50 pages • 1 hour read
The Hot Zone: The Terrifying True Story of the Origins of the Ebola Virus
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Book Brief
352
Book • Nonfiction
Central Africa • 1980s
1994
Adult
18+ years
1030L
Super Short Summary
The Hot Zone by Richard Preston traces the emergence of deadly Biosafety Level 4 pathogens, focusing on a 1989 outbreak of the Ebola-like Reston virus at a monkey quarantine facility near Washington, DC, and the efforts to contain it. The narrative includes compelling case studies, such as those of "Charles Monet" and the investigations into Kitum Cave, highlighting the danger and unpredictability of viral outbreaks in humans. Descriptions of the impact of filoviruses on human and animal bodies are graphic.
Unnerving
Mysterious
Dark
Informative
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
123,725 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Hot Zone by Richard Preston is lauded for its gripping, thriller-like narrative and meticulous research on viral outbreaks. Readers appreciate the detailed, scientific approach and chilling portrayal of real-life events. However, some find the graphic descriptions unsettling and the writing occasionally sensationalized. Overall, it’s a compelling read with a haunting impact.
Who Should Read The Hot Zone?
A reader who would enjoy The Hot Zone by Richard Preston is likely fascinated by real-life medical mysteries, virology, and infectious diseases. Fans of gripping, science-based thrillers like The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton or Spillover by David Quammen would find it equally compelling.
123,725 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Charles Monet
Charles Monet
The pseudonym for a man who contracted the Marburg virus in Kitum Cave and died in a Nairobi hospital. He is portrayed as a nature lover and a loner with limited information available about him.
Nurse Mayinga N. (Mayinga N’Seka)
Nurse Mayinga N. (Mayinga N’Seka)
A nurse who worked during the first known Ebola outbreak and died after treating a patient at Ngaliema Hospital. Her blood sample played a significant role in developing an Ebola vaccine.
Eugene (“Gene”) Johnson
Eugene (“Gene”) Johnson
An American virologist and "Ebola hunter" known for his work on hemorrhagic fevers. He leads an Army expedition to Kitum Cave to find the host of the Marburg virus and later helps manage a viral outbreak.
352
Book • Nonfiction
Central Africa • 1980s
1994
Adult
18+ years
1030L
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