Robin Cook used to be one of my favorite authors. I read the first 20 or so of his books but none in the last decade until this one. It was different from others I've read and disappointing. Robin Cook, like other authors I assume, is trying to change with the times and become "edgier" or something. He dropped the "f" bomb twice that I remember and there was a smattering of other language which I don't appreciate. His books were never this way before. They were just very cleverly written with great plots that kept you hooked until the end. Nano did have an interesting twist at the end but actually, I'm surprised I made it through. It was not very engaging and the medical details took back seat to a weak, drawn-out plot. (There's no way an ER doc would steal benzos and give them to a crazy lady he just met. And no physician in residency is going to take time off from his residency like George was able to). I don't think pandering to the "modern" reader by including language and sexual content is a positive change. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone. It was just plain boring and not up to par. A friend loaned me this book because it is a thriller about technology, and it is set in Boulder. I have never read a book by Robin Cook, but he is an accomplished New York Times bestseller, right? High expectations.The premise is engaging, and the writing is solid. Not spectacular, but workmanlike - mostly transparent - which is fine. Almost immediately, you know that the author has never been to Boulder nor has he ever looked at a map of the area. He places Boulder Community Hospital in Aurora (which he assumes is in Boulder?), and Boulder in the mountains. The name of the front range mountains are wrong. The highway numbers are wrong. WTF - in 2012, you can get a street view from Google of every location in America. Spend 30 minutes doing some research.Okay, so check off being set in Boulder.The main characters are, in the end, complete stereotypes. I kept hoping for something that would change it up. Evil corporation - you knew what they were up to after two chapters. Evil boss - stereotype. Evil lieutenant - stereotype. Yeah, even the plucky main character Pia wasn't terribly intriguing.So, plot. There should be a great plot. Nope. I won't spoil it for you, but with about 50 pages to go, I wondered how the author was going to work himself out of the hole and wrap the book up. Something clever, something unexpected? Nope - just an ending fit for a made-for-TV-movie. Sigh.I am tempted to read one of Mr. Cook's early books. He must have written something worth reading. Nano just isn't it. I would recommend a pass to all readers on this one.
What do You think about Nano (2012)?
Interesting but predictable plot, but the ending-or lack thereof - ruined the book for me.
—Twylytebelle7
This book is a total waste of time and money! Don't bother.
—michelle_smith
Not a good read. Pretentious. Struggling to finish.
—matt
That was awful. A complete waste of time.
—esmeralda
