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.

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.

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.

Richard Preston

Adult

Book

Nonfiction

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Study Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

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The Hot Zone Summary

Background

The Hot Zone Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Shadow of Mount Elgon”

Part 1, Chapters 1-9

The Hot Zone Part 1, Chapters 1-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Monkey House”

Part 2, Chapters 10-21

The Hot Zone Part 2, Chapters 10-21 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Smashdown”

Part 3, Chapters 22-28

The Hot Zone Part 3, Chapters 22-28 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Kitum Cave”

Part 4, Chapters 29-30

The Hot Zone Part 4, Chapters 29-30 Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

The Hot Zone Key Figures

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Themes

The Hot Zone Themes

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The Hot Zone Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

The Hot Zone Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

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The Hot Zone: The Terrifying True Story of the Origins of the Ebola Virus

Before You Read

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