On Wednesday 11 September we launched The Twisted Chain by Jason Gurney with friends and whanau at te Wharewaka o Pōneke, with bookselling by Unity Books Wellington. It was a special evening to celebrate this important pukapuka. The book was kindly launched for us by Dr Diana Sarfati and Professor Michael Baker.
During his speech, Michael Baker described meeting Jason Gurney while working for the Department of Public Health.
“It didn’t take me long to discover why Jason was so interested in rheumatic fever – not only was it a research challenge, but it was also deeply personal. And it is wonderful to meet Keg, the hero of this book, along with the other members of Jason’s whanau.”
Michael Baker also spoke about how the book is so much more than a story about science.
“It’s a profound account of the most important things in life, of growing up, valuing whanau, having an inquisitive mind and a social conscience, and making a difference in the world, all told by Jason in a highly readable personal way.”
“It’s a unique book – it has references as well as a big heart.”
“Thank you Jason for this taonga you have given to your own whanau, your wider public health whanau, and all of Aotearoa NZ and beyond.”
“It is a book that will be treasured and should be read by all!”
Find out more about The Twisted Chain here.