No [Hardcover]

However, the real focus should be on a drug to cure Djerassi's fictive dysfunction. Although his science is engaging, his fiction remains uninspired. Detached dialogue fails to light any sparks on the page and leaves the reader with an array of one-dimensional characters. Renu Krishnan, the protagonist of the story, is an Indian chemist who works with a group of scientists and investors to bring a device to the market that helps male impotence. We watch her transform into a biotech executive and lose sight of pure science; her sacrifices are many, often at the expense of her family. Yet in spite of her struggle, Djerassi fails to give Renu depth and her unconvincing flawlessness precludes a connection with the reader. This is unfortunate, since her position as a female scientist in a predominantly male field is exceptional.

Djerassi struggles in other aspects of the book as well. By disclosing from the outset that nitric oxide does in fact work, he has erased the element of mystery that normally paces a book. In later sub-plots he similarly fails to create suspense. As a result, NO loses momentum early on and emerges only as a stodgy, carefully constructed tale.

Nonetheless, the book does have value. His science-in-fiction approach differs from science fiction in that the science is accurate, and his examination of the step-by-step process involved in developing a new drug---ranging from FDA requirements and clinical trials to marketing and potential lawsuits---is highly informative. Djerassi's commentary on the opportunities for research in academia versus the biotech industry is intriguing, as is his occasional reference to Indian and Israeli customs. And, if one has enjoyed Djerassi's other works, NO is replete with characters from previous novels. Just don't expect them to move you.---Vanessa J. Silberman

However, as a novel, NO has its shortcomings. When I was reading the book, I had a hard time picturing the female protagonist, a young female Indian scientist, Indian. Apparently the author knew little about Indian culture, and Indians who came to the U.S. Other characters in the book did not fare much better, either. There is simply no character development.

The book doesn't have much of a plot, either. The author is certainly familiar with the science involved, but too much expounding on this matter bores the uninitiated. (The author does claim that he writes for the general public, not just the scientific crowd.)

To make the matters worse, the author made hundreds of sex jokes in the beginning chapters of the book, as if these jokes could be funny forever. I found this attempt to hold the readers' attention juvenile.

To sum it up, this book is not that enjoyable, if you read it as a novel. Perhaps the book should be renamed and placed in the non-fiction section, along with other how-to books.