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Spillover

Animal Infections and the Next Human Pandemic

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Spillover

By: David Quammen
Narrated by: Jonathan Yen
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

A gripping, timely book about the transmission of deadly viruses from animal to human populations, and how we can tackle a global pandemic.

As globalization spreads and as we destroy the ancient ecosystems, we encounter strange and dangerous infections that originate in animals but that can be transmitted to humans. Diseases that were contained are being set free and the results are potentially catastrophic.

In a journey that takes him from southern China to the Congo, from Bangladesh to Australia, David Quammen tracks these infections to their source, and asks what we can do to prevent some new pandemic spreading across the face of the earth.

As cases of Coronavirus grow across the globe, discover the book that predicted this viral disaster and the science that could stop the next one in its tracks.

‘A tremendous book...this gives you all you need to know and all you should know’ Sunday Times

‘Chilling… [A] brilliant, devastating book’ Daily Mail

2013, National Book Critics Circle Non-Fiction Award, Short-listed

2013, Society of Biology Book of the Year, Winner

©2012 Quammen (P)2020 Penguin Audio Contagious Diseases Ecology Nature & Ecology Outdoors & Nature Physical Illness & Disease Science

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Critic reviews

A frightening and fascinating masterpiece of science reporting that reads like a detective story (Walter Isaacson)
It may have been eight years since David Quammen's Spillover was first published, but its prescience is spookily topical this plague year (Richard Dawkins)
Travelling deep into the rainforest with the scientists hoping to identify the next pandemic pathogen, Quammen's book is plotted like a detective thriller (Gaia Vince)
Quammen’s book is compelling and shows that there are many candidates out there vying to be the next pandemic (Euan Lawson)
Quammen has a wide range of knowledge, an agile pen, and a generous heart (James Gorman)
All stars
Most relevant  
This book, although difficult to take in at times (and will benefit me to play again) gave a far better understanding of Covid (and our many failures) than most of the political and scientific announcements I have heard over the past year.
Well worth being in anyone’s collection

Good for anyone who wants to understand the origins and spread of pandemics

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One of the best written pieces of popular science out there, and an excellent narration as well (surprised when he has to, sarcastic when it needs to be, etc)

Amazing!

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The best book I have listened to in 2021

An extremely informative and very engaging book, for a person who hasn't studied biology in ages! A must listen

Super informative

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The author makes the subject of infectious disease both interesting and understandable to a non-scientist.

I took issue with the performance of the narrator, however, especially their Hollywood trailer-style American accent and the botched pronunciation of the numerous African country/place/people’s names (if a little amusing).

Overall, highly recommended.

Fascinating (minor issues with performance)

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The author takes you on a few journeys that are entertaining but also tell the details of a multitude of emerging diseases past and present.

Facts and fun

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This book is easy to listen to and the information is explain so well.

In these uncertain times there is so much misinformation and people who profess to know it all. Therefore it is important to arm yourself with real scientific information.

During this Covid crisis I have had some down days like many I am sure, however after reading and listening to lots of books on epidemiology, zoonotic, virology/ bacteriology it has made me feel so much better informed to deal with what’s happening in the world.

Unfortunately I am now aware of how many people know nothing and talk like they are the font of all knowledge....... may be they need to look at the mount of stupidity on the Dunning Kruger curve.

Highly rated

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As a pandemic geek I love this book
Not only is it fascinating but entertaining
I’ve listened to it repeatedly.
I wish he’d hurry up with the next one!
Narrator is great as well

My favourite book ever

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If you have any interest in where and why Covid-19 emerged, this book will make the almost continuous emergence of Viri, crystal clear.

I cannot imagine a more timely book. I just wish Politicians and policy makers would read it.

All manner of emerging viri are discussed and their animal link to human behavior.

Outstanding discussion of our emerging viri.

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Whereas I admit there are many place names, etc., that may be new to the narrator, the mispronunciation seems almost wilful. By the fifteenth Tan-ZANE-ia I was pulling my hair out.

Gripping and important subject but infuriating pronunciation

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considering the current times this is a book everyone should have on their bedside. I liked the narrator. the story is long to get to its conclusion as the author enjoys to go into little details, depending on the type of person you are that can be enjoyable or annoying. chapter 114 neatly summerize it all though, so if you really don't have time just listen to that!

an important read

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