The Cacof Conspiracy. - Review - book reviews

Nutrition Health Review, Wntr, 1997

THE CACOF CONSPIRACY By H. J. Roberts, M.D. Published By Sunshine Sentinel Press, Inc., 1998.

Dr. H. J. Roberts' latest book, The CACOF Conspiracy, begins like a news flash. The first chapter provides the recent history and current happenings for the setting in the year 2013. A lot has happened to develop the future, and the chapter serves to set the stage on which the novel will play out. The actual format of the book is original. We are introduced to characters one by one in certain chapters and then are interrupted from their story lines in order to be informed of current events and world happenings. This format keeps the reader in touch, not just with the characters, but also with the world they live in.

Early on, we realize that there is trouble brewing in the United States. People are complaining of unexplained aliments that the medical community is unable to diagnose. Accidents caused by human error are on the rise; emotional health is in decline. Multitudes of people are complaining of the same symptoms, yet physicians and specialists cannot seem to pinpoint the reason for the epidemic.

The unlikely hero is a small-town doctor, Dr. Hiram Jackson, who begins his own study of people with the symptoms in his town. All signs point to the fact the CACOF (Calorie Control Factor), a sweetening additive used in place of sugar and aspartame is causing the trouble. CACOF was approved by the FDA and declared "safe," yet strangely many people taking the additive have odd ailments, such as severe headaches, temporary vision problems, emotional distress, and more. These correlations cause Dr. Jackson and his wife to start a quest to alert the public of this risk and to make manufacturers, health professionals, and the government recognize and remedy the CACOF epidemic.

The CACOF Conspiracy is Dr. Roberts' first attempt at fiction. With this book he manages to expose many truths about our society and the dangers that we face as consumers. The plot is frighteningly realistic and offers a glimpse of what our country's future may hold. Dr. Roberts' portrayal of what could happen if consumers continue to believe everything they are told, is excellent as well as educational. The book is a remarkable success.