Hi, Ms. Ashe- Thanks for giving me a heads-up about your new book, Gene Defense.

Okay- I picked it up and read it in two days- a really fast read for the number of pages. I expected something entirely different than what was delivered. OMG! Yes, I was entertained....disturbed, but entertained. You were right. Made me think. Decent book. I'm going to recommend it to my friends. Might even check with my parents about our family history. Hopefully, there aren't any ticking time bombs in my otherwise highly dysfunctional family. Who knows? One thing's for sure- I'm going to vote November 2nd after reading GD.

Hi, Erin- That was one fast comment! I just put this blog up a few hours ago. I'm glad you responded to my email through the blog. Thanks for liking the book. Your reaction is what I hoped. I wanted the reader to think.

Even for those who select a book in effort to escape reality, empty their brains and hearts into a never-land...I wanted to jolt readers into thinking about some \"what-ifs\". Paeton Weaver's character is fallible, her dark journey makes her bump into alarming discoveries..but in the end, she makes a significant contribution to her world in 2013. That's why I threw in some American facts on genetics along the way- I wanted that \"you're kiddin' me\" effect.

I'm glad you liked it. Please pass the word along.

Sincerely - Joy

Joy- I will. Hopefully, my friends and family will take advantage of your personalized autograph offer on this site. You're headed uptown. I appreciated meeting you last week. Planning to follow your success. Thanks for having the book on hand.

I'll bookmark your site to keep up with those products and services. I'll be interested to see what you have going on there. Erin

I liked the book. You describe the book as fiction but you source real sites on history and facts. I liked that. I followed the story-line, plot and sub-plot. I would not have predicted the ending. I read a lot. This book is more like a mockumentary on current events. I got the hyperbole. Not bad. Liked the quotes.

When are you going to start taking credit cards on the products? What other products are you going to offer? When will you start introducing genetic topics on your genetics blog?

Hello, Maggie- Credit cards will be accepted very soon under PayPal.

Products to assist in fighting your genes will be sold through the product section in addition to that awesome hot-off-the-press novel, GENE DEFENSE. Don't forget to look for GENE DEFENSE on your favorite E-BOOK source.

Just read \"Gene Defense\" on my kindle. This story is not a thriller in the tradition sense of that genre. Suspense- yes. Strong political implication. I identified with the protagonist. I agree with some of the sentiments. Not a bad read. Think there's movie potential.

Jonathan- Thanks so much for your comment. Yes, I agree. \"Gene Defense\" is not a thriller in the traditional sense. I'm excited to read that you think my debut novel has movie potential. I keep hearing that. Now, if I can only find the right source to help me along with that project. I hope the book read well on your kindle. I'm psyched for any feedback...of course, particularly positive. Best wishes - Joy Ashe

Ms. Ashe- I read your book. Fascinating read. My synopsis: There are two plot-lines in your novel. I won't give away your plots out of respect for you as an author, however, it was clear to me you enjoyed writing the DNA/eugenics/political plot over the one pertaining to the death of your protagonist's brother-in-law. I, usually, don't like books with sub-plots. I liked your book. A two-day read. My suggestion is to pass on individual chapter quotes on future works (assuming you're writing a second novel). I found them distracting. I liked them, but they slowed down the read. Overall, good novel, though. I'll recommend it to my friends.

Got your book. Read it in two days. I thought the direction was headed one way based on the first 60-70 pages and then the book flew into a different direction. I'm good with a Patterson, Palmer or Baldacci. I was prepared to be disappointed in this purchase. After reading the book all the way through, I liked it. When's your next one coming out? I wrote a private message to the email address on the \"Author Contact\" page.

Hi, Marvin- I have heard from a colleague who shares your views....that my plot line with the death of the brother-in-law was not as strong as the political plot. Although initially that was not the plan, the characters led me in that direction. Thanks for the comment about the quotes at the chapter beginnings. I have had feedback on both sides of that discussion. I'll take them all under advisement the next go-round.

Thanks for liking my book! Yippee!!

Hey, Eric- Wow! To even be mentioned in the same paragraph as Baldacci, Patterson and Palmer is a thrill for me! Thanks for keeping with the book through the ending. I got your private message. Thanks for those suggestions. I agree. I will implement those on the next fiction work. I may put out a non-fiction book before \\\"Bastuds of the Bible-Belt\\\" gets published. I'll see how things pan out.

Outstanding! I was captivated. You were right I didn't guess the ending. CONGRATULATIONS!

\"Genetic codes rule in Marblehead author's fictional thriller\" by Charlene Peters/Wicked Local Marblehead/Marblehead Reporter/GateHouse Media.

\"Boston in 2013 will be significantly different than today...Although a work of fiction, this tale of health-care provisions and criminal genetic codes is based on many realities-with links provided as proof. With political powers out of control and a lovable and well-trained dog, Siggie, who is able to flip off a light switch and shut off an alarm clock, this story will keep you engrossed as you follow along in the adventures of Boston attorney Paeton Weaver, who from the start of protecting her sister, Casey, reconnects with her past. Her path leads her to find her cousin Barry, unclaimed family documents- and ends in political entanglement....Sounds like a thriller film in the making...\"

I downloaded the book on Wednesday and finished it last night. I liked your book.

I actually checked out some of those URL references. I was skeptical of some of them. I was surprised to find the truth in them. Disturbing. I hope we straighten things out in this country.

Hi, Rich, Hilary and Charles- Sorry for the delay in posting your comments. It looks like you all posted at the same time. The comments are actually not posted until I approve them.

Rich, I'm glad you were captivated.

Hilary, thanks for downloading the book.

Charles- I know! When I did the research numerous factoids were disturbing to me, too. Thanks for reading my book.

When did you start writing this book? I find the parallels with today's events very interesting. I liked your main character, Paeton Weaver. That's always a good sign with me. I can't stand it when I don't like the main character. I was late for work because I wanted to finish it. Fortunately for me, you won't tell my boss! Good book.

I loved the quotes and short chapters which contributed to making this book a fast read. I couldn't put it down! When's the sequel?

Not since \"1984\" have I read a book so potentially right-on disturbing. This is a must-read and should be on a required-list for all high-school or college students. No fooling.

Hi, Eric B- I just heard that same comparison to \"1984\" from someone else this week. BINGO! That was my intent. Thanks for \"getting it\"! I, actually, didn't picture world events materializing so swiftly to support the premises of this fictional novel. Thanks for your purchase and comments.

Great interview! Thanks for linking me in. Your book sounds like a best seller.

Happy Spring Joy,

The previous bloggers have stated all that I experienced while reading \\\"Gene Defense\\\" ... Suspense in reading the main plot ... surprise at the similarities of the current and the novels political atmosphere ... distractedly intrigued with PW's research and thoughts regarding DNA and our character traits. The chapter quotes were great. I did not see the connection to the chapter content. I am shocked, not surprised, we are not informeds about our own misdeeds into forced sterilization and euthanasia for \\\"undesirable\\\" traits.

I heart jumped for joy reading my name and home town in your story :-) Not the first time; means so much more coming from a friend. As a biotech professional, as a person experiencing a chronic condition, I want to have mt DNA sequenced and decoded, correct the genes causing this condition. As an individual, I would rebel against such measures. Great story demonstrating that a few people can change our country in any one direction. A story that I can corrleate to my own life. I am the mover/shaker of my world.

Joy, I am so looking forward to reading future novels.

Hugs to you,

VeraMae

Wow! I didn't like your book- I LOVED IT! I had no idea of our country's history in terms of mandating sterializations and trying to make perfect humans. I always thought that was just in Germany. Scary. Your web-site references were really good. I took the time to look them up. Not that I doubted- well, maybe, a little. The author description states you want people to get more in touch with their genes. Okay. I'm in. I ordered a DNA test and made a call to a cousin. This was a really good book. I hope our politicians and elected officials read it. They need to take some hints.

I want to know more about Eric and Barry. I hope the sequel covers that.

Hi, VeraMae- Thanks so much for your feedback. Your thoughts mean a lot particularly with your professional work in genetics. I'm glad you liked the book. You GOT the message. I, too, believe a few people can move mountains in face of adversity. Take good care. See you, soon!

I'm a retired scientist with work in gene-sequencing. I generally don't read fiction. A family vacation found us in the islands at which time I picked up this book, given to me by an associate. I can see where this novel might insight controversy amongst those with liberal ideals. My conservative political leanings were reinforced by the thoughtful plot in \"Gene Defense\". Great beach read. I was pleased to have the time.

I listened to a U of Col panel on Genes, Genetics, Robotics and the Impact on the Public. I've had an interest for years on human behavior. I found this book on Amazon- wish I had bought on this site- I would have saved some dough. Great read! I'm concerned about the lack of long-range thinking by humans concerning scientific advances. Just like when the Internet took off and the government didn't catch up with appropriate rules of the road- our science is advancing - and there are serious questions left unanswered. If you read this book- you'll see what can happen if we don't ask or answer some poignant questions regarding our DNA and the human genome.

Gene Defense did not disappoint. I bought the paperback after listening to the author speak at the Athol Public Library. The author engaged the group with a thought-provoking discussion regarding genetics and human behavior. Gene Defense proved to be a pretty fast read. It made me think about my ancestors and some of the huge mistakes - well, criminal instincts in my own behavior. There's a fine line between good and evil in all humans. I haven't gone to the evil side- but I've sure had the thoughts. I liked Paeton Weaver. I liked that main character.

I received Gene Defense as a Christmas gift from my sister. I usually don't go for thrillers. I mostly read non-fiction. I read it on the plane from Boston back to Utah. I'm glad I read it to the end otherwise I would be totally blown-away with a lack of optimism for all of the U.S. This was a well-thought out novel- a combination mystery, thriller and political commentary- which comes a hair from being possible. Kudos to Joy Ashe.

I just read your headliner for \"Bastuds of the Bible-Belt\". I'm all in for that one.