"The Premonition" by Michael Lewis is a compelling account of the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, as seen through the eyes of a group of public health professionals and researchers who were ahead of the curve in their understanding of the deadly virus.
The book tells the story of a diverse team of medical experts and scientists who were aware of the potential dangers posed by a novel respiratory illness long before it arrived on American shores. Through their work and insights, they were able to predict many of the challenges that would arise during the pandemic, including shortages of critical medical supplies, testing delays, and bureaucratic obstacles to effective public health responses.
Lewis frames the story around a few key figures, including Charity Dean, a relatively unknown but brilliant epidemiologist who saw the impending crisis clearly and pushed tirelessly for a coordinated response. He also highlights the work of Joe DeRisi, a pioneering molecular biologist who was able to quickly sequence the virus and develop a test for it.
Overall, "The Premonition" is a powerful and timely narrative that sheds light on the often-overlooked heroes of the pandemic response. Through the eyes of these experts, Lewis captures the complexity and urgency of the situation, while also offering a hopeful message of resilience and human ingenuity in the face of a global crisis.