As one of the few mass media texts about the case of Genie created, this is the best piece of journalism in covering Genie's case at this point in time. With extensive interviews and a non-biased perspective, Rymer introduces Genie's story and its significance in Psycholinguistics and in ethics with an almost novel-like writing style. Although heavily versed in science and especially linguistics, as it should be, there are only select few parts in this book which the average reader may not understand fully. However, the general themes, ideas, and plot are not affected much at all by these small snags. Although Genie's story is ultimately tragic, it is still a gripping, powerful, and profoundly interesting story that has huge ramifications for every new finding and treatment of feral children ever since Genie was found in 1970. Genie's caretakers and the scientists interviewed perhaps felt the bluntest edge of bitterness after the case was closed as well. Genie's case is not just tragic for Genie herself, but all who were involved suffered as well. In this reviewer's opinion, this is the most vivid material on Genie's life and habits save the actual videos of Genie. In some respects, this book is even more vivid than the videos because it provides a serious setting up to the landmark significance of Genie and her story. The personal accounts of Genie's life as detailed by the scientists and of Genie's caretakers really brings the warmth and the love to the text in Genie's happiest years. A fun and fairly easy read, this book also brings out an extremely important topic of ethical scientific research on other people - especially people like in Genie's case of Victor of Aveyron, which these feral children have the high potential to answer hotly debated questions in the scientific, linguistic, and philosophical worlds. Other media covering Genie and her story is the 2001 independent film "Mockingbird Don't Sing," the 1994 NOVA episode covering Genie's story, and Dr. Susan Curtiss' dissertation for those interested - however "Genie: A Scientific Tragedy" is by far this reviewer's personal favorite. EDIT: Also, for those who were confused like this reviewer was about the various titles about Genie written by Rymer, "Genie: A Scientific Tragedy" is the exact same as "Genie: An Abused Child's Flight From Silence" except an Afterword was added. The afterword is not really necessary as the ending for this book was so powerful, this reviewer felt the afterword actually detracted that power a little. "Genie: A Scientific Tragedy" is the most up to date of the three titles.Read full review
I was actually expecting more information about Genie...and the author went 'off-track' more often than not about other earlier examples of cases similar to hers. It was OK but if I'd known how lacking it was I wouldn't have purchased it.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
this is a nice book that deals only briefly with the sensationalist aspects of this story and shows how genie wasn't really rescued, but just put into another series of ultimately frustrating experiences beyond her control. this book covers the history of abandoned or feral children and theories about the acquisition of language and much more. a smart and sad book.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The book was exactly how it was summarized.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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