A very thorough overview of the scientific, historical, political, theological, and ethical issues related to stem cell research. The early chapters lay out the core arguments, and then most of the later chapters explore various specific subjects; these chapters are relatively stand-alone, and can be skipped if you're less interested in the topic (the Vatican's position, Jewish and Muslim perspectives, patenting, ethics in Washington, etc).

The later chapters might be less interesting to some, but I'd highly recommend the early chapters and the closing chapter for anyone interested in a rigorous introduction to the scientific, theological, and ethical issues in stem cell research.

(PS -- It was published in 2010, and I read it mostly in 2013.... it felt very relevant and up to date, but we'll see how long it holds up!! :)