Rating: 
Summary: Fascinating & Terrifying
Review: Richard Preston's first work of non-fiction, "The Hot Zone" was a gruesome look at emerging viruses in general, and the Ebola virus in particular. However, no matter how grotesque it got, the reader could detach themselves from the book because Ebola is basically unheard of in the developed world, and isn't particularly effective at spreading (it kills its victims to quickly). His latest, "The Demon in the Freezer" is another story altogether.In it, he discusses the appalling specter of smallpox in general, and weaponized smallpox in particular. By using the anthrax attacks of 2001 as a jumping off point, he delves into a fascinating exploration of a disease that most people consider eradicated. Unfortunately, Preston reveals that this is far from the case. While it is true that smallpox hasn't occurred naturally in 25 years, it is accepted (if not altogether proven) that the Russians have significant stockpiles of particularly virulent smallpox. Moreover, it seems probable that some of this material has found its way into the hands of other actors (Iran, Iraq, North Korea). Finally, give the abundance of smallpox samples available just three decades ago, it seems likely that parallel programs could have been pursued in any number of countries. In clear (if you've studied any biology at all, you should be fine with the terms in this book, and there is a glossary), vibrant language, Preston explores the personalities and institutions involved in trying to understand what smallpox today would mean. With a significant portion of the population having never been vaccinated, and the efficacy of 30-year-old vaccinations in serious doubt, it is a certainty that the release of even "natural" smallpox would be an absolutely devastating event. But what is even scarier is the possibility for engineered viruses that could burn through a fresh round of vaccinations and that would be almost impossible to counter. As compelling as the subject matter is, and as breathless as Preston's writing is, it bears mentioning that he does an excellent job of staying above the scientific debate. His narrative is nothing if not evenhanded, and he goes to great lengths to report varying points of view in an engaging, but dispassionate tone. The closest he comes to editorializing is when he takes a jab (that is to my mind well deserved) at the Clinton administration for handling the Russians with kid gloves when the U.S. knew for a fact, from a variety of sources that, they had huge stockpiles of smallpox. The end result of this rather typical bungling was the loss of security, the loss of accountability, and the loss of awareness as to the material's locale. In light of the Bush Administration's recent decision to begin immunizing health care workers, and to begin stockpiling enough vaccine for every American, this book takes on a whole new importance. Anyone who doesn't understand the decision, or what the consequences of bio-warfare are, would do well the read this book. Moreover, anyone who doubts the grave threat to all mankind posed by smallpox will find this book a disturbing eye-opener. It is eminently readable and is loaded with fascinating, downright terrifying, information.
Rating:
Summary: The Sadness Which Passeth All Understanding
Review: Mary Whipple's review, below, says it all. Preston's book is hauntingly vivid and sad. Preston himself takes a bit too much writerly satisfaction in his suspenseful but manipulative presentation of this apocalptic tale: as a journalist who has become an acquaintance or friend of many of the key players in this horrendous scientific story, he enjoys himself a bit too much as he plays with pipettes and genetic splicing. I do not dispute his facts or his desire to warn--but there also is a sadistic undertone, a kind of Cassandric glee, is the way he unfolds the facts for the reader. Perhaps this really is the way humanity will end; however, where is the anger, the indignation? Because the Pandoras of science opened this box, the great works of art, the great works of goodness, all may fall silent in a sudden crescendo of human suffering. Rage, rage at the dying of this light! Must humanity's demise be the work of madmen and morons? Is goodness so ultimately ineffectual?
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating and terrifying!
Review: In October of 2001, the United States came under its first biological attack, when a number of media members and political leaders began receiving letters containing specially prepared anthrax. The American government, already alarmed at the revelations of Russian weaponization of smallpox, went into a crisis mode. This book follows two stories: the American investigation of the anthrax attack, and the history of smallpox, especially in light of modern developments in genetic manipulation. Do you think that those two are not related? Think again! OK, that sounds pretty clinical, right? Well, this book is anything but dry reading. The author takes the reader on a roller coaster ride, swinging between the fascinating and the terrifying! Spinning out such revelations as the ease with which diseases may be weaponized, the extent to which genetic manipulation has already gone in producing deadly versions of already terrifying diseases, and the possibility that the Russian government has lost several *TONS* of smallpox virus! If you want a comforting book, filled with warm-fuzzy thoughts, then look elsewhere. However, if you are looking for a book that will enlighten you as to why the American government is suddenly afraid of a smallpox attack, then you *must* get this book. It is a fascinating and informative read, and I recommend it to everyone.
Rating: 
Summary: The Hot Zone Revisited
Review: Richard Preston is a wonderful writer, if very short chapters, simple language, and a Newsweek style are what you consider good. The content of the book is fairly alarmist. I admit there is a credible threat of bioterroristm, but Mr. Preston only presents the threat from the alarmists' point of view. He fails to present what those who see the threat as less credible have to say. Much of the material in the book was visited in his previous, quite good book, "The Hot Zone". I admit, Mr. Preston doesn't get bogged down by technical jargon, and the story is riveting. However, it doesn't really go anywhere. All the characters are one-dimensional, and the tiresome physical descriptions of them don't add much to the story. Finally, I was disappointed with his attack on Hatfill. After he had been exonerated by the public media, this poor man doesn't need to have his reputation retarnished. Judging by the lack of depth to the chapters (i.e. terseness), and the relative thinness of the book to his previous efforts, it would appear that this book was slapped together after the Anthrax scare to make a quick book. This book is informative. It is written decently. But there are other books out there that cover the material far better.
Rating: 
Summary: Bought, paid for and sold out hack
Review: If this book is anything like "Hot Zone" discard it immediately! This guy claims to write non-fiction....right, and I'm Will Shakespeare. Don't believe the hype about small pox, it is not true, search for the answers yourself, you'll see. Do you want to take your chances with a very dangerous vaccine? Is that the only recourse? No, of course not! But don't expect sell outs like Preston to tell you, he's bank rolled by the pharmaceutical giants who will cash in big if we indulge in our fears. Ask yourself always, "who benefits"? Who can make a lot of money off of this hyped up scare (Pfizer,Merck et. al.) and who can gain a considerable amount of power when we give up freedom for "security" (government). These tactics are old hat (read Machiavelli for starters). Buyer beware!
Rating:
Summary: Keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Review: Just finished this book. It puts real face on bioterrorism. I don't think any one of us understands well enough that biological weapons can have more devestating effect than nuclear weapons. Richard Preston shows us just how easy it would be to cause mass death and mayhem through smallpox or anthrax. All you need, is a bit of smallpox... which, from the sounds of it, is not to hard to come by.
Rating:
Summary: Fact is more horrifying than fiction.
Review: Preston's book really opened my eyes to the danger of genetically altered virus as a bioweapon. And with President Bush announcing just 2 days ago (as I was reading the book) that he was going to make the smallpox vaccination available for all Americans within the next 2 years, it only scared me more. We can only hope that the vaccine we have will be effective against any altered smallbox which has to be out there. This is a real threat, and perhaps the liberals which are against any type of action against the "axis of evil" should read this book! Preston also covered the anthrax scare in more depth then I had ever seen on any news program. This is a must read.
Rating:
Summary: Preston does it again
Review: I've read many books in my short time, but so far I will have to say that Richard Preston is one of my favorite authors among others such as Daniel Silva and Vince Flynn. Not only does this author do an amazing amount of research that goes into his writing, he somehow manages to portray the information in novel-form rather than simply stating the facts, making it a much more entertaining read and expanding his reading audience. I loved his book The Hot Zone and that was where I found one of my favorite authors. Again, Preston writes an emaculate novel that is true to life and gets you thinking about things that could happen. Very well written, a must read for those interested in molecular and micro biology and very entertaining for those without such interests.
Rating:
Summary: Not for the anxiety prone
Review: I agree with the assessment of "The Highlander" above. This true book is one of the most frightening books I've ever read. A must read for everyone that works in public health.
Rating:
Summary: Extraordinarily frightening...
Review: This book will absolutely terrify you. If you thought anthrax and ebola were dangerous, say hello to smallpox. Smallpox is truly the virus that could wipe humans off the earth, and many countries have developed their use as a biological weapon. The author, Richard Preston, will expertly introduce you to smallpox, and expertly inform you of its dangers. If any of the rogue terrorist groups or countries that oppose the United States ever managed to develop smallpox as a weapon, our future may be very bleak. Highly recommended!
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