work with DNA genes and chromosomes leads her to the discovery of a formula to reverse old age and regain youth. Old and near death she uses the treatment to become young again. Everyone thinks she has died from old age but she changes her name to Sue George and opens a clinic to treat a few selected associates while she struggles with the decision of the best way to use her discovery. She knows the rich would want it used only for themselves and the Welfies would have another reason to fuel their hatred for them causing an eruption of violence. She also fears the battles between governments for control of the formula.
Dr. Mark Langer, retired from the World Health Organization, is told of the discovery. At eighty years of age he is suffering with Arthritis and dying with a failing heart He confronts Dr.George at her clinic and when she realizes he knows her real identity she agrees to give him the treatment. Mark is amazed at becoming twenty-five again while still retaining all the knowledge of his eighty years. The other ageless {as they are called} who have had the treatment are all in disagreement about how to handle the phenomenal discovery. Most of them want to make a fortune using it to only treat the wealthy. Others want to sell it to the highest bidder. Since they have funded the institute they all have an interest in how the formula is used for financial gain. Both Mark and Sue feel the formula should be used for the health benefit of all the people and be protected by government control. Before a decision can be made the clinic is attacked by a ruthless achiever and his underlings, in an attempt to get control of the formula. Mark and Sue escape, alter their appearance and try to figure out what to do next.
Rejuvenation also renews desire and Mark and Sue become lovers. A further complication ensues when Mark is reunited with an old love that also has the treatment and returns to the beauty he remembers. Mark becomes a negotiator concerning release of information about the cure for old age and who should win control of the treatment. In the process he battles thugs, an attack on the White House and an attempted assassination. This book is action packed and thought provoking.
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Growing Young
About the Reviewer: Pat Hayworth lives in Coleridge, NC. She is an avid reader and enjoys writing, painting and working in her garden. She can be contacted at:pathayworth@rtmc.net