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A review by guybrarian133
Get Well Soon: History's Worst Plagues and the Heroes Who Fought Them by Jennifer Wright
4.0
(I received an advanced copy of this book via a request through NetGalley)
I wasn’t too sure what to make of this book at first, mainly due to Wright's unabashed injection of her unapologetic sense of humor, wit and shamelessly personal stances into her writing. However, the further I read, the more I rapidly found it to be quite an effective component of the book. Not only does the levity that it all provides take what turns out to be a much-needed edge off her detailed depictions and discussion of some of the most vicious plagues that have ravaged humankind, but it actually also ends up making the subject matter much, more approachable to the reader. On top of that, the comical tone that so heavily laces much of book helps amplify any important messages she wants to deliver, sincere praise she wants to lavish or furious criticism that she wants to make. When the jokes and dark humor stops, one immediately knows that she not only has something serious to say, but whatever it is it will definitely pack quite a blunt punch.
However, that's not the only surprise I encountered. "Get Well Soon" not only works well as a very informative read with a heavily cheeky tone , but it also proves to be an incredibly uplifting read as well. While discussing fierce afflictions and plagues ranging from leprosy to the still-unsolved “sleeping sickness,” she also gives intense focus to the men and women who she believes are incredibly deserving of recognition from the incredible work they did to worked hard to alleviate and try to put a halt to the suffering of others. With her coverage of greats like Salk and Damien of Molokai, she provides a powerfully heartening message of the potentially fantastic good that resides in people, and the wonders that can be done through bravery, selflessness, and no small amount of hard work.
As I already, when I first started this book, I honestly wasn't sure what to make of this peculiar mix of medical history, scattered mini-biographies, and the author’s constant running commentary. However, it wasn’t long at until Wright won me over. "Get Well Soon" is definitely worth one's time and attention for its great mix of wit, information, and inspiration.
I wasn’t too sure what to make of this book at first, mainly due to Wright's unabashed injection of her unapologetic sense of humor, wit and shamelessly personal stances into her writing. However, the further I read, the more I rapidly found it to be quite an effective component of the book. Not only does the levity that it all provides take what turns out to be a much-needed edge off her detailed depictions and discussion of some of the most vicious plagues that have ravaged humankind, but it actually also ends up making the subject matter much, more approachable to the reader. On top of that, the comical tone that so heavily laces much of book helps amplify any important messages she wants to deliver, sincere praise she wants to lavish or furious criticism that she wants to make. When the jokes and dark humor stops, one immediately knows that she not only has something serious to say, but whatever it is it will definitely pack quite a blunt punch.
However, that's not the only surprise I encountered. "Get Well Soon" not only works well as a very informative read with a heavily cheeky tone , but it also proves to be an incredibly uplifting read as well. While discussing fierce afflictions and plagues ranging from leprosy to the still-unsolved “sleeping sickness,” she also gives intense focus to the men and women who she believes are incredibly deserving of recognition from the incredible work they did to worked hard to alleviate and try to put a halt to the suffering of others. With her coverage of greats like Salk and Damien of Molokai, she provides a powerfully heartening message of the potentially fantastic good that resides in people, and the wonders that can be done through bravery, selflessness, and no small amount of hard work.
As I already, when I first started this book, I honestly wasn't sure what to make of this peculiar mix of medical history, scattered mini-biographies, and the author’s constant running commentary. However, it wasn’t long at until Wright won me over. "Get Well Soon" is definitely worth one's time and attention for its great mix of wit, information, and inspiration.