The Viral Storm

The Dawn of a New Pandemic Age

By: Nathan Wolfe

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

In The Viral Storm, award-winning biologist Nathan Wolfe tells the story of how viruses and human beings have evolved side by side through history; how deadly viruses like HIV, swine flu, and bird flu almost wiped us out in the past; and why modern life has made our species vulnerable to the threat of a global pandemic.

Wolfe's research missions to the jungles of Africa and the rain forests of Borneo have earned him the nickname "the Indiana Jones of virus hunters," and here Wolfe takes listeners along on his groundbreaking and often dangerous research trips - to reveal the surprising origins of the most deadly diseases and to explain the role that viruses have played in human evolution. In a world where each new outbreak seems worse than the one before, Wolfe points the way forward, as new technologies are brought to bear in the most remote areas of the world to neutralize these viruses and even harness their power for the good of humanity. His provocative vision of the future will change the way we think about viruses, and perhaps remove a potential threat to humanity's survival.

©2011 Nathan Wolfe (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"By turns terrifying and comforting, The Viral Storm is a clear, riveting account of the threat of undiscovered viruses." (Mary Roach, author of Stiff)

Well Written and Interesting

A very well written and interesting book down the same avenue as Guns, Germs and Steel. If you haven't read Guns Germs and Steel I would read that first.

Some fascinating stuff here well worth the read. There are some interesting conclusions you can draw if agree with Richard Dawkins work: The Selfish Gene.

Terrifying look into the microscopic world

If you're germophobic, this is a book you might want to skip. It explains the origins of microbes and how they spread, along with their evolutionary threats and potential epidemics. Terrifying, but I couldn't put it down.

Very interesting subject

Would you listen to The Viral Storm again? Why?

Very interesting and relevant subject, and the narrator made an excellent job. In some sections the pace was somewhat slow, but overall a fast, easy, entertaining and frightening read.

Alright

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yes, the subject matter is fascinating.

Would you be willing to try another book from Nathan Wolfe? Why or why not?

Yes, but cautiously. He inserts a bit too much of himself in the book and he has no sense of humor. The writing is a 6 out of 10.

What didn’t you like about Robertson Dean’s performance?

His voice is too monotone.

Do you think The Viral Storm needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Nope.

A difficult subject presented effectively

As a person interested in biology but not a scientist, I feared this subject might be too complicated to follow. The author did a good job of explaining the various types of microorganisms and their properties. Their roles in our lives are fascinating and terrifying. I feel enlightened.

Good data to have in our Ebola infested world

Great book. Excellent and informative without being dramatic. We all face the possibility if infection of one kind or another. Knowing more is a benefit.

Very well read.

Viruses we survive or we don't

The truth about viruses is that there isn't anything we can do about them. Either we survive or we do not. There are very few medications that are effective against viruses.

What would you do?

Must read Very informative

Worth every second it takes to listen to , you will not regret having purchased

Not detailed enough

Was expecting more of a detailed understanding of viruses and other such information.
Narrator was OK but didn't have enough "extra" in his voice so was hard to focus on at times (similar to when someone talks monotone and you can't focus on it, though narrator wasn't monotone himself.)

Great Idea, Poor Execution

This book should have been fascinating, but it wasn't. It was actually rather dull and I only finished it because of my interest in the subject and the fact that it was a short listen.