An American Plague

The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793

By: Jim Murphy

Narrated by: Pat Bottino

Newbery Honor and Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor-recipient Jim Murphy has written numerous stories based on historical events, such as The Boys' War and The Great Fire. In An American Plague, he tells the story of the 1793 yellow fever epidemic. Bizarre medical practices of the time are discussed, as well as popular historical figures, such as George Washington and Benjamin Rush, who were involved in finding a cure for this horrific outbreak. Pat Bottino's captivating narration adds appeal to this interesting historical tale.©2003 Jim Murphy (P)2004 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"This audiobook is sure to be a hit with students interested in medical science or U.S. history." (School Library Journal)
"Murphy's dramatic history book...brings to life the determination and perseverance of a people whose future was uncertain." (Christian Science Monitor)
"History, science, politics, and public health come together in this dramatic account of the disastrous yellow fever epidemic that hit the nation's capital more than 200 years ago." (Booklist)

An entire book of headlines

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No. It's monotonous. At least on audiobook. There are a lot of good pieces of information in there, but the reading is like having headlines shot at you.

What was one of the most memorable moments of An American Plague?

When the Black churches rose up to care for their white neighbors. I had not known that.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Had Bottino read the book before he read it aloud? There are no highs and lows. It all has the same tension and tone which makes it monotonous and boring. A real feat when you are talking about the Yellow Fever and the decimation of the capital of a new country. Oi. If someone with Patrick Tull's care and patience had read it, it would have been much better. I had to stop listening.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Dear gods, no. The illnesses are described in minute detail and it's enough to turn your stomach. As it should be. It's about a plague after all.

Any additional comments?

It's too bad the narration is so poor. It's a really interesting topic and deserves better.

Slow Narrator

A very quick little volume despite the narrator's terrible pacing. The story itself was not that interesting and I felt there was no actual narrative arc, rather just a regurgitation of facts and news clippings.

Content 4, Narration 1

Is there anything you would change about this book?

New narrator

What did you like best about this story?

Content

Would you be willing to try another one of Pat Bottino’s performances?

No

Did An American Plague inspire you to do anything?

Take diction lessons, with an emphasis on not GASPING for breath after every third sentence.

Any additional comments?

I have listened to several books but this is the first time that I was made aware of EVERY SINGLE BREATH the narrator took during the reading.

The book is good

The book is good but I don’t like how is says 6 chapters when there is like twenty of them in total

Nice story, not the best narrator

What did you like best about An American Plague? What did you like least?

The story was well done with many quotes from people who lived through the horror. I did not like the choice of reader, the reading is too plodding/careful. He uses inflections with his voice going up and down, but reads at the same pace as if he were reading to a metronome.

Would you be willing to try another book from Jim Murphy? Why or why not?

I would try the author again. The subject is interesting and the writing style is comfortable.

What didn’t you like about Pat Bottino’s performance?

The reading sounds forced and unnatural lacking the speed variations common in most readings. He is very careful in pronunciation. The reading style just doesn't feel comfortable to me.

Was An American Plague worth the listening time?

Yes. I learned a lot about that time in history, the plight of the poor, the heroic efforts of nurses many of whom were black, and how life changed because of this plague.