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4.3 AVERAGE
4.3 AVERAGE
This is a history how-to. A how to plan for a pandemic that hasn't happened yet. It's about a bunch of people with ideas and who keep shouting it to themselves a little bit louder and louder till someone takes notice. One of them is a public health doctor in California. One is the head of a Veterans' Affairs facility in Atlanta. And a thirteen year old girl with an idea for a science fair project. They call themselves the Wolverines. And they most likely changed the course of history as it was about to happen.
This was a really great book to read. It is mostly about epidemiology, but there is not a single epidemiologist in here. I never thought a book about epidemiology would be interesting, but it really was. It is a lot of science and medicine and a little bit of politics. President Trump is mentioned on just a few pages but you can definitely feel his hands messing around where they shouldn't be. I am giving it four stars because it kinda lost a bit of steam in the last three chapters or so.
This was a really great book to read. It is mostly about epidemiology, but there is not a single epidemiologist in here. I never thought a book about epidemiology would be interesting, but it really was. It is a lot of science and medicine and a little bit of politics. President Trump is mentioned on just a few pages but you can definitely feel his hands messing around where they shouldn't be. I am giving it four stars because it kinda lost a bit of steam in the last three chapters or so.
As always, Michael Lewis's writing is a pleasure to read. But I felt kind of let down by this book, and I'm not entirely sure I understand why. Maybe because a good part of it is California-centric. And, relative to everything else, there really wasn't much about the current (COVID-19) pandemic. I guess I was just looking for...more.
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
I have read a couple of books by Michael Lewis and love his writing style. I have listened to his podcast. When I knew about this book coming out I immediately went to the library site and put it on hold. Either because I am an avid reader or just by pure chance I got this book in yesterday. I devoured it. The people in this book are examples of going against the grain to do what is right and everything about them propelled me on. These people reignite my hope in the best of humanity. Odd thing is this is a story that is not over. I recommend this book wholeheartedly.
informative
medium-paced
"The Premonition" covers the state-level view (vs federal) of the COVID-19 pandemic is the US.
Not my favorite of Lewis's books, but a good piece of contemporary investigative journalism nonetheless. It was much more nuanced than I expected, with respect to the various political parties' ability to handle the virus.
Not my favorite of Lewis's books, but a good piece of contemporary investigative journalism nonetheless. It was much more nuanced than I expected, with respect to the various political parties' ability to handle the virus.
I'm a huge Michale Lewis fan, but this was surprisingly "meh". Way too much time spent on the biographies of the people involved and way too little on the actual pandemic response. I feel like this book picks away at the edges of the story whereas his earlier work cuts right through the heart of it.
I've been pretty wary of the inevitable onslaught of COVID books but at the same time Michael Lewis rarely disappoints and his latest was absolutely worth it. It's a fascinating glimpse into how the United States was well-prepared for a pandemic. Until one actually happened.
Lewis finds fascinating, insightful, and funny characters who he captures brilliantly. This would actually make a great double feature with his preceding book The Fifth Risk.
Lewis finds fascinating, insightful, and funny characters who he captures brilliantly. This would actually make a great double feature with his preceding book The Fifth Risk.
Another fascinating tale by Michael Lewis. A brilliant read and a pertinent one that adds interesting layers to how the recent pandemic was handled from US's perspective. The characters were interesting, as they usually are in his books, and the research, immaculate. A recommended read and reread.
A good look into the team put together by W. Bush to prepare for pandemics. It follows the key players through the COVID-19 era and introduced a few new people. It gave good stories about the people.