The Hot Zone

A Terrifying True Story

By: Richard Preston

Narrated by: Richard M. Davidson

Length: 11 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

A highly infectious, deadly virus from the central African rain forest suddenly appears in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. There is no cure. In a few days, 90 percent of its victims are dead. A secret military SWAT team of soldiers and scientists is mobilized to stop the outbreak of this exotic "hot" virus.

The Hot Zone tells this dramatic story, giving a hair-raising account of the appearance of rare and lethal viruses and their "crashes" into the human race. Shocking, frightening, and impossible to ignore, The Hot Zone proves that truth really is scarier than fiction.

©1999 Richard Preston (P)2011 Simon & Schuster

Amazing

It starts off slow, give it time, it will catch up and entrap you as it guides you through the terrifying world of Ebola and infectious viruses.

Chilling

I've read this book at least 4 times over the years, and it never disappoints. You'll impress your friends with your knowledge of biology and virology, and you won't even realize how much you've learned because you'll be so engrossed in the story. It was recently made into a mini-series on National Geographic... but don't let that substitute for the original. This is a worthwhile book to own.

Suspense and Science

I found it difficult to put down. The writer is so incredibly detailed and can build suspense with the best of them. extremely accurate, scientifically speaking, without becoming textbook-like.

A Fascinating Account of the Microscopic World

Would you listen to The Hot Zone again? Why?

Most people only think about airborne pathogens in terms of the common cold. This book highlights the vulnerability of all the world's citizens and gives an in-depth look at how viruses are identified and contained. The author delineated the individual fears and personalities of the people involved, as well as the laborious efforts to contain a world-wide disaster. Mesmerizing from start to finish!

Which character ??? as performed by Richard M. Davidson ??? was your favorite?

Nancy Jacks, a woman who balanced family and work, was my favorite character. She is a brilliant woman who does a good job at making it all work. Her decisions are not always easy.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I looked forward to my commute as an opportunity to continue with the narrative. Besides being entertaining, the book was a learning experience.

Any additional comments?

A real-life whodunnit!

Exciting

I really felt I was suiting up to go into the hot monkey cage! A really informative book that I will never forget.

Holy shit!

Made my skin crawl! Excellent detail and explanation of very complex information. I highly recommend this read to anyone.

Not for the squeamish!

Filled with simile and metaphor, the descriptive text puts the reader inside the hot zone with the author himself. Absolutely riveting.

I couldn't stop listening

It's a fantastic mix of history, science, and drama. I highly recommend! ! ! !

Solid listen!

Totally worth listening to if you don't mind listening to a story about Ebola as we are living in a world pandemic caused by COVID-19. The book kept my interest and I can't imagine being someone who investigates terrifying diseases for a living.

Very eye opening, balanced and direct story that educates and intrigues.

A very good read or listen. The book is nonfiction and holds to that writing method.
I gave it 4 stars on the story going off of how entertaining it was. HOWEVER, this is why I enjoyed this book so much. The author straight out just wrote what happened with the facts and side plots to clear things up. He wrote it to inform not entertain. I highly suggest this book especially during these times because it will broaden your understanding of viruses and the consequences a species faces when they carelessly destroy and invade biomes. I’m not sure of the account label is accurate for who wrote this but I am a 16 year old boy and would recommend it for anyone that handle the gore that comes with the story.