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Robin Cook: My medical training afforded me the subject of my writing. I became a writer because I had something to say, instead of being a writer and then looking for some subject matter.
Robin Cook: I traveled to Africa a year ago this month. For VITAL SIGNS I went to the outback of Australia and mainland China.
Robin Cook: Write a letter to the trade department of the publisher you are interested in and mention why they should publish your novel.
Robin Cook: I'd have to be pleased, because I was an integral part of it. I wrote the story, and I would also rewrite the dialogue as it went on.
Robin Cook: All I can say is that it will involve a subject you ought to know about. I am going back to my first mechanism, as in COMA -- I wrote it as a screenplay first.
Robin Cook: Yes.
Robin Cook: It was not a sudden decision. I sold my medical practice after I had three bestsellers. The critical point is that I still see myself as more of a doctor than a writer.
Robin Cook: I think that is what separates my books from others. I believe that everyone learns something from reading my books. The critical factor is that we are all destined to be patients at one time or another.
Robin Cook: I trained in general surgery first, then in ophthalmology. I attended Columbia and Harvard.
Robin Cook: Thank you!
Robin Cook: Actually, I am a little worried. With COMA I was five or six years ahead. With CHROMOSOME 6 I am simultaneous with the news. Seriously, that timing comes from my research.
Robin Cook: They asked my opinion on the actors. I actually was supposed to play a small role in "Invasion." Unfortunately, I was not able to do that. I actually have played a small cameo part in most of my movies. In "Invasion" I was actually supposed to have a speaking part. I am sure I would have been one of the bad guys.
Robin Cook: Well, I actually already did that with "Coma." It will possibly happen again.
Robin Cook: I see that managed care is going to evolve in creating a closer relationship with the patient and the physician. In the current situation they are the two disenfranchised groups.
Robin Cook: I definitely believe there is life in the universe beyond Earth. Statistically it just makes sense. How advanced this life is is open to one's creativity.
Robin Cook: I am very eclectic in my reading. Starting to write bestsellers, I am starting to read them, too. Scott Turow, Robert Ludlum, especially. Very sorrowful when Barbara Tuchman died.
Robin Cook: I have written a number of books in Florida. It is a good writing environment because there is not much else to do. I handwrite my outlines, then use a computer to write the book itself. I have tried using the Internet to research, but I still feel going directly to the source is the best way. I have the opportunity to call or see whoever is in the field I am interested in.
Robin Cook: The research is the longest period. Anywhere from three to six months. Then a month for the outline and about a month and a half to write the book.
Robin Cook: Not in the traditional sense. I am still associated with a teaching hospital. I eventually see myself in a teaching capacity.
Robin Cook: I'd like to think so -- I like them myself. And to tell you the truth, I think they need each other.
Robin Cook: THE YEAR OF THE INTERN.
Robin Cook: A lot of research. Also, the daily newspaper. There are topics that the public should see in an emotional setting.
Robin Cook: I believe it is quite easy, if you see your story in a very visual way. I conceive of my story lines almost as if I am watching a movie in the back of my mind.
Robin Cook: NBC asked me if I could write a sci-fi thriller. I agreed with the idea that I could write something very different from what had previously been on television or in the theaters.
Robin Cook: The best part is to send the manuscript off, Federal Express, when it is done. The worst part is being on page 150 and it seems like you are facing a mountain. Luckily I have never had "doctor's block," so I have never had writer's block.
Robin Cook: Athletics is my major hobby. I do something everyday, usually basketball. I have gotten better. I wish I could go back to college. :)
Robin Cook: Probably more. What has happened in CHROMOSOME 6 is happening in a biotechnology firm behind closed doors. It is no accident that the creation of Dolly, the cloned sheep, occurred behind closed doors. One can only use their own imagination to wonder what is going on.
Robin Cook: I think that my fellow doctors get as much enjoyment out of reading my books as everyone else. I imagine some of the biotech firms are not happy about it. I know a gentleman who runs such a firm -- he was in the middle of CHROMOSOME 6 and dismayed that I was "so much on the mark"
Robin Cook: Under the current social situation that medicine finds itself, where doctors are being dictated to in terms of how much time they can spend with a patient and what they can tell the patient, I'd rather write novels.
Robin Cook: I don't really like creativity by committee. It is difficult sometimes.
Robin Cook: Two just out, CHROMOSOME 6 and INVASION, in the last three weeks. The next hardcover should be out closer to January of next year.
Robin Cook: Thank you. Thank you, everyone, for coming -- I enjoyed it!
Anonymous
Posted January 31, 2008
this is one of the best books ive ever read. A fascinating page turner you cant put down. Really gets you thinking.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 16, 2002
Chromosome 6 is a fascinating romp through the ethics of genetic engineering. Apes genetically altered to suit human organ transplants develop fascinating side-effects... a mind-bending concept and an eye-opener to the ethics of genetic engineering. Cook uses the science fiction aspect as a stage for a mystery-style plot involving underground business and the New York mafia. Those readers looking for more science than story may be disappointed... the genetic mutation of the apes is developed somewhat less than the mafia interest and the search for the underground genetics company. Otherwise, a captivating and thought-provoking novel.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 9, 2011
It's a good book but every time you start to get involved with it, it jumps to a new location. I found it a very frustrating read.
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Posted November 17, 2009
Along with the characters the reader is able to live through the many challenges involved with a morgue enviroment. It's very well paced and it gives you a good thrill as it builds and develops, I enjoyed it very much.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.In this fast-paced medical thriller, Cook develops two parallel and intersecting plots about scientists in Equatorial Guinea who are frantically exploring the ethics of genetic engineering, and medical examiners in New York who are stubbornly (and against all odds) determining the cause of death of a mysterious mobster-corpse. I found Cook¿s characters well-developed, his plot original, and his narrative both humorous and suspenseful. Although I am generally not a fan of authors who reuse characters (how often can once-in-a-lifetime adventures happen to one medical examiner?), I loved this book and recommend it to any fan of medical suspense. So far, this is my favorite Robin Cook book.
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Posted April 8, 2003
Never before has anyone touched this area so well. Cook is able to capture our attention with 2 parralel settings which collide in the end. Our story gets exciting when a forensics scientist decides to personally expose where illegal organ transplants are taking place, and stumbles into a scientific phenomenon. A molecular biologist has discovered a way to add human molecules to chromosome 6 on animals. The animals grow into protohumans which are later used for organ transplants. Very exciting, and very fun.
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Posted April 7, 2003
Our book begins with forensic investigator Jack Stapleton trying to identify where the body of a dead crime family member went. The body was stolen from the city morgue where he works. At the same time, similar transplants are being done in the country of Equatorial Guinea. The body is later discovered after it reappears at the morgue in an identity, which is to be discovered. Kevin, a Molecular Biologist, working for a major organization called GenSys. He is responsible for rearranging and adding molecules to the short arm of chromosome 6 in bonobos. The apes are abridged to specific persons who pay for their care. When the person paying needs an organ, such as a liver, he has the animal killed, and the organ is transplanted into him. Kevin goes to the island where the bonobos are, with his assistant, Melanie, and Candace, a nurse. The bonobos, as Kevin discovers, are far more intelligent than they think. They take Kevin and the girls captive in a cave. This infuriates the head of operations at GenSys, as this is strictly forbidden. After several days in captivity, they are discovered. They are taken back to Kevin¿s house, as they are to be turned into local authorities in the morning. Jack, along with a fellow forensics officer, and Warren his friend and Warrens girlfriend decide to go to where the transplants are performed, hoping to expose the operations. He receives much opposing power, but eventually makes it into the country. Later he sneaks into the GenSys operations. He discovers what he needs to, and tries to escape. He and his friends narrowly escape, but he is discovered. He is arrested and put in jail under the Town Hall. Kevin (while being held captive in his home) discovers that there are Americans in prison. He makes a plan to get the guards all drunk. His plan works, and he is easily able to escape his home, with his companions, and rescue the Americans out of Town Hall. They narrowly escape by boat, and decide to go to the American embassy on a nearby island. Kevin has a slight conscience change, and decides to go free the bonobos. Everyone agrees, and they do so, but in the process, they are discovered, although not caught, and their boat is sunk by soldiers. They are forced to travel on the island where the bonobos were being raised, and take the canoe Kevin took earlier to get to the island. They once again narrowly escape, and return to America.
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Posted February 27, 2002
Robin Cook must be placed amoung my favorite authors, and ive read evry one of his books. This one was no exception. Great plot, great description, intersting ending, and good dialouge.
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Posted August 6, 2001
I strongly believe that Chromosome 6 is one of the best books writtten by Cook.Actually, I really enjoy these kind of ethical topics. I think it is interesting, and at the same time it makes you ask so many questions about, ambition , power, and also the way people could feel about death.
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Posted March 5, 2001
I found this book was very interesting, and one of my favorites from Robin Cook. The only downfal was how unrealistic it is.
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Posted August 31, 2000
Great concept and an interesting read but the ending was lame and dull.
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Posted July 28, 2000
While once again writing on the cutting edge of technology, Cook misses the mark this time. The novel evokes memories of Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta, but Cornwell shows much better execution. It seemed as though Cook had material left over from other novels and just wanted the pay-check. A shame, considering previous novels.
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Posted July 19, 2000
As an avid Robin Cook fan, I could hardly wait to dive into this one. I must admit I had a hard time getting into it, but once I got through the first part of it, it had me. It was very intrigueing and interesting, although I think sometimes he assumes we know more than we do about genetics and the technical side of things. I was horribly dissapointed in the ending. Too abrupt, what happend to some of the major players in the story? Where did they go? There was a whole lot of build-up to get to such a lackluster ending.
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Posted April 16, 2000
i had to read a book fiction or non for my biology class. i chose to read this after help from the salesperson at bn. this book was a fascinating view on a subject that i was not very familiar with. with the ways technology is advancing nowadays it is scary to realize that this could happen...makes you think!!!
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Posted January 23, 2000
This novel is my most favorite Cook's novel. He is brillient to use the knowledge about genetic manupulation to write a very exciting novel.
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Posted July 2, 2010
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Posted October 29, 2008
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Posted September 13, 2010
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Posted March 19, 2011
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Posted August 17, 2011
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