Prettysleepy / 643 images
Happy New Year Everyone,
I have a love affair with books. I just like having them around. I like the way they feel, and I like that once you have a book in your possession, it doesn’t change. A large part of my love of books comes from a year I spent in China back in the late 80’s. I was teaching English to university kids, and I was teaching the curriculum provided by the university. There were many times we as a class would be reading a novel together only to find entire chapters missing from all the books, mine and the students. Entire sections would be missing!! I could only assume something in part of the book was disagreeable with the communist authorities. Something critical or questioning, something that “requires” censorship. Misinformation as it is now called. Sound familiar?
And so, I have bought and kept books, for the last 30 odd years. Good books, bad books, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that the contents of the books do not change. They can’t be revised or censored. Consequently, I think every house should be filled with books. They seem to be a hedge against revision and tyranny. (I recently bought Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain on the odd chance that these two classic books ever get banned or censored.)
The comical part of all this is how slowly I read. I mean very slowly. You see the problem? Books accumulate on every flat surface in our house and some that aren’t even flat! Really, they are everywhere, and I keep buying more. So, my new year’s resolution, starting right now, is to finish a book each month and post a short review. Believe me I need the accountability.
So here goes. The first book of the year is one that is actually brand new, and I finished it in a matter of weeks!
Title: Pandemia: How Coronavirus Hysteria took over our Government, Rights, and Lives
Author: Alex Berenson
Year: 2021 (November)
Pages: 454
Review:
If you, like me, have wondered about all the information, constant information, about the coronavirus and what can be believed and trusted, then this book is a great place to start.
This book chronicles the last 2 years of our lives. Meticulously researched and quite rational in his approach, Berenson makes a compelling case for what was known, and when, using government data. Based on the title, I was expecting a bit of conspiracy theory and hype. It’s not here. Berenson is a first-rate reporter, formerly with the New York Times. He wrote about the pharmaceutical industry and so he seems eminently qualified to make a balanced assessment.
Berenson provides enough of his personal story sprinkled throughout the book that you do get a good sense of this writer and his integrity. And his integrity cost him dearly as you will learn (Censorship!). His human approach to this mountain of data keeps the book moving forward and moving rapidly. I found I could read long stretches without losing focus! It really is a fast-paced narrative. And a compelling one.
If you want a chronological guide to the pandemic, I highly recommend this read. I think it is helpful in gaining perspective on this highly complex subject.
You can find it here: Pandemia: How Coronavirus Hysteria Took Over Our Government, Rights, and Lives (Audible and Kindle versions available). You can also subscribe to Mr. Berenson’s email updates, Unreported Truths, here: Alex Berenson
We have one copy of Pandemia you can check out. My only request is that you finish in a week or so, as many of you are likely to want to read it. Or just buy it. Because books matter.
Cheers,
ks
Jan 21, 2022 at 2:18 PM
What a great article. Thank you Sir. I am going to check this book out. Hope all is well.
Jan 21, 2022 at 10:26 AM
Ryan, good to hear from you. We think of you and your family often. I am glad you are reading and chiming in. Let me know what you think of the book! Cheers, ks
Jan 21, 2022 at 11:19 PM
Since I can not guarantee I will be able to read the book in about a week, (I also am a slow reader), we will have our own copy. This also precludes any censorship by others. :)
Jan 24, 2022 at 10:39 AM
Good man Mark! cheers, ks
Jan 21, 2022 at 11:32 PM
You convinced me. I just ordered the book.
Jan 24, 2022 at 10:39 AM
Way to go hiker of the year! Cheers, ks
Jan 22, 2022 at 1:57 AM
Thanks Ken! I plan on getting that book! Sounds like a good one for those still with head in the sand. Trick is, they DON'T Want to read it. Just watch TV. â˜¹ï¸ Hoping all is well there! Hoping to get back by March. Time frame undetermined. Am sick now but hitting the supplements. Second time I got something from Alexa. 😒 P.S. Bet I have more books than you. 🤣🤣
Jan 24, 2022 at 10:41 AM
Sorry to hear you are sick. Good girl for tackling it with supplements. We might have to have a book count off! You will be welcomed anytime you can make your way back. Cheers, ks
Jan 31, 2022 at 12:55 AM
Hey Swaim, I also have an obsession with buying and reading books. It's a sickness really. You need to download GoodReads to track and review your readings! On the app you can read reviews from all kinds of readers and get lost in the comments for hours. (I know this from experience) You can also be friends with people and share books with them! There's also a place to set yearly goals. PS. I'm ahead of my goals' schedule.
Jan 31, 2022 at 11:50 AM
Alyssa, this is great news! Always enjoy a kindred spirit. Will check-out good reads as well. Keep collecting and getting lost... Cheers, ks