New York Times bestselling author Nina Burleigh presents a compelling and informed expose on the global pandemic experience and its implications for the future. This work explores the medical science of viruses and vaccines, conspiracy theories, and the history of knowledge, leading to the current state of uncertainty. It challenges readers who believe they know the outcome and poses difficult questions in concise, impactful chapters. The narrative reflects the precarious balance Americans face, emphasizing that no single approach or perspective holds the ultimate truth. Key themes include the triumph of science amidst widespread denialism, the government failures that exacerbated the pandemic's impact in the U.S., and insights from interviews with researchers and mRNA vaccine creators. It delves into the rapid development of the mRNA vaccine and its potential to transform future medical practices. The book also addresses the bizarre conspiracy theories fueling vaccine hesitancy, the resurgence of eugenics, and the detrimental effects of crony capitalism on marginalized communities. Through original research and interviews with experts like MIT’s Robert Langer and Stanford’s David Relman, the work offers a thorough examination of lessons learned and lost, exploring what these experiences mean for democracy and society moving forward.
