Mindbend (1985)

Abysmal! Among the worst books I've read so far. ( )

Mindbend focused on some rather controversial issues, most prominently featured being abortion and stem cell research. Originally written in 1985, Mindbend was well ahead of its time, delving into hot button topics still fiercely debated today.

Adam is a medical student forced to drop out of school and take a job with Arolen, a pharmaceutical company, when his wife, Jennifer, becomes unexpectedly pregnant. Early in the book, Jennifer accompanies a friend getting an abortion and the friend dies while in the hospital. Jennifer knows she would never have an abortion, but she has a family history of severe birth defects and knows the choice may be out of her hands.

Adam becomes suspicious of Arelon's practices when certain doctors associated with the company begin to behave strangely. When Jennifer's OBGYN prescribed Arolen's ineffective and potentially dangerous morning sickness medication, Adam demands Jennifer not take the medication and find a new doctor. Their already strained relationship becomes hostile, but Adam is far more concerned with Arolen than with his marriage. He begins an investigation into the company that uncovers more than he could have ever imagined.

Mindbend is a highly thrilling novel that loses credibility occasionally. The science-fiction feel of the "shocking revelation" makes the book less believable and therefore less frightening. The book is fast paced and well written, but modern readers may have difficulty relating to Adam's thought processes, especially when it comes to interacting with his wife. Mindbend is a highly enjoyable, if imperfect, medical mystery. ( )