An insightful look at the dangers of politicizing science during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it led to distrust in both the politicians and the scientists. How the expectations for COVID-19 were inconsistent (going to protest lockdowns was wrong, but protesting racial injustice was okay – you must wear masks at all times, even if you are outside around no other people), which caused many people to have trouble trusting information being shared.

Doctors arguing over what is correct, both having valid points derived from science; but who do you trust? Is it a right point of view or left? It all comes down to… we don’t have all the information and we won’t for possibly years to come. Scientists are learning through this and even they do not have all the facts. No one does.

The author does a great job breaking down some of the controversial topics and discussing the science (we know) behind them. Some of it is still unproven, but there are possibilities. The author never claims anything exact as of now (unless there is facts and studies to justify it), since we are still learning so much about the virus. The politicization of this virus has caused a lot of distrust, confusion, and in many cases, panic. The important thing to educate people about what we know… not that there is one side that is “follow the science” and that the other is not. Take the politics out of it.

Thank you Netgalley and Harper for this ARC. I learned a lot from this book. Although, I do not think it would be appropriate for my library here in China. I will suggest friends and family to check it out. It’s well written and provides good information about what we have gone through the last year and what we need to consider and prepare for in the future.