88. Ken Burns on Heroism, Horror, and History

The Premonition by Michael Lewis is a gripping account of the individuals who foresaw the impending COVID-19 pandemic and the failures in the American public health system. The book focuses on characters such as Charity Dean, a public health officer, and the 'Gang of Seven,' a group of doctors and scientists who created their own pandemic plan. It highlights their tireless work, the use of computer models to predict viral spread, and the challenges they faced amidst political pressure, financial constraints, and public criticism. The narrative underscores the courage and dedication of these unsung heroes and the need for more proactive approaches to public health preparedness.

David McCullough's 'The Great Bridge' tells the dramatic story of building the Brooklyn Bridge, which was the world's longest suspension bridge at the time. The book explores the challenges, innovations, and human stories behind this iconic structure, set against a backdrop of greed, corruption, and determination during the Age of Optimism. It delves into the lives of key figures like Washington Roebling and his wife Emily, who faced numerous setbacks during the fourteen-year construction period.