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A review by kmacias87
Flu: The Story of the Great Influenza Pandemic of 1918 and the Search for the Virus That Caused It by Gina Kolata
4.0
A lot of people asked me why I was reading this book, right now, with Covid-19 being a thing right now. Wasn't I scared? For me, it was to help me create a basis in understanding what we may or may not be dealing with, how it affects the world, and what we've learned from the past. I was also sick of seeing/reading news about Covid-19 that misinterprets facts or blatantly just spews out false information.
For the first few chapters, I honestly felt like I would not get into this book. I realize how terrible the 1918 flu was, but it seemed like the author was just saying the same thing over and over again, just with different words.
However, starting with the Swedish Adventurer chapter, it turned into a scientific journey in discovering why the virus was so deadly. That is when the book became incredibly interesting and worth that extra star! Gina did an amazing job introducing each scientist, explaining their history and how they became involved with solving the puzzle of the 1918 flu. Which is sadly, still a puzzle. Scientists still shed light on their insightful theories which was definitely intriguing and in the end, I have a fresher perspective on current events today.
For the first few chapters, I honestly felt like I would not get into this book. I realize how terrible the 1918 flu was, but it seemed like the author was just saying the same thing over and over again, just with different words.
However, starting with the Swedish Adventurer chapter, it turned into a scientific journey in discovering why the virus was so deadly. That is when the book became incredibly interesting and worth that extra star! Gina did an amazing job introducing each scientist, explaining their history and how they became involved with solving the puzzle of the 1918 flu. Which is sadly, still a puzzle. Scientists still shed light on their insightful theories which was definitely intriguing and in the end, I have a fresher perspective on current events today.