In Good Conscience

by Janice L. Berliner

Aidan Sheridan has it all — the devoted partner, the starring role in a TV series, the gorgeous beach house overlooking the Pacific — in his flashy world of fame, fortune, and scrutiny. But his veil of privacy is mercilessly ripped apart when his carefully guarded but devastating diagnosis is broadcast on TMZ, threatening to unravel the already fractured mosaic of his dysfunctional family. He blames the well-meaning nurse who, afraid that his illness may be the harbinger of something running in his family, warns him that his relatives may suffer the same fate. As they all cope with his failing health, Aidan struggles with the loss of control over his life and his narrative.

With eloquence and sensitivity, this novel probes the boundaries of empathy and privacy, providing a riveting examination of the intersection between patient confidentiality and a practitioner's duty-to-warn. Reminiscent of Still Alice (Lisa Genova, 2007), In Good Conscience is a poignant tale that explores the jagged edges of medical ethics, sibling rivalry, family ties, and the inexorable resilience of the human spirit.

Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2021

About the author

Janice has been a board certified genetic counselor for more than 36 years, working in both clinical and academic settings. She earned her Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling from the University of Michigan, and in the last seven years of her career directed the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program at Bay Path University. She has volunteered extensively within her profession and her community, and written many lay and scholarly articles and book chapters on genetics topics. More recently, Janice has become a fiction writer, her family dramas deriving from her expertise working with patients and their family members facing the risk of disease, and the intensely personal and life-altering affect genetic illness can have on family relationships. She is passionate about normalizing and demystifying the journeys of those affected by hereditary illnesses, and her accessible writing style allows these complex topics to be easily understood and enjoyed by the general public. Her published work includes Brooke's Promise, In Good Conscience, and Ethical Dilemmas in Genetics and Genetic Counseling: Principles through Case Scenarios; she is currently working on her next novel, titled What Never Was Mine.

Reviews

[Kira Dineen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel captivates readers with its richly developed characters. Each character in the book is intricately crafted, presenting a three-dimensional portrayal that makes them feel relatable and authentic. The story beautifully navigates an ethical dilemma in genetics/medicine.

What truly shines in this novel is the accuracy with which the author portrays the experience of being diagnosed with and undergoing treatment for cancer. Although I do not have a personal experince, I have heard this from patient advocates. The emotions, challenges, and triumphs that the protagonist goes through are portrayed with honesty and sensitivity, allowing readers to truly connect and empathize with their journey.

Janice Berliner's "In Good Conscience" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant book that delves deep into the human experience. In particular I highly recommend this book to people pursuing careers in healthcare, counseling, or genetics.