Toxin

I haven't written a review for a book I've read in awhile (I rate them and move on these days) but seeing all the negative reviews this book has gotten, I had to comment. Robin cook excels at weaving well reasearched truths in the realm of fiction. engaging characters, a plot that COULD happen and great pacing are what makes him such a great author and makes Toxin such an engaging read. The ending leaves you wanting more which could be a good or bad thing depending on how you look at it. I won't spoil it for anyone though ;) Fantastic book and another example of why Cook's become one of my favorite authors. His subject matter is always interesting and his medical and technical jargon never goes over the reader's head. He entertains and sometimes educates at the same time. I know not every book is going to be to everybody's liking, but I think some of the reviews below were overly harsh. Entertaining, informative, engaging.

I was very hesitant on reading this book because about 5 years ago I saw a show on either 20/20 or 48 hours that had undercover reporters in slaughtrs houses I was si discusted with the finding I didn't eat meat for over 3 years. I recently styarted eating meat again but not that I have read this book I might think twice about that. This is a very graphic book about the meat industry and a very descriptive view on what e coli can do to the body. This book mad me ill I was shocked to find out some of the things n this book now I know its fiction but it's based on fact. While reading this book my Husband and my 1.5 year old gor the stomacxhe flu, making me rethink that and wonderif its food posining. A doctore satys in this book that there is no such thing as the stomache flu and that it is really some form of food posioning. I'm not sure how true that is but it freaked me out. This book is not for those who have a week stomache but I think everyone should read it, it is a real eye opener!! I don'y think I'm going to eat ground beef for a long time and I will be a lot more cautious when cooking now!THIS is a great book I highly sugggest it. GREAT JOB ROBIN COOK

Es un libro muy realista en cuanto al manejo de comida en cualquier parte del mundo, parte del problema que se escribe en el libro y por supuesto queda en el aire, es que hacer para que dicho manejo sea más higiénico y menos burócrata, cosa que es casi imposible en nuestra época, a lo mejor más adelante alguien hará algo para mejorar la calidad de los alimentos y sus establecimientos, la duda sigue estando en el aire.

Wow! I finished this book over Christmas--I could NOT put it down! It was great! I have been considering becoming a vegetarian but now I have a renewed drive. This is definately a Robin Cook masterpiece--Cook goes into the depths of the characters emotions as he brings you into the book. Don't read this book if you don't have time to stay up all night to finish--I couldn't put in down!

Cardiologist Dr. Kim Reggis picks up his daughter Becky at her mother's place so that the pair can spend the weekend together. Their time together begins by him taking her to her favorite burger joint where she enjoys a gourmet's delight, a fast food meal. Later on that evening, Becky complains of stomach trouble. Kim takes her to her doctor. Following the medical visit, the little girl worsens. Subsequently, he rushes her to the hospital where, shockingly, the little girl falls into a coma and dies. Kim is stunned and vows to learn what happened to his daughter. He soon discovers that Becky died from contaminated meat. Kim also learns that the government watchdog, the USDA works closely with the beef industry. As he digs deeper, powerful government and private interests try to end his investigation by any means necessary, including murder. TOXIN is Robin Cook at his absolute best. The one-sitting story line is filled with action that comes out of today's headlines. The characters are genuine and their motives understandable, especially the distraught Kim. Fans of medical thrillers, or anyone who reads this book will think very seriously about turning vegetarian. Harriet Klausner