Review: What they said!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 14, 2012
I just finished reading Yellow Zone, and I have to agree with mjp and Liz's reviews. I have read several of Ms. Druga's works, and this one just wasn't as good as some of her others. That said, had I read this book before any of her others, I may well have given it 5 stars. I rated it 4 stars in comparison with her other books, such as I'll Cry Alone and Dust. The main reason that I liked those stories better than this one is that the reader gets to know the leading character much more intimately than in this book. Because this book in written in the style of a Journal, through individual journal entries, it didn't really lend to intimate examination of the characters. Several different characters contribute to the Journal, and the story evolves through each individual's eyes and thoughts. Ms. Druga's other stories (at least those that I have read so far) are told in the narrative style by the main character. So, not only do you get the events as they are occurring, but the narrator's thoughts as well, which gives the reader more indepth knowledge of the character, which in turn makes you feel like you know them.Now to the actual story: Yellow Zone is about a terror attack on the country, which entails the release of a deadly and fast moving virus. People are dying en masse, and authorities quarantine states that are affected. Those who do not sicken are gathered together and sent to camps, seemingly for their own protection. When Jen (the main character) and those with her realize that this might not be the case, they make plans to escape the camp, fleeing to a farm that is owned by one in their group. Once there, they learn that the country is still under "attack," as other countries try to eradicate the survivors, and with them the virus. When a transmission comes via radio that help is available, they must decide if it is legitimate, and if they want to take a chance by responding.As with the other books I have read by the author, I read this fairly quickly because I couldn't put it down! The events that occurred kept the book fast-paced, and I needed to know what was going to happen next! I definitely recommend reading this one.