How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America: Essays

Laymon chronicles the steadily mounting deaths from the coronavirus. He condenses months of activity over a 14-day period. He notes that then-President Trump repeatedly reassures the public, via Twitter, that the nation is prepared to handle the health crisis. A friend of Laymon’s, the writer and biologist Joe Osmundson, advises Laymon against going to the Association of Writers Programs, a conference that Laymon will not be paid to attend. Additionally, he has been scheduled to give paid readings in Ohio and Virginia. He makes most of his income from such events. He assumes that the readings will be postponed, though the one in Cincinnati is sold out. Laymon admits to feeling lonely and afraid.

Meanwhile, the number of American deaths from coronavirus climbs steadily. Trump insists that, had the nation not acted quickly, the number would be higher. Laymon thinks of his grandmother, "Grandmama," who would need to work for a year to earn the money that he will make at these two readings in Ohio and West Virginia. Laymon decides not to shake hands or sign books at the Ohio event. Then he changes his mind. He even hugs people. Someone gives him a ticket to a Lauryn Hill concert, but Laymon doesn’t go.