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Covid By Numbers: Making Sense of the Pandemic with Data by David Spiegelhalter, Anthony Masters
samstillreading's review
4.0
In all the COVID-19 books that appear on bookshelves, Covid by Numbers has to be one of the most unique. It’s about the statistics behind the COVID-19 numbers – not just rates of infection, hospitalisation and mortality but how numbers and modelling were used to determine lockdowns and other rules. It also looks at the unexpected effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the lowering of influenza and car accidents in young people.
If you’re not a statistician, don’t worry. Spiegelhalter and Masters explain the statistical methods very succinctly and clearly. (Honestly, I have never seen logarithmic scales in graphs explained in such a simple way that makes sense). The emphasis is on what the statistics mean and how they were used to make decisions regarding masks, lockdowns and who to vaccinate first. If you understand words, the graphs and tables are explained clearly. If you prefer pictures, the graphs and tables are there too. The content is heavily focused on the UK (Australia doesn’t get a mention) although there is some comparison with EU countries and with the US. To me, this didn’t matter but it might if you’re looking for a more global summary. But by keeping the statistics close to home, the authors are able to provide links to what was happening at the time on the ground as one of those affected.
Of course any COVID-19 book is going to be dated as soon as ink is put to paper. Covid by Numbers covers 2020 and up to May 2021, so it’s pre-Omicron and Delta and pre-oral treatments for COVID-19. Again, this didn’t really matter to me because the authors went into sub-topics of COVID-19 I’ve always wondered about. What is the effect on the economy (spoiler: they didn’t predict rapid inflation)? What are some of the effects of the lockdown? Why did deaths go down below ‘normal’ levels at times? I found this all fascinating, as these questions hadn’t really been covered for me before. What this book also shows is how far we’ve come in the nearly three years since COVID-19 was first reported. We have vaccines and treatments and have moved on from lockdowns. People have seen more statistics than they did in the preceding decade and the SIR model of infection is well known, as are the meaning of reproduction numbers.
This is a good read for looking at the COVID-19 pandemic from a different point of view. I’d love to see an updated version in years to come.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
If you’re not a statistician, don’t worry. Spiegelhalter and Masters explain the statistical methods very succinctly and clearly. (Honestly, I have never seen logarithmic scales in graphs explained in such a simple way that makes sense). The emphasis is on what the statistics mean and how they were used to make decisions regarding masks, lockdowns and who to vaccinate first. If you understand words, the graphs and tables are explained clearly. If you prefer pictures, the graphs and tables are there too. The content is heavily focused on the UK (Australia doesn’t get a mention) although there is some comparison with EU countries and with the US. To me, this didn’t matter but it might if you’re looking for a more global summary. But by keeping the statistics close to home, the authors are able to provide links to what was happening at the time on the ground as one of those affected.
Of course any COVID-19 book is going to be dated as soon as ink is put to paper. Covid by Numbers covers 2020 and up to May 2021, so it’s pre-Omicron and Delta and pre-oral treatments for COVID-19. Again, this didn’t really matter to me because the authors went into sub-topics of COVID-19 I’ve always wondered about. What is the effect on the economy (spoiler: they didn’t predict rapid inflation)? What are some of the effects of the lockdown? Why did deaths go down below ‘normal’ levels at times? I found this all fascinating, as these questions hadn’t really been covered for me before. What this book also shows is how far we’ve come in the nearly three years since COVID-19 was first reported. We have vaccines and treatments and have moved on from lockdowns. People have seen more statistics than they did in the preceding decade and the SIR model of infection is well known, as are the meaning of reproduction numbers.
This is a good read for looking at the COVID-19 pandemic from a different point of view. I’d love to see an updated version in years to come.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
benrogerswpg's review
4.0
Ground Zero
Looking for a comprehensive analysis of COVID-19? Look no further than this book!
This insightful book delves into the origin and impact of COVID-19, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the virus and its far-reaching effects.
Spiegelhalter's expert use of data and statistics is impressive, and the way he presents the information is both accessible and engaging. While I don't agree with every aspect of the book, there is no denying that it provides a valuable perspective on the pandemic.
Whether you're a scientist, healthcare worker, or simply interested in learning more about COVID-19, this book is a must-read.
It offers a unique and data-driven insight into the pandemic that is both informative and thought-provoking.
Overall, Covid By Numbers is an interesting and thought-provoking book that offers valuable insights into the pandemic. While some may disagree with some of its findings, it is nonetheless an important addition to the conversation surrounding COVID-19.
Highly recommended for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this global crisis.
4.3/5
Looking for a comprehensive analysis of COVID-19? Look no further than this book!
This insightful book delves into the origin and impact of COVID-19, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the virus and its far-reaching effects.
Spiegelhalter's expert use of data and statistics is impressive, and the way he presents the information is both accessible and engaging. While I don't agree with every aspect of the book, there is no denying that it provides a valuable perspective on the pandemic.
Whether you're a scientist, healthcare worker, or simply interested in learning more about COVID-19, this book is a must-read.
It offers a unique and data-driven insight into the pandemic that is both informative and thought-provoking.
Overall, Covid By Numbers is an interesting and thought-provoking book that offers valuable insights into the pandemic. While some may disagree with some of its findings, it is nonetheless an important addition to the conversation surrounding COVID-19.
Highly recommended for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this global crisis.
4.3/5
jcampbell's review
informative
fast-paced
4.0
The book is a very clear overview of the information and questions people are likely to have about the pandemic.
Some of the information is already out of date and is likely in places familiar the book helps to put a clear perspective on the information and draws a wider links than the news can. The information is clear and accessible making it good for the general public.
Some of the information is already out of date and is likely in places familiar the book helps to put a clear perspective on the information and draws a wider links than the news can. The information is clear and accessible making it good for the general public.
nocto's review
4.0
I've seen the authors pop up throughout the Covid pandemic and found their information useful. And a lot of this book was indeed full of things I had already read about but this was a wider angle view than the usual things you find in news reports and as such it made interesting reading. My only criticism would be that some of it already seemed a bit out of date - I think the text was from May 2021 - but it's of the moment and I think that there will be many more somewhat-similar attempts to sum things up in the years to come and I'll probably be here to lap them up.
sg33's review
3.0
I think the authors put it quite well when they say that the general public - to which I'd count myself in respect to medical topics, virology and epidemiology - has never been as bombarded with statistics and graphs than during the current crisis. It's a nice book to read - one short chapter a day. The book was clearly written to be read now, while the Covid-19 pandemic is still ongoing and it does that well. However, it shows that it was written toward a deadline. It's also very, very focused on the UK. That would be fine as a case study but the authors really give the impression the book was meant only for UK readers.
absolutive's review
4.0
A carefully written book full of data about the pandemic, this book is not startling or innovative, but informative. Each short section opens with a question and then answers it, to the extent that the data allow. The authors embrace uncertainty and a cautious approach. They summarise. The book is useful for people who want to learn more about data and the pandemic, and is a good classroom resource.
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