At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, I have to say that Bottle of Lies may be the best book I have read in years. Investigative journalist Katherine Eban draws on approximately a decade of research in order to uncover a story that is simultaneously devastating, nauseating, and thrilling. Through this research, she has uncovered an unfathomably large web of fraud, corruption, and incompetency inhabiting the world of generic drug manufacturing. The book focuses on one pharmaceutical company in particular, the Ranbaxy company of India.
I never imagined that a book about the generic drug industry could read like a thriller. During the course of my work day, I found my mind returning to it, eager to know what would become of Ranbaxy and its executives. I kept the 512-page hardcover with me nearly at all times, to read at home, on my lunch break, and on the train to and from work. I will admit that I am exceedingly stingy with my 5-star ratings, reserving them for those books that not only are compelling, but are also exceptionally well-written. Now let’s add to that the fact that this is one of the most well-researched books I have read, and the book easily goes from 4.5 to 5 stars.
I wish this book had been around for much longer than it has. Although I often feel helpless in the face of scandals that even the US FDA seems unprepared to address, it is essential and urgent that the public become aware of the health threats posed by fraudulent generics manufacturers.
TL;DR: Bottle of Lies is powerful and extraordinary. It just may shock and enrage you, but it will capture your attention immediately and leave you rapt until the final page.
Find it on Goodreads.
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