Get Well Soon by Jennifer Wright Summary

Get Well Soon explores history’s deadliest plagues—from the Antonine Plague to polio—and the heroes who fought them. Jennifer Wright combines dark humor with gruesome details to highlight how societies mishandled epidemics through superstition, prejudice, and censorship, while celebrating breakthroughs in science and compassionate leadership. The book emphasizes lessons for modern public health crises, like transparency and evidence-based responses.

History enthusiasts, medical history buffs, and fans of narrative nonfiction will enjoy this book. It’s ideal for readers seeking a gripping, accessible overview of pandemics and those interested in how past mistakes—like scapegoating victims or ignoring science—mirror modern public health challenges.

Yes—Wright’s witty, fast-paced storytelling makes complex medical history engaging. While it doesn’t dive deeply into each disease, it offers a compelling introduction to historical epidemics and their societal impacts. The dark humor and focus on unsung heroes (like syphilis researchers) balance the grim subject matter.

Key themes include the dangers of misinformation during outbreaks, the importance of scientific rigor over superstition, and the role of leadership in crisis response. Wright also critiques censorship and highlights how marginalized groups often bear the brunt of epidemics, as seen in the mishandling of AIDS.

The book spotlights figures like Antonine Plague survivors who documented outbreaks, syphilis treatment pioneers, and polio vaccine developers. Wright emphasizes anonymous caregivers and activists, such as those who risked their lives to comfort plague victims or challenge ineffective policies.

Wright argues for transparent communication, prioritizing science over politics, and avoiding stigmatization of affected groups. She praises leaders who acted decisively during historical outbreaks—like New York’s typhoid containment efforts—while condemning delayed responses, as seen in the AIDS crisis.

Some reviewers note the book’s brevity leaves little room for deep analysis of individual plagues. The dark humor and graphic descriptions of symptoms (e.g., leprosy, syphilis) may also unsettle sensitive readers. However, most praise its readability and relevance to contemporary health debates.

Unlike Madame Restell (focused on one historical figure) or It Ended Badly (about infamous breakups), Get Well Soon examines multiple epidemics. It shares Wright’s signature humor and emphasis on marginalized voices but adopts a broader scope to connect past and present public health failures.

While primarily focused on historical outbreaks, the book’s epilogue implicitly critiques COVID-19 responses by highlighting recurring mistakes—like downplaying threats or politicizing masks. Wright’s analysis of past censorship and misinformation parallels modern issues.

The 1518 “dancing plague” in Alsace—where hundreds danced uncontrollably for weeks—showcases how fear and mystery fueled irrational responses. Similarly, Typhoid Mary’s saga reveals how public health failures can turn victims into villains.

Wright uses well-documented events but simplifies complex contexts for readability. She cites primary sources, like diaries from plague survivors, and balances grim facts with lighter anecdotes (e.g., the No Nose Club for syphilis sufferers).

The book underscores timeless challenges:

• Combating vaccine hesitancy
• Addressing health inequities
• Avoiding panic during crises

By revisiting past triumphs (like smallpox eradication) and failures, Wright advocates for empathy and evidence in future outbreaks.