The Hot Zone: Part Two

This section of the book was definitely more exciting and overall, made more sense than the first part. It was easier to read and follow because the story was straight forward and didn't jump around to different time periods and situations like in the beginning. However, the further I read the more I understood why the author set up such a wash of information in the very beginning. There was such a back story to the virus that if the author had just begun with Reston, the readers would be so lost with all the jargon and symptoms that the truly frightening essence of the true story would be drowned in confusion. I'm so glad the author explained everything beforehand, even if the map of Africa and all the little bits of info were difficult to understand at first. Now that the main story is under way, it's very suspenseful and keeps you guessing, like when the Institute waited all Thanksgiving before they examined the specimens. I was sure it was Simian Fever, then it was Marburg, then it was Zaire! I'm shocked that such a deadly virus appeared so silently. Usually it brings death and destruction which is why I'm surprised no one at the monkey house broke with virus. Were they just lucky or is it a false alarm like at Kitum Cave? I found it interesting to learn the process of electron scope imaging, especially the diamond knife. It blew my mind that there is a knife that can cut through individual cells! Imagine cutting yourself with that. Wicked paper cut. I thought the tension between the Army and the CDC was interesting but I guess that is to be expected in the bureaucracy. Power struggles even over deadly viruses. I thought part two was great but now that the monkey house is being quarantined, I can't wait to see the drama of part three!