Review: A thought-provoking story that was hard to put down
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 5, 2010
"The Death Trip" is a book that manages to approach a controversial topic yet not force an opinion on the reader.  It was interesting to look at both sides of the topic, and the great writing style of the author made it enjoyable as well.Setting/Story - There isn't much of a setting given at the beginning of the story, but there is enough of one to start the book off without the reader being confused.  It starts out with an older woman named Vera being given the option to take a drug that will give her a "Death Trip" which is slightly like euthanasia.  The patient is given a drug that lets them dream a wonderful dream that appears to them to last years while it truly only lasts a few minutes.  Meanwhile, they die a peaceful death (NOTE: it is explained in much better detail in the book, and this complex procedure is explained very simply to the reader).  After Vera has made her decision whether or not to take the "Death Trip" the story moves to her grandson, Chuck, who is a reporter/blogger.  He becomes interested in the study through his grandmother and sets out to meet with the creators of the "Death Trip" while trying to help his internet girlfriend find out if they are up to something evil with this procedure.Writing Style - The writing style of Marion Stein is very interesting and easy to keep up with.  While everything is explained in great detail so that the reader can understand all the scientific aspects of the book, the story is able to remain extremely intriguing throughout these explanations.  The story does deal slightly with the controversy of euthanasia, but it does not try to force either side on the reader at all; it states each side's views diplomatically and shouldn't offend the reader's beliefs.  Also included are just a few typos, but they are minute and no problem at all.  Lastly, there was no attempt to hide product or company names in the book, and often real companies or people would be included to give the story realism.  It was slightly awkward at times but, like the typos, it didn't detract from the book much at all.Warnings - Language; SexOverall, this is a book that is very difficult to put down.  It exudes an air of romance, suspense, and drama all in one to create a wonderful scientific mystery.