Lab 257: The Disturbing Story of the Government's Secret Germ Laboratory

Some flaws, but a disturbingly worthy read

Overall, I found this book morbidly fascinating and concerning in its implications. As a piece of objective literature, there are shortcomings. The tone of the writing borders upon sensationalism and conspiracy theory conjecture. The author confuses bacteria with viruses. Other factual problems are more concerning, including a sign dated in the '50s with biohazard warning signs on it: the biohazard warning sign was developed by Dow Chemical in the '70s -- there's an obvious anachronism here. Taken together, these factual errors lead me to question just how accurate the author's writing and research really is. Still, the source materials appear credible and I have little reason to believe interviewees have anything to gain by providing embellished details, so I would give the author benefit of the doubt. The primary goal of the book is to galvanize the public to more closely scrutinize what goes on at Plum Island, and what we should do about it. In that respect, he certainly got my attention, and I feel he makes a worthwhile argument.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

An excellent book

Lab 257 was an exciting book about a secret government germ laboratory that ended up letting out a massive virus into the air and ecosystem. It is placed on Plum Island where they ran tests on animals and contained very deadly germs. Throughout the book it explains how two deadly viruses broke out and became airborne. This book was a wakeup call to me because it shows how the government is hiding things from the people and citizens of America and because of that it has cost lives to be lost. After reading Lab 257 I feel like it has changed the way I think about the US government and how even they have secrets.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Errily Accurate and Frightening

Having fished off Plum Island 20 years ago, in the straight known as Plum Gut, I can say that Mr. Carroll's book is clearly accurate. Had I known the information provided, I'm not sure I ever would have taken the Orient Point Ferry or fished anywhere on Long Island's east end. Since the east coast of the US is so populated, Mr. Carroll does a great job describing the dangers and potential fixes of this island. Carroll does a great service to the country by bringing this issue to the attention of the world.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A chilling read

This book will make you wonder what else we are doing out there. Frightening to say the least but a real eye opener. Also a great eye opener is In the Name of Science: A History of Secret Programs, Medical Research and Human Experimentation by Andrew Goliszek, who describes some gruesome research done over the past 50 years and is being done right now.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Interesting Prospective

The authored raised some interesting questions about the operations at this government lab and how government can mismanage and potential create a biological disaster. The author suggested that Lymes disease and West Nile virus may have been released into the environment from the reaseach and development at this government laboratory. The author does not explain in detail, but suggests this claim. Given the track record of government laboratories and especially those laboratories that are underfunded, it would not come as any surprise to reasonable person. I am doubtful of Lyme disease, although possible given the author does provide any concrete proof there was reaseach conducted with the infectious agent or related microbe associated with Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorfi). The same can be said of West Nile virus, although this agent may be more plausible, though. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book. I question the location of such a laboratory in close proximity to a large metroplitan area and in the path of hurricanes that have struck the facility.

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