Renowned journalist Geeta Anand '89 read excerpts from her new book detailing a father's fight against Pompe's disease to an audience of about 20 at the Dartmouth Bookstore on Saturday afternoon.
"The Cure: How a Father Raised $100 Million -- and Bucked the Medical Establishment -- in a Quest to Save His Children" grew out of two articles Anand wrote in the Wall Street Journal, where Anand is a senior special writer who specializes in investigative stories. The book recounts the true story of John Crowley, whose children were both diagnosed with Pompe's disease in 1998.
Although no cure existed for the disease, Crowley invested his own time and money in the search for a cure. This ultimately led to him building a biotech company that grew to be worth $137.5 million in only a year. It was this persistence in the face of his children's dire circumstances that initially attracted her to the story, Anand explained.
"When extraordinary people face extraordinary challenges it makes great literature," Anand said. "When I talked to publishers about the book, they told me that stories about sick kids don't sell. I told them that this isn't a book about sick kids. This is a book about human struggles."
After reading three excerpts from the book, Anand talked to the audience about the lessons she learned during the writing process.
"Writing this book taught me to appreciate what's important in life. People have a tendency to get caught up in the rat race. It's really more important to be happy and enjoy your time," she said.
The audience reacted in awe to the news that the movie rights have already been sold for the book, with the release of the film most likely next year. Anand seemed excited about the production of the film, in which Harrison Ford will play a scientist.
"The people who are developing the film are talented and committed to the spirit of the story," Anand said. "Plus, if a movie, is made people will read the book."
Anand believes that the depth of her reporting has helped the success of her book.
"Although it's a true story, it reads like a novel, with all of the intimate details one would expect. Nothing is left out, down to the fact that the father considered leaving the mother when things got really hard," Anand said.
Anand also noted the scientific dimension of her book as another aspect of its appeal.
"Also, the book is a journey through science and medicine -- dry and inaccessible topics to the average reader. There is just so much changing in medicine and science right now, and this book allows the reader to be a part of it," Anand said.
Despite publicity in national outlets surrounding the book, the reading was relatively quiet, with only one Dartmouth student in attendance.
"I think it was mostly because of timing," said Catherine Armstrong '10. "I was still at the Homecoming game and I thought we still had a chance to win. Also, it wasn't very well advertised. I don't usually go to things if I'm not blitzed about them."
Before leaving, Anand explained her plans for the future.
"I have no interest in writing another book right now," Anand said. "I want to keep writing for the Wall Street Journal, which I love. Any free time I have I'm sure I'll spend with my family."
