James R. Olsen’s COVID Wars offers a meticulously researched account of America’s public health response during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside global efforts. Olsen employs a thorough mix of sources, including scientific research, public records, and firsthand accounts, aiming to provide a balanced narrative that highlights the U.S. response's successes and shortcomings. Throughout the book, Olsen explores the scientific aspects of the pandemic, such as epidemiological data and the development of medical interventions like vaccines and treatments. He amplifies the voices of public health experts and ordinary citizens, weaving their experiences and insights into a broader narrative about the societal and political challenges posed by the pandemic.

The book is powerful in its detailed analysis of decision-making processes at both local and national levels. James R. Olsen criticizes the often fragmented and politicized response by presenting facts and detailed timelines that allow readers to understand the complexity of the situations as they unfolded. He breaks down complex scientific concepts into understandable terms without oversimplifying the seriousness of the pandemic. This approach educates and engages readers, allowing them to grasp the magnitude of public health decisions. Moreover, the book has personal stories that add statistical and factual data depth. These narratives humanize the pandemic’s impact, offering insights into the emotional and physical toll on individuals and communities. At a time when research was happening rapidly and not always following Common Rule, the Belmont Report, or IRB, COVID Wars provides a plethora of information, graphics, and references to aid the reader in understanding the multifaceted challenges of managing a global health crisis. It’s a valuable addition to the conversation about public health and policy.

The year 2019 saw the start of a pandemic that was to shake a world ill-prepared for what became known as COVID-19. The diverse and often inept responses by governments worldwide remain controversial to this day. James R. Olsen has put together a thorough analysis of those difficult times in Covid Wars: A True Story From Both Sides. The book traces the possible origins of the virus, which was identified in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. The setting is Ravalli County, Montana, the author’s home, which serves as a microcosm of the greater world. It traces the rapid spread of the infection worldwide and the reaction of the healthcare system and the citizens affected. The uncertainty, denials, questionable assurances by the authorities, and cover-ups by China preceded a worldwide lockdown of varying severity. Inaction became over-reaction. Speculation was rife, and the blame game began amid a media frenzy. The roles of Dr Anthony Fauci of the NIAID and President Donald Trump are dissected, while mistrust in the government grew. The development of test kits and a vaccine was triggered, and interim cures were put forward. New variants of the virus emerged while computer models made wild predictions. This was followed by the big mask debate and, finally, the big vaccine debate. The real heroes were the health workers at the ground level.

While James R. Olsen writes from an American perspective, the lessons to be learned are universal. Covid Wars is not about the trials of the average American, as these are already well documented. It is rather an examination of how the public health authorities vacillated and made questionable choices. The USA was slow to test citizens for COVID-19, and the results were inconsistent, while deaths went undiagnosed. The statistics were unreliable and excluded “excess deaths”. In sharp contrast, South Korea and others conducted exemplary campaigns against COVID-19. This book describes how the virus works, how it was spread, the symptoms, the body’s reaction, and early attempts at treatment. The origin of the virus is still a mystery and remains the subject of conspiracy theories, as does the vaccination campaign that followed. The research is meticulous, and the wealth of information is supported by relevant photographs, maps, graphs, tables, and charts. The timelines are particularly useful in creating an awareness of the growing crisis. There is a comprehensive list of sources and an excellent index to round off a remarkable publication that, at times, delves into local politics in Montana to add context. This work covers the period from November 2019 to the infamous Capitol invasion of January 2021. It is the first in a series of works and is highly recommended. The next volume will cover the Vax Wars and is eagerly awaited.