47 pages • 1 hour read
The Premonition: A Pandemic Story
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Book Brief
320
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 2020s
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Premonition: A Pandemic Story by Michael Lewis follows a group of freethinking pandemic researchers whose innovative work clashes with the CDC and the Trump administration amidst the US's inadequate COVID-19 response. Figures like Laura Glass, Dr. Charity Dean, and the Wolverines contribute vital advice and research, often circumventing bureaucratic barriers to make a difference in managing the pandemic.
Informative
Challenging
Mysterious
Dark
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
58,717 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Michael Lewis's The Premonition delves into the U.S. pandemic response, lauded for its gripping storytelling and well-researched narrative. Some critics appreciate its compelling portraits of key figures, while others find it occasionally unfocused. The book effectively highlights systemic issues but may feel disjointed to those seeking a linear tale.
Who Should Read The Premonition?
Readers who enjoy The Premonition by Michael Lewis are typically fascinated by investigative journalism, public health, and real-life stories of crisis management. Comparable to Michael Lewis’s own The Big Short or John M. Barry's The Great Influenza, this book attracts those who appreciate detailed, narrative-driven examinations of systemic challenges and unsung heroes.
58,717 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Bob and Laura Glass
Bob and Laura Glass
Bob is a scientist at Sandia National Laboratories, and his daughter Laura studies virus transmission for a science fair, developing a model for social distancing.
Charity Dean
Charity Dean
A health care official from California dedicated to disease management, who tackles challenges with the CDC and demonstrates leadership and commitment.
Carter Mecher
Carter Mecher
A pandemic strategist under George W. Bush, known for fostering environments that prevent errors and leading a group advising the CDC during the pandemic.
Richard Hatchett
Richard Hatchett
An ER doctor and pandemic planner, who collaborates with Carter Mecher to form recommendations focusing on pandemic preparedness.
Joe DeRisi
Joe DeRisi
A UC San Francisco scientist who developed a virus identification tool and plays a significant role in advising California's pandemic strategy.
320
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 2020s
2021
Adult
18+ years
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