The search for the Origin of Covid-19 by Alina Chan and Matt Ridley.

Excellent read. This book is full of facts about the origins of the recent pandemic. It tells the story like a detective novel, putting the pieces of the puzzle one by one together. But the puzzle isn't finished yet. There is more work that needs to be done.

The book explains what is known about Covid-19 and similar viruses. How these viruses are studied in China and elsewhere. Who are the people who carry out and the people who fund those studies. It draws comparisons with previous epidemics (SARS, MERS) and explains how the authorities and scientists acted then.

The book also details the events before and during the outbreak. Who got infected, where, what data was collected, and most importantly, how the Chinese government obstructed the search for truth. Not only this, there is some information about Western scientists and authorities trying to manipulate public opinion, as if there was something big that needed to be hidden.

Viral does not find the origins of the virus because more information needs to be uncovered, but instead, the authors propose two hypotheses: 1. The pandemic originated as a natural spillover. 2. The pandemic originated from an accidental laboratory leak. There is one chapter trying to prove each hypothesis true. The main contribution of this book, I guess, is a long set of questions that are currently unanswered but which need to be answered to find the truth.

Personally, after reading the book and reading the update to the epilogue (with more facts since the hardcover was released) and watching recent developments, I lean towards Hypothesis 2.

The lack of transparency in China, the WHO, the NIH and others is evident. Add to that WIV Scientists and friends trying to conceal information and misleading the public with their Nature and Science papers.

I'm grateful the authors wrote this book. It clarifies so much misinformation and misinterpretations presented by the media, authorities, etc. Now, I'm in a better position to follow the news and have an informed opinion.