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.

So I have a weird fascination with learning about plagues and death. So when I saw this book, I knew I had to read it. While I already knew a lot of information in this book, there was quite a lot I didn’t know, so I found this one very informative. Jennifer Wright made this History funny and engaging, and holy crap did I like how sarcastic she was. (the tone reminds me of another book I’m reading, Unmentionable) I liked how well researched this book was, and how she gave information to back up all of her ideas. She also did a good job at providing the topic with more of a leadership and morality lens, than with a purely factual one, which I liked. I flew through this book and I would be happy to read more of Jennifer’s work.

Get Well Soon isn't so much a historical book about plagues, it's also about the human side of plagues; the healers, the sufferers and the people left behind. The book details not only catastrophic plagues like The Black Death, but also some of the lesser known plagues like the Roman Empire-ending Antonine Plague and The Dancing Plague in 16th century Europe (which sounds all very funny until you read that people pretty much danced their feet off. Literally.)

All the major maladies are touched on, from the horrific syphilis and tuberculosis plagues to the ravages of typhoid, smallpox and cholera throughout history. The sad fate of many plague victims, abandoned by their families and in some cases, abandoned by society, was all very heartrending. I also thought it was very interesting how the Victorians glamorized the pale, gaunt appearance of tuberculosis sufferers. Looking at any of today's popular fashion models or actresses, it's obvious that's an ideal that persists even today.

For the most part, this was very entertaining but felt a bit preachy in spots. Although I don't fault the author for having strong feelings about her subject, it felt a bit like I was being lectured to.

Overall, Get Well Soon is an informative and entertaining trip through the perils of the past, and anyone who loves history (and plagues. I'm sure there are people out there who enjoy a good plague) will definitely enjoy it.

Jennifer Wright is a well established author as she is the author of the well known book "It Ended Badly: Thirteen Of The Worst Breakups In History." This book is a thorough history of the various plagues and how they were handled, and fought against.
Overall I rated this book four stars out of five. This was a well written book. Although the subject matter may sound a little on the boring side, this book will be one of the most entertaining books you will read. Maybe it is because the author and me speak the same language of sarcasm and humor. The subject of this book don't get me wrong is very depressing but I found myself laughing throughout the entire book. The author narrated this book brilliantly, I had so much fun reading it while learning a lot about the scary history of different plagues that hit civilizations from the beginning of time. I love it when I find new authors that I love and hence I am looking forward to reading more from Jennifer Wright including her previous book "It Ended Badly: Thirteen Of The Worst Breakups In History."
I would like to thank Netgalley, Jennifer Wright, and Henry Holt & Company for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Very entertaining and full of some off-beat facts about the worst plagues in history. Wright makes these moments personal by introducing us to some of the people who suffered through the different plagues she writes about, rather than focusing just on the symptoms and carnage of plagues. Word to the wise, there are gross moments; it is still a book about horrible diseases. But a fun book about horrible diseases.

Ready for a nice, bedtime read? How about this one, Wright’s history of the worst illnesses that have plagued mankind. Yes, it’s a nasty subject, but what a fascinating nasty subject. From the Black Death that wiped out millions during the middle ages to leprosy, smallpox, syphilis (bet you didn’t know there was a club for men with rotting facial features back in the day) to polio, Ebola and Legionnaire’s disease, Wright covers them all. The woman has dome her homework and this book is meticulously researched, but make no mistake, this is no dull, dry tome. Full of snarky insight and sometimes inappropriate humor, this is a fascinating book about history and medicine for anyone interested in either topic