I recently finished the book "Fever 1793" by Laurie Halse Anderson. It covers the Yellow Fever epidemic that swept Philadelphia. It was brilliantly done. Here are some things I learned through the lens of one living through COVID: @halseanderson #booklove #NCTE

1. Apparently doctors were always viewed as self-serving at the beginning of an epidemic... "You doctors are all alike, scaring us to earn more business. My family will stay right where they are, thank you," the lawyer replied (p. 21).

2. There have always been people who take advantage of the most vulnerable. These situations can bring out the worst in people. This is not new.

3. There have always been heroes. These situations can bring out the best in people. This is not new, but it never gets old.

4. 10% of the population in Philadelphia died over the course of about three months. When it was over, life did not go "back to normal". There were lasting effect, there was grief and devastation. But there was hope for a future even though it looked different. This is a comfort

I wouldn't tell everyone and anyone to go read this book right now. Especially if you have high anxiety right now. But, if you feel you are in a relatively sturdy emotional state, I would highly recommend it. It is interesting to read it in light of current events.