Christine's review
The Hot Zone: A Terrifying True Story by Richard Preston
Christine's review
rating:
bookshelves: read-non-fiction
recommended for: Scientists, Sleuths, Hypochondriacs
status: Read in December, 2007
rating:
bookshelves: read-non-fiction
recommended for: Scientists, Sleuths, Hypochondriacs
status: Read in December, 2007
I could say that this book changed my life. I could say that, although it's not quite true as I haven't passed my MCATs yet. But the study of disease and populations and epidemics was brought to a head the first time I read this book around 2003 (I think). Now with the H5N1 poised to jump species and AIDS still an ongoing problem and globalization, environmental and water shortages are present-day issues I think that it would be crazy to think that viruses vs. people is over. However I don't think it's crazy that the "winner" of viruses vs. people is a foregone conclusion.
As for the book, it's pretty gripping. There's enough "hard" science to keep you understanding everything but told in an explanatory, easy to digest way. The people are painted richly for a book type of this, not as characters but profiles and even if you already know the outcome of the Reston incident there are moments you can still be on the edge of your seat.
As for the book, it's pretty gripping. There's enough "hard" science to keep you understanding everything but told in an explanatory, easy to digest way. The people are painted richly for a book type of this, not as characters but profiles and even if you already know the outcome of the Reston incident there are moments you can still be on the edge of your seat.
