My friend, Jenny, sent this to me for my birthday. I flew through it---very interesting story. At first I was a little taken aback by the juvenile writing style for what I thought was an adult book. Then I realized it's written for juveniles and begin to think it was pretty in-depth for kids. Ha! Anyway, I'm going to have my teens read this. I think they'll think it's pretty interesting.

Based on the evidence in this book alone, it's hard to sympathize with Mary. Though she may have honestly been unaware of her condition as a healthy carrier, once she was made aware, she should have taken precautions for the health of society. To continually put herself in situations where she could infect others---especially the maternity hospital AFTER being presented with clear evidence of her sickness---was inexcusable.

I would have liked to know more about her later years working with the doctor and details about those last years of her life. Perhaps this information is unavailable. ( )

Listened to it on my daily commute. It was a fast listen and the narrator did a great job. the book was written for young readers and skipped all the scientific and long winded explanation.

Even for times back then, Mary Mallon was not given due process. I feel she was being made into an example and portrayed as an irrational irish woman. I think if it was explained to her what happened and someone made her understand instead of treating her like a felon and talking down to her, she would have followed what was recommended.
Mary was a very proud and strong person. The treatment toward her would be unthinkable these days. ( )

This biography tells the true story of identifying and containing a carrier of one of the most contagious diseases in history. Mary Mallon was a shy cook and didn’t believe she was spreading typhoid fever. Afterword, Photo Album, Timeline, Bibliography, Index. (

I had very high hopes for this, and it wasn't at all what I was expecting. The timeline of Mary's bleak life is punctuated by comparisons to modern-day practices, including lessons about how science, law, and politics interact today. I found those elements a bit jarring, but they might be useful for the intended audience. Either way, it was a quick, informative read. ( )

this is a very interesting book about the life of Mary Mallon, an Irish cook. it goes through the event of the family that Mrs. Mallon worked for on how they all get super sick and move around trying to get away from the illness and it keeps following them. in the long run, they figure out that their cook is who is making them sick and she doesn't even know it. I think its a very interesting book for older students especially when learning about germs and health issues. ( )