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A Death-Struck Year

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

40 posts | 26 read | 20 to read

For Cleo Berry, the people dying of the Spanish Influenza in cities like New York and Philadelphia may as well be in another country�that's how far away they feel from the safety of Portland, Oregon. And then cases start being reported in the Pacific Northwest. Schools, churches, and theaters shut down. The entire city is thrust into survival mode�and into a panic. Headstrong and foolish, seventeen-year-old Cleo is determined to ride out the pandemic in the comfort of her own home, rather than in her quarantined boarding school dorms. But when the Red Cross pleads for volunteers, she can't ignore the call. As Cleo struggles to navigate the world around her, she is surprised by how much she finds herself caring about near-strangers. Strangers like Edmund, a handsome medical student and war vet. Strangers who could be gone tomorrow. And as the bodies begin to pile up, Cleo can't help but wonder: when will her own luck run out? Riveting and well-researched, A Death-Struck Year is based on the real-life pandemic considered the most devastating in recorded world history. Readers will be captured by the suspenseful storytelling and the lingering questions of: what would I do for a neighbor? At what risk to myself? An afterword explains the Spanish flu phenomenon, placing it within the historical context of the early 20th century. Source notes are extensive and interesting. A Spring 2014 Indies Introduce New Voices selection

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review

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

Pick

pick

A really good (and well researched) historical fiction examining how a young woman (age 17) deals with the Spanish Flu Pandemic when it makes it to her hometown in Oregon - published in 2014, but reading after 2020 makes it even more interesting to me. It was heartbreaking and hopeful -

2 of 3 books finished for #JoyousJanuary @Andrew65 -

Make a great day everyone 🙂

TheLudicReader I recently read this, too. 2y

Andrew65 Brilliant 👏👏👏 I love a good historical fiction book and this is very topical. If not read it this is a good read and covers this Spanish Flu epidemic in the US. Read it some years before COvID.

[tagged book]

As Bright as Heaven

2y

bthegood @TheLudicReader your review convinced me to move it up on my TBR list - 🙂 2y

See All 6 Comments

bthegood @Andrew65 thank you 🙂 2y

TheLudicReader @bthegood haha. Well, I am glad it didn‘t disappoint. 2y

bthegood @TheLudicReader 👍 😄 2y

41 likes1 stack add6 comments

blurb

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

Goals are to finish the three I am currently reading - tagged, 11/22/63, and Six of Crows.

#JoyousJanuary @Andrew65 thanks for hosting

Make a great day everyone ❄️☃️

Andrew65 Great to have you with us, good luck. 😁 2y

bthegood @Andrew65 👍 2y

25 likes2 comments

blurb

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

#BookSpinBingo finished my first book
#ISpyBingo - using a spider on the cover as exotic animal since it is “enchanted“
#nobuy2023 - (I rarely buy books but love a bingo board 😆)
@TheAromaofBooks @Clwojick @PuddleJumper

Make a great day everyone 😊

Clwojick Great job! ❤️ 2y

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2y

PuddleJumper Bingo boards are the best! 2y

bthegood @Clwojick @TheAromaofBooks @PuddleJumper - thanks for the support and for hosting - 👍 2y

37 likes4 comments

review

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

Pick

pick

This YA novel about the Spanish Flu epidemic follows 17-year-old Cleo. With her older brother Jack and his pregnant wife Lucy ( her guardians after the tragic death of their parents) away, Cleo finds herself alone when the pandemic arrives in her hometown Portland, Oregon. The parallels between that event and Covid are astounding and made for a riveting read.

blurb

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

#wondrouswednesday

1. Don‘t Stand So Close To Me (Police) just that line...
Because the book is about the Spanish Flu.
2. Love bookmarks from bookstores, mugs, socks.
3. No preference, any age.

tagged users icon

Eggs #1 😆Well done ✅ 4y

Deblovestoread Who knew The Police would be so forward thinking! 🤣🤣🤣 4y

kspenmoll @Kdgordon88 🤣🤣🤣 4y

34 likes3 comments

review

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

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pick

#blameitonlitsy

Couldn‘t sleep last night -happens often on a Sunday night before starting my work week on Monday.Read this engaging novel straight through.Cleo,the main character is 17.When the Spanish flu hits Portland OR,her school shuts down. A confluence of events has Cleo working for the Red Cross,going into neighborhoods & finding the sick. She forges new friendships,deals with loss,the sick & dying. She emerges a transformed person.

megnews That happens to me on Sunday nights too. 4y

EmilyM Sunday nights are the worst... 4y

LeahBergen Happy Birthday!! ❤️📚❤️📚 4y

61 likes1 stack add3 comments

review

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

Pick

pick

#YABuddyRead @megnews
🌟🌟🌟🌟

Great for middle-grade, YA or adult readers. There are so many parallels to the Coronavirus. The novel could have been written about the past 12 months. I felt the book was a little bit too short, and underdeveloped. With that being said, it was still a interesting novel, that I would recommend.

blurb

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

This post contains spoilers

Several reviews mentioned feeling the ending was a bit rushed. Any thoughts on this? Any other final thoughts?
Thanks for reading and discussing with us!
#YABuddyRead

tagged users icon

BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, ravenlee, Butterfinger, IndoorDame, sblbooks

mrp27 Ending definitely felt rushed and I didn‘t like that Cleo didn‘t necessarily grow. Yes, the pandemic affected her but how? That was never explored and all the while I thought her volunteering would lead her to make a decision about what she wanted to do in life. Thought she would go into nursing, medicine. 4y

megnews @mrp27 I was expecting that too. Surprised the author didn‘t bring that in. 4y

rubyslippersreads I think Cleo is still sort of getting used to normal life after the pandemic (plus a new romance). She says something about wanting to feel like herself again. Maybe once she does that, and finishes school, she‘ll be able to figure out what she wants to do next. 4y

See All 19 Comments

Butterfinger I haven't thought about it. I liked the ending. I'm glad her brother and sister-in-law came home well. I loved how the brother allowed the unknown man to sleep in the window seat while she was sick. 4y

Butterfinger Thank you for the great questions. 4y

Deblovestoread I was fine with the ending. I think the experience will help form a direction for her but I didn‘t need it laid out for me. 4y

BarbaraJean I felt the ending was rushed because of how quickly she got sick, and (in terms of page count) how quickly she recovers. She's ill for while, but because the book is from her perspective, the illness felt rushed and less serious than if I'd been reading from Edmund's perspective or from her brother's. I agree with @mrp27 that it didn't seem Cleo grew. There was potential for growth/self-knowledge in the future, but I wanted to see more hints now. 4y

sblbooks @mrp27 Agreed. I thought they would elaborate on her future more as well. 4y

sblbooks @megnews Thanks for hosting this. I think it was perfect timing. 4y

Chrissyreadit I did think the ending went too quickly. I also wish there was an epilogue or I would not mind a follow up book that could be rich in exploring life in the 20‘s and how she responds to post pandemic life. 4y

JaclynW @mrp27 @megnews @rubyslippersreads @BarbaraJean @sblbooks @Chrissyreadit I thought that for sure since her picking a "direction" in life was such a big deal at the beginning of the book that it would definitely be answered by the end. No such luck. Oh well. I didn't mind how it ended. But I would have loved an epilogue. 4y

JaclynW I really enjoyed reading a book about a pandemic in a pandemic. In fact, this is my second such book. Thank you for choosing this book @megnews ! I hadn't heard about it until you picked it. It was a great read. 4y

mrp27 @JaclynW Exactly!! All that talk about finding direction and then nothing. 4y

megnews @JaclynW @mrp27 agree with you both 4y

megnews @JaclynW what was the other one you read? Read it while ago but I loved

[tagged book]

Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague

4y

JaclynW @megnews Oooh! That one looks good! I will have to read it. This year I read The End of October about a fictional pandemic that was eerily similar to the one we are currently living in

[tagged book]

The End of October: A novel

4y

JaclynW In the past I've read As Bright As Heaven about the Spanish Flu in Philadelphia

[tagged book]

As Bright as Heaven

4y

JaclynW I've also read one about the great plague that my book club devoured

[tagged book]

4y

megnews @JaclynW I loved As Bright as Heaven. Forever Amber sounds great! 4y

12 likes19 comments

blurb

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

Chloe‘s life will forever be changed because of the epidemic and her experiences during it. Do you think this pandemic will have lasting impact on you and if so, how so? What will you tell future generations about this time in our lives?
#YABuddyRead

tagged users icon

BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, ravenlee, Butterfinger, IndoorDame, sblbooks

mrp27 Oh this will definitely have a long term impact on me. It‘s like 9/11, a clear before and after. I will definitely be more of a germaphobe, more cognizant of crowds, more reliant on technology which I hate, and I‘ll appreciate the ability to see my family and friends. 4y

rubyslippersreads I don‘t think I‘ll ever go anywhere without a mask again. 😷 4y

megnews @rubyslippersreads really? I can‘t wait to be done with it. I have asthma and I have trouble wearing it for prolonged periods of time. 4y

See All 20 Comments

megnews @mrp27 definitely more of a germaphobe too. I‘ve always washed my hands but I‘m crazy about it now. 4y

rubyslippersreads @megnews I have slight asthma, but even in non-pandemic times, if I get near someone with a cold, I catch it. So I don‘t want to risk catching something worse. 😏 4y

Butterfinger I agree with @rubyslippersreads I always have a cold from catching it from children. I think I am going to stick with the mask too. 4y

Deblovestoread I doubt I will wear a mask but I can see maintaining some distance etc. 4y

BarbaraJean I definitely think it will have a lasting impact, but I'm not sure what all of that will be. One thing is a greater appreciation for hugs!! I think I will be more mindful of what a gift it is to gather with people in person. Another impact is unfortunately relational. I have some family/friends in the anti-masker camp, and differing views over safety & gatherings have left some lingering weirdness in relationships. Hoping that won't be long-term. 4y

sblbooks @Kdgordon88 I'm with you on staying six feet apart. I wouldn't mind to keep that rule from now on. ( at least with strangers) 4y

sblbooks @rubyslippersreads @megnews I can't wait to get rid of the Mask!!!! I have CP which makes walking extremely difficult, it's considered strenuous exercise for me. With a mask it's almost impossible for me to walk at all. 4y

IndoorDame I agree with @mrp27 that this will point to a before and after in my life. I‘m not sure what changes I‘ll make, but I‘m pleased about the prospect of more social distance and awareness of being contagious in public, increased acceptance for masks, more availability of telework... 4y

rubyslippersreads @sblbooks @megnews I hope we‘ll soon be at a point where it will be safe not to wear a mask, and for individuals to able to do what‘s best for them. 😊 4y

shellleigh33 I think this will have a lasting impact for sure. It has change the way we perform daily stuff in the ER and the way kids are learning. I see a lot more virtual learning and telemedicine in the future. I also know a lot of people the have chose to home school their children and plan to stick to it. And I agree with everyone, I hope a day comes when we can do away with masks. I have to wear a N95 and a shield all day at work and it is so tiring. 4y

mrp27 @BarbaraJean That's an interesting point. This pandemic has had unfortunate politicization that's caused some cracks in relationships. 4y

Chrissyreadit I think I will always wear a mask now during cold and flu season. If people who are comfortable with it do it will still support people who don‘t. I think this has been eye opening about the huge impact of economic disparity- and recognizing that schools provide a lifeline in many communities- and that those children are at a significant disadvantage. Also that internet is not a privilege and we need functional high speed everywhere. 👇 4y

Chrissyreadit 👆 @mrp27 @rubyslippersreads @shellleigh33 @sblbooks @megnews @IndoorDame @Kdgordon88 @BarbaraJean @Butterfinger I also think it has been eye opening to see people who have chosen to mask and social distance and those who have not. I hope we never underestimate the power of information, how it‘s spread and how it‘s received. The politizacion of science must be addressed or the next pandemic will be even more far reaching. 4y

megnews @Chrissyreadit I agree. I‘m not thrilled with the masks because of my asthma but I did not understand how this became a political issue. 4y

Chrissyreadit @megnews to be honest if everyone who was able just wore a mask I think it would have been ok to have options for people with asthma. It‘s perfectly healthy people choosing not to that has bothered me. 4y

megnews @Chrissyreadit I‘m glad you came back later to discuss! 4y

Chrissyreadit @megnews I completely realized I missed the discussion. I get distracted and need to set an alarm so I remember. I wish we could do one over zoom. I would love to interact with everyone. 4y

38 likes20 comments

blurb

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

Chloe‘s life will forever be changed because of the flu and her experiences during the epidemic. Do you think you could have made the same decisions to help that she did? Why or why not?

#YABuddyRead

tagged users icon

BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, ravenlee, Butterfinger, IndoorDame, sblbooks

megnews I don‘t think I would have even left my school without waiting for my brother. And I definitely would have been to scared to make the choices she did. 4y

mrp27 Cleo was definitely brave to make the choices she did. I don‘t think I would have left school either. 4y

rubyslippersreads I‘m not very adventurous and probably would have stayed at school. 4y

See All 10 Comments

Butterfinger I think Cleo did the right thing. I agree she was impulsive, but she remembered no one helped her mother. What an awful memory. But, I don't think I would have the courage to barge in homes when no one answered the door. I guess that is another technology that we have - personal cell phones instead of patchy telephone service. 4y

Deblovestoread I would like to think I would be like her but I would have been to afraid. 4y

BarbaraJean @megnews Same here: I'm such a rule-follower that I doubt I'd have gone against school recommendations or the concerns of my family! I felt it was so unwise for her to leave school the way she did--I kept thinking about how I'd feel if one of my nieces did the same! But I also admired how her past trauma motivated her to help others. I loved that she was so quick to volunteer & that she stayed even when reality sank in of how bad/dangerous it was. 4y

megnews @BarbaraJean yes, once it was done, it was admirable she didn‘t give up like some others had. 4y

sblbooks Like @BarbaraJean said, I'm too much of a rule follower I never would have left school. You have to admire her though. 4y

IndoorDame I admire her. I don‘t know if I would have had her courage, (though more likely as a teenager actually). But all through the book I kept thinking how lucky we are that so many people step up in a crisis like she did. 4y

Chrissyreadit I most likely would have done something similar. I tend to jump in with crisis and I‘ve always liked volunteering. Plus I wanted to be in the medical field and did work in hospitals in college and after college as a child life specialist. I also worked in homes for respite and early intervention in college and after. 4y

29 likes10 comments

quote

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

As this quote indicates, communication was impacted by the Spanish flu. What impacts, good or bad, do you think our technological advances in communications have had on our experience of a pandemic compared to 1918?
#YABuddyRead

tagged users icon

BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, ravenlee, Butterfinger, IndoorDame, sblbooks

megnews I think the constant updates on numbers has caused a lot of anxiety. I‘m not a normally anxious person but I have asthma and seeing all the posts makes me anxious. I saw a special about NYC early on and that really freaked me out. 4y

mrp27 Agreed, the constant barrage of information can be anxiety inducing. 4y

ravenlee I agree that the barrage has been deafening. I had to stop checking the news because of the anxiety it caused. I think in 1918 the opposite might have been true, though - the lack of information would have been frightening and misleading. 4y

See All 10 Comments

megnews @ravenlee yes, maybe the ‘80s level 6&11:00 news pre 24 hour news cycle and pre social media would have been a happy medium of information. 4y

rubyslippersreads Probably too little information then and an overwhelming amount now. 4y

Butterfinger I think just the amount of personal opinions on social media is what upset me the most. Why were people willing to be so hateful about wearing a mask? I completely stopped Facebook. I just couldn't deal with it. 4y

BarbaraJean I agree with everyone that the 24/7 news cycle has been exhausting and anxiety-producing. @Butterfinger - I feel similarly. It's exasperating that the ability we now have for quick, near-universal communication could have been so helpful in disseminating accurate and timely information, but instead turned into mass sharing of conspiracies and misinformation, and shouting matches about basic public health measures. 4y

sblbooks @rubyslippersreads what you said exactly. @megnews I agree the 80s, a happy medium. 4y

IndoorDame Yes 80s style sounds nice. I think what we have now is definitely a double edged sword. 4y

Chrissyreadit @megnews I think somewhere in the middle would be perfect. @Butterfinger I had to leave Facebook a couple years ago. I think that the purposeful misinformation today has been eye opening. 4y

30 likes10 comments

quote

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

Then, as now, some things were closed while others remained open. What decisions to remain open or large gatherings have surprised you the most?

#YABuddyRead

tagged users icon

BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, ravenlee, Butterfinger, IndoorDame, sblbooks

megnews I think the biggest thing to surprise me was the school decision to have a sports season. It was my daughter‘s senior year of soccer and I was sad but preparing for it to cancel since school was remote. But it wasn‘t. 4y

mrp27 Oh wow. Interesting they chose to continue sports season. In my area all school and league sports shut down immediately. We have had and continue to have some of the strictest closures so it blows my mind to see how open other cities are. I get certain areas are harder hit than others so closures are different but it‘s hard to wrap my mind around the fact that there was no real national guidelines to help spread. 4y

megnews @mrp27 I think there should have been some National guidelines though not necessarily the same shutdowns. I had to keep explaining to my kids that Italy or England shutting down is like Ohio shutting down. That the US shutting down is like all of Europe shutting down. I think we have a hard time thinking of the size and population differences. 4y

See All 11 Comments

rubyslippersreads I think anything that allows large groups of people in close contact is a bad idea, especially now that new variants are springing up. 4y

Butterfinger The biggest surprise for me was how open everything was in Pigeon Forge. I was shocked that inside attractions were not closed. 4y

megnews @Butterfinger I bought my daughter a season pass for Cedar Point last year before all this. They closed for awhile and then they opened. I was very surprised. She never went. Luckily they extended the passes through next season. I hope this is over by then. 4y

IndoorDame I‘m most surprised that closures haven‘t come back in my area and so many little it even though numbers are back up nearly at their worst. 4y

megnews @IndoorDame I agree. Our numbers are higher than when everything closed (for instance, restaurants) but everything is open here still too 4y

shellleigh33 A lot of our churches stayed opened and travel team sports were still able to continue. It took a long time for the governor to mandate certain shut downs and mask wearing in the state and then it was up to the mayor of the different counties if they wanted to enforce it in the community. Our mayor never did till the last few months. 4y

Chrissyreadit I‘m furious that schools closed but bars opened- I think that safe school should have been a priority. I feel like “eat in” is unnecessary- and like ordering then having it delivered to the car as a win win for business and me until restaurants can be safe. My state has rules that are often disregarded with no consequence. 4y

megnews @Chrissyreadit when all this started, it took me months before I even felt like ordering out or grabbing fast food. I couldn‘t understand saying it lives on surfaces but what if one asymptomatic carrier sneezes or coughs or touches my food. Didn‘t make sense to me. I still feel it‘s not 100% safe but caved to modern conveniences occasionally. I also think priorities have been weird through this whole thing. 4y

22 likes11 comments

quote

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

Both the 1918 epidemic and our current situation limited activities. What are you most looking forward to being able to do again when things reopen?

#YABuddyRead

tagged users icon

BarbaraJean, Deblovestoread, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, ravenlee, Butterfinger, IndoorDame, sblbooks

megnews One indulgence I give myself is season tickets to Playhouse Square Broadway series in Cleveland. I can‘t wait til it‘s safe to see a show in person. I also miss the movie theater. I miss going out without feeling anxious like I might be contaminated. And I‘ll be thankful when a weekly trip to Walmart isn‘t the highlight of the week. 4y

megnews I also can‘t wait til it‘s safe to visit NYC again. I had trips planned for last July and this December that were cancelled. 4y

ravenlee I miss seeing family. We‘re in Louisiana but our families are in Idaho and Tennessee, so we haven‘t seen relatives since last February. I need to hug my mom! Kiddo has been stuck at home with just me (while hubby was deployed) or me and her dad, with just two opportunities for seeing friends since March. 4y

See All 16 Comments

rubyslippersreads Browsing in bookstores! 😊 4y

Butterfinger Movies like @megnews playgrounds like @ravenlee and libraries sort of like @rubyslippersreads 4y

Deblovestoread Hugging my dad with regular visits, seeing the concerts that were cancelled and going to the theater and traveling. 4y

BarbaraJean Live music, travel, and browsing in bookstores and at the library. Being able to sing with others in a church service. I'm also looking forward to family gatherings where I don't have to worry about negotiating terms with relatives who don't want to wear masks or practice distancing around my 80-year-old parents. 😔 4y

sblbooks @BarbaraJean I can't wait for Church services to get back to normal either. There are many in our congregation who cannot come at all due to age health problems, I can't wait to see them again. 4y

IndoorDame I‘m looking forward to seeing family and friends again! My family is scattered, so I haven‘t seen them since this started. And I have some immune defense issues, so my social contact is still pretty much online. 4y

shellleigh33 I will be glad to be able to take a vacation and for my brother to get to come home for a visit (he is autistic and lives in a facility). He has not been able to come for a home visit since beginning of last year. 4y

Chrissyreadit I miss theatre, concerts and travel. @megnews are you close to NYC? @shellleigh33 I hope you can see your brother soon. This has to be particularly challenging for him and I admire the staff holding it together for facilities so much ❤️ 4y

megnews @chrissyreadit 7.5 hour drive. I wanted to visit since I was a kid but my mom hates crowds and cities. My first trip was with my two girls for my oldest‘s graduation in 2015. I‘ve visited once a year ever since. My favorite place. I love it. 4y

megnews @Chrissyreadit the drive is not actually quite that long. I‘m outside of Cleveland. I park in Newark and take the path in. 4y

Chrissyreadit @megnews I love that you go yearly! I would love to have a meet up during book expo or a fun event some day! What places do you visit there most often? 4y

megnews @Chrissyreadit it‘s my little treat to myself. I‘d love to meet up too. My first couple times were touristy. But my favorite thing to do is sit at one of the smaller parks (not really a lover of Central Park) and read and people watch. Love Madison Square Park as well as Bryant Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and Washington Square Park. The High Line, Chelsea Market. The Strand. I love history so I love the LES, Tenement Museum, Katz, ⬇️ 4y

megnews Yonnah schimmel‘s knish, Economy candy. Greenwich village area. 4y

30 likes16 comments

quote

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

Chloe was immediately affected by the closing of her school. What were the earliest impacts of Covid-19 on you? Do you think the impacts were greater then, now, or about the same?
#YABuddyRead

tagged users icon

BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, ravenlee, Butterfinger, IndoorDame, sblbooks

megnews I‘ll never be able to think about our shutdown without thinking about the musical I was scheduled to go see that night. I was already debating not going. Since then the whole rest of the season and the next we‘re cancelled. Second impact was my kids schools closing. Then work from home. 4y

megnews I feel like the impacts are greater now. Our population is increased. There‘s less rural farming communities that are spread out now than then. Less of a travel industry so less impact there. Less overall commerce in general. 4y

mrp27 I agree the impacts are greater now as there is so much more to impact. When things shut down in Southern California it all happened at once, work, school, retail, etc. which made it all the more shocking. The biggest concern when everything shut down was figuring out how to keep the family members that are compromised safe. 4y

See All 23 Comments

ravenlee I was playing in the pit orchestra for Little Women. We finished our Sunday matinee, waited all week for news, and found out Friday afternoon that instead of our show that night we were shutting down. We were to drop off our music and be done. As a percussionist, I had to tear down a huge amount of equipment with one hour‘s notice (and get my husband there with his truck because it wouldn‘t all fit in my car, and juggle the kiddo). 4y

ravenlee I think a big difference is the schools. Cleo‘s boarding school had to get parents there within a very short time or keep the kids on lockdown indefinitely. Imagine having to worry you‘d never see your kid again because you couldn‘t get there before the school shut. Horrifying. 4y

megnews @mrp27 here in ohio it was more of a roll out. The governor tried to keep the economy going as long as he could. We really had no clue we‘d be in for this kind of long haul. 4y

megnews @ravenlee wow! That‘s a whirlwind shutdown. I think I would have been fighting to get my child if I didn‘t make the curfew. 4y

rubyslippersreads The last “normal” thing I did before the shutdown was get my hair done on March 13. I never dreamed this would go on for so long. 4y

Butterfinger @ravenlee oh I bet the part about seeing the things that musicians left really impacted you. I know when the Governor shut down NC it was a week before Spring Break. It was just supposed to be a two week impromptu vacation. But then it was a Tuesday when we found out it would be longer, I was scrambling around trying to figure out Zoom. Texting parents. Wanted to make sure they had everything they needed. I got groceries for some families. At the time, I wasn't worried about education. I just wanted to see them. To know that they were alright. I never want to experience that again. 4y

Deblovestoread We have closed our office to the public but I go in just like always as does my husband. I feel for all those with young children. I can‘t imagine the impact it has on families. 4y

BarbaraJean The earliest impact for me was working remotely, then church activities moving online. The biggest impact emotionally was my niece having to cancel her wedding plans for early April. They were already planning an outdoor ceremony, but had to scale down to only 10 guests and everyone else watched via Zoom. 😭 Then her younger sister's college graduation ceremony was cancelled just a few weeks later. So many milestones that looked very different! 4y

megnews @BarbaraJean my daughter and I did “online tours” of the colleges she was interested in. We finally got alto visit a few. She still asks if she‘ll have a high school graduation ceremony this year. No announcement yet. 4y

sblbooks The earliest impact for me was being sent home to work. We had about 24 hours notice. I had to work my regular shift, right before going home that day the director came and said I'm sending you home today she had to help me pack up my PC. I then had to home, unload, Setup, reconnect and clock out. Then be ready to go back to work from home the next morning. 4y

BarbaraJean @megnews Oh, I hope she's able to have a graduation ceremony! I'm glad you were finally able to do a few visits. My niece's university finally did an online ceremony in December for their May & December graduates. She hated it, and still feels let down. It's hard for her as a middle child to feel like she didn't get the same celebration others had. I especially feel for those who aren't able to have the “normal“ experiences/rites of passage! 4y

sblbooks The hardest part about this was when my Aunt and Granny got sick and had to be put in a nursing home. They were less than an hour away and I was planning on going to visit them almost daily. However due to covid-19 that wasn't possible. We could only do window visits most of the time. I just wish we could have kept them at home, but we couldn't because they weren't able to walk. 4y

ravenlee @Butterfinger actually, that part confused me - other than percussionists, musicians leave their instruments at the gig site. And I pack up everything I would need to practice at home every night. So I was bothered by all those instruments being left behind. It just seemed unrealistic. 4y

shellleigh33 I am a nurse in the ER and my husband is a paramedic, so I think the earliest impact was the changes at work on the way we had to provide treatment and then seeing the first few cases. It just amazed me how people in our community was not taking it seriously when I was seeing so many people sick. 4y

megnews @shellleigh33 I can‘t even imagine what it‘s like to be a nurse or paramedic right now. Thank you to you both!! 4y

shellleigh33 Thank you 😊 @megnews Covid has put a lot of strain on healthcare workers and we have lost several coworkers to it but I couldn‘t imagine doing anything else. I love my job. 4y

Chrissyreadit @shellleigh33 yes thank you!!! Your jobs have becoming the overwhelming work of superheroes. 4y

Chrissyreadit @megnews we had to do a small graduation at home and it broke my heart. My daughter had decided to take a gap year anyway due to an illness, but she‘s a performer and we could not imagine auditioning and performing so she focused on social media instead and then was signed to IMG Models in Dec. we are doing virtual college tours this year for my son. 4y

Chrissyreadit @ravenlee my daughter had her last performance on a Sunday in March and we went into quarentine on the next day. It felt strange breaking down set, no cast party and she has not been in a theatre in almost a year. 4y

Chrissyreadit @sblbooks my experience was similar. We went home on a Friday and were providing telehealth from home the next week. 4y

27 likes23 comments

quote

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

It was impossible to read A Death Struck Year without noting the similarities between the 1918 epidemic and our current situation. But does it bring to mind any differences in the two events?

#YABuddyRead

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BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, ravenlee, Butterfinger, IndoorDame, sblbooks

rubyslippersreads No social media in 1918. 4y

mrp27 No television either or modern medicine, technology. 4y

megnews @rubyslippersreads @mrp27 first things that come to mind for me too. What benefits are there to our modern technology during a pandemic? What drawbacks? 4y

See All 15 Comments

mrp27 First thought that comes to mind is quicker and more reliable information, no telegrams or waiting for newspapers to print. A drawback to so much information at hand is people start mixing their opinions with facts. 4y

ravenlee I had to wonder if there were “special interest groups” trying to get exceptions made, like we saw last year: churches claiming they should be exempt, and so forth. 4y

megnews @ravenlee churches in my area have been good about it. But I agree. 4y

rubyslippersreads What @mrp27 said. 4y

Butterfinger They didn't have the medical technology that we have - intravenous fluids or ventilators. And every time that aspirin was mentioned I shivered. 4y

Deblovestoread I agree with @mrp27 but with all the reliable information there is lots of access to detrimental information which we have in spades. 4y

megnews @Butterfinger yes, and trained nurses. Can you imagine lay people with no training trying to handle today‘s pandemic? And lack of understanding of how disease spreads too. 4y

sblbooks All valid points, the first thing I thought of was the differences in medical training and Technology. @Butterfinger @megnews 4y

IndoorDame So much of our economy not just information is online now too, so we were able to switch to online schools and internet shopping in a lot of areas. 4y

shellleigh33 As a nurse, I seen a lot of difference with medicine techniques back then and today‘s time. I am so glad we are more advanced in medical technology today 4y

JaclynW @megnews I have about 80 pages left to read, then I will come back to the questions. 😊 4y

JaclynW @rubyslippersreads @mrp27 @megnews @ravenlee @Butterfinger @Kdgordon88 @sblbooks @IndoorDame @shellleigh33 One thing I wondered while reading this book was if there were groups of people who opposed/didn't believe/protested/"rebeled" etc. the scientists and government officials that were giving direction and information regarding the Spanish Flu. There seems to be a lot of those groups in these Covid times. 4y

22 likes15 comments

review

Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

Pick

pick

So eerily similar to 2020. The fast way schools were closed, masks were everywhere, and friends and strangers looked at you when you sneezed or coughed. I don't live in an urban area so I know I am fortunate to not witness stacked caskets or tent hospitals, but I have seen the news so even that is similar. I'm glad I read it. #YABuddyRead @sblbooks @megnews #JoyousJanuary @Andrew65 3/5

Andrew65 Well done 👏👏👏 4y

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review

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

Meh

so-so

#YABuddyRead

Glad I read this as it was interesting and my first time reading about the Spanish Influenza. I was struck by the similarities between the current pandemic and the one in the book. I also felt there were missed opportunities for growth for the mc and that annoyed me. Looking forward to tomorrow‘s discussion.

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review

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

Meh

so-so

I enjoyed this novel focused on the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic. It was fascinating to see so many parallels to the current pandemic—it seemed so timely I thought it MUST have been published post-COVID, but nope: 2014. The story (especially the ending) felt a bit rushed, and while I liked the characters and story, I wanted a little more depth and complexity. Looking forward to the #YABuddyRead discussion!
📷 Pictured with current pandemic masks!

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megnews What a great idea for a picture! 4y

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quote

Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

Thousands of circulars had been distributed, warning everyone to keep away from crowded places. Was no one reading them? Or were they just ignoring the flyers, as we were about to do? There was no place in the city more crowded than this.

I had to look at the publishing date. So similar. #YABuddyRead @megnews @sblbooks

rubyslippersreads I thought that too when I was reading it. 4y

39 likes1 comment

review

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

Pick

pick

A low pick for #YABuddyRead for me. Cleo wasn‘t my favorite MC, Kate broke my heart, and I really liked Edmund. The whole thing felt a bit rushed. Interesting to see a pandemic while living one. I wouldn‘t have picked this myself but am glad I read it.

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blurb

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

Next up for #YABuddyRead, and the current read-aloud with the kiddo.

MatchlessMarie Oooh I think I need to add Theater Shoes to my tbr 4y

BennettBookworm This makes me think of You‘ve Got Mail! ❤️ @LiteraryinLititz 4y

LiteraryinPA @BennettBookworm I totally agree!! 4y

See All 6 Comments

LeahBergen I love Noel Streatfeild 💗💗 4y

ravenlee @BennettBookworm @LiteraryinLititz always! But I was very happy to discover recently that Skating Shoes is no longer out of print! 😆Kiddo loved Ballet Shoes so much we‘re on a quest to get the others. Apparently there are also Circus Shoes and Movie Shoes, in addition to the other four. 4y

BennettBookworm That rocks!! 4y

35 likes6 comments

blurb

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

This was a book full of thoughts and conversations- it was difficult to find a quote for the #yabuddyread but then, I did. I‘ve been thinking the last 24 hours of the incredible people putting their lives on the line every day. We are seeing the best and the worst of people every single day. More than ever before. 2020 and 2021 are helping me see more of people than I thought possible. Even so, I am here for it.

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blurb

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

#YABuddyRead Don‘t forget to finish reading and post your review. Discussion next Sunday.

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BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, ravenlee, Butterfinger, IndoorDame, sblbooks

InkintheMargins Hi @megnews ! Can you please tag me on these monthly reads as well? 4y

megnews @MadDashReading sure thing! 4y

Chrissyreadit My review is posted- I will try to post a quote or blurb too. 4y

megnews @chrissyreadit 👍🏻 4y

36 likes4 comments

review

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

Pick

pick

This #yabuddyread was an excellent read. It was heartbreaking, not just because of the topic but the characters were so well written. I was heartbroken when it ended because I needed to know more about everyone and their futures, even the minor characters- I‘m so glad this book was chosen and recommend it to anyone who likes character and plot driven historical YA. #slumpathon @Hestapleton this will get anyone out of a slump!

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tpixie Great review! I‘m finishing up the Mystery of Mrs. Christie. I just finished and loved the queen Gambit. Maybe I can get to this book soon,but my sister insists that my next read Has to be

[tagged book]

(edited) 4y

Chrissyreadit @tpixie keep in mind this YA- it will not be in a literary style the way those books are. It will be a great, meticulously researched fictional account of the 1918 pandemic in Portland Oregon- and I would love to hear what you think of it. 4y

tpixie @Chrissyreadit Ooh that sounds good! And I love how you loved the characters! (edited) 4y

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tpixie @Chrissyreadit I borrowed it from Hoopla- so at least it will be in my history to remind me to read it, if I don‘t get to it this month! (edited) 4y

Chrissyreadit @tpixie it is a really fast read!!! 4y

tpixie @Chrissyreadit 🥳 4y

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blurb

Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

Beginning this and that quote struck my soul.

quote

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

review

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

Pick

pick

I read this for #YAbuddyread & #booked2021 #winter prompt 4 #covidheroes doctor/nurse MC. When the Spanish Influenza hits Portland in 1918 Cleo is left all alone in the city for the first time ever. Quarantine has shut down her school dormitories & trapped her guardians out of town. With no one to tell her it‘s too dangerous, she signs up as a Red Cross volunteer & begins to see the full scope of the epidemic & the efforts to combat it. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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Cinfhen, BarbaraTheBibliophage, megnews, alisiakae

IndoorDame The parallels (& differences) between then & right now are striking, & I think they made me enjoy & appreciate this book much more than I would have when it first came out. And seeing the essential role Cleo played as a volunteer reaffirmed my faith that people of all ages, from all walks of life, come together and step forward in a crisis, and that people will continue doing so right now even with the long duration of this Pandemic. 4y

megnews It‘s not every day you‘re living through something a character in historical fiction from 100 years ago did! I was struck by the many parallels as well. Looking forward to our conversation later this month. 4y

IndoorDame @megnews me too! :) 4y

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Crazeedi @IndoorDame oh sounds like a great one, I may read! I read 2 this past year that would have fit this prompt... 4y

Crazeedi @IndoorDame hmmm cant seem to find on libby... 4y

Cinfhen Yay!!! So happy to see all these new prompts being filled!!!! 4y

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review

Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

Pick

pick

I found it fascinating to read this #youngadult novel set during the influenza epidemic of 1918. The similarities and differences to our current pandemic were quite interesting.

#YABuddyRead

quote

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

I think many of us asked ourselves this in 2020. #YABuddyRead

blurb

Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

First book of 2021. January‘s #YABuddyread pick is set in Oregon during 1918 and the Spanish flu epidemic.
A young 17 year old girl who thinks herself ordinary tries to figure out what path her future should take. I enjoyed this heart wrenching but hopeful story.

Next up The Bookwanderers for #MGBuddyread

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38 likes1 stack add

quote

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

Ripped from the headlines...of 1918!

(Keep in mind, as you read, this book was originally published in 2014.)

#YABuddyRead

Traci1 Wow 😮 4y

32 likes1 comment

blurb

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

#YABuddyRead

Downloaded a copy from Libby and ready to dig in.

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quote

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

#YABuddyRead -ers, before we begin, do you think it‘s a good idea, bad idea, or doesn‘t make a difference reading a novel set during the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic in the midst of COVID-19?

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rubyslippersreads, Daisey, Johanna414, Crazeedi, LibrarianRyan, kspenmoll, Readingismyescape, BarbaraJean, mrp27, Nute, Deblovestoread, SaturnDoo, Chelsibno, JaclynW, ravenlee, shellleigh33, Butterfinger, IndoorDame, sblbooks, Tracyantoon

Butterfinger I haven't been personally affected by it. Yet. The ones close to me who have been sick has gotten better. If there had been complications in my circle of friends and family, it may be hard for me to read. I don't think I am making sense. I think it would have to be a personal decision to skip the read or not. 4y

IndoorDame I agree with @Butterfinger that some people may want to skip it. Personally I think it may provide interesting insights 4y

megnews @Butterfinger I think your answer makes sense. I‘ve had some friends with it but they are generally healthy people and recovered well. I can see what you‘re saying. I‘ve started reading and it‘s interesting to note the similarities and differences between then and now. (edited) 4y

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megnews @IndoorDame that‘s how I felt too. 4y

Butterfinger @megnews @IndoorDame I think it shows your compassion in warning people of the content. I appreciate it. I look forward to reading it myself. 4y

Deblovestoread I am fine with reading it as I have been lucky in my circle. I also would understand someone choosing to not read a book that feels likes it hits a little to close to reality. Giving a heads up was a smart thing to do. 4y

sblbooks I have actually been looking for books about pandemics, since covid-19 hit. I'm looking forward to this one. 4y

ravenlee I really don‘t know, but I figure if things get too tough I‘ll just DNF and decide if it‘s something to return to another time. 4y

mrp27 I‘m unsure how it will make me feel. This will be my first pandemic related book. I haven‘t been deliberately avoiding these types of books but I haven‘t been actively searching them out either. We‘ll see how it goes! 4y

megnews @sblbooks me too. 4y

JaclynW @megnews @sblbooks Me three. I've read a few others. I'm finding them fascinating. Like others have said, the heads up was nice and we can all choose to read or not knowing what we may find. Thank you for being thoughtful. 4y

kspenmoll This looks good to me. I think I will be fine. 4y

shellleigh33 Finished this book today @megnews It was so good. Cannot wait for the discussion!! As a nurse today, I felt like I related a lot to this book and I believe it is one reason I appreciate it so much. 4y

megnews @shellleigh33 I‘m glad you liked it. I‘m looking forward to our discussion as well. 4y

34 likes14 comments

blurb

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

(I know this isn‘t the final cover but I like it better. 😂)

Please make sure to tag me and #YABuddyRead in your posts.

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rubyslippersreads, Daisey, Johanna414, LibrarianRyan, Readingismyescape, BarbaraJean, mrp27, Nute, Deblovestoread, SaturnDoo, Chelsibno, JaclynW, ravenlee, shellleigh33, Butterfinger, IndoorDame, sblbooks, Tracyantoon

mrp27 Fun! 4y

Daisey I don‘t have access to a copy of the MG choice and I‘m reading nominations for the Missouri school librarians‘ awards right now, but I am going to try to fit this one in towards the end of the month. 4y

kspenmoll I would love to try and read this as I work in a HS. 4y

See All 6 Comments

megnews @kspenmoll I hope you can join us! 4y

megnews @Daisey sounds good! Let us know your thoughts when you get to it. Enjoy your reading! 4y

megnews @kspenmoll health system? My mom retired from Cleveland Clinic NICU two years ago and they called her at the beginning of this to come in. 4y

36 likes6 comments

blurb

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

Here is my January #Bookspin list. I will make a Bingo board and use the other 5 spots for mood reading, although I may not get to them. My January is fairly booked with 5 buddy reads, at least one #NewYearWhoDis pick and at least one N K Jemisin book for #AuthorAMonth2021. I am really looking forward to a great reading year. Thanks to all the hosts for great opportunities to expand my reading.

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Cinfhen, Soubhiville, sprainedbrain, megnews, jenniferw88, monalyisha, BarbaraBB, TheSpineView, sblbooks, TheAromaofBooks

sprainedbrain I can't wait to hear what you think of The Clergyman's Wife! 😍 4y

Cinfhen Sooo exciting.....a whole new year of challenges and buddyreads💕💕💕💕Enjoy and looking forward to seeing your 2021 reads😍 4y

Cinfhen I really liked

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The Glass Hotel

4y

Cinfhen Woohoo

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The Group: A Novel

4y

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! I have The Fifth Season on my January list as well!! 4y

40 likes5 comments

blurb

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

Who‘s joining me for January‘s #YABuddyRead? This is also a reminder for #MGBuddyRead coming again in January. Get your books! All welcome!

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rubyslippersreads, Daisey, Johanna414, erzascarletbookgasm, catebutler, LibrarianRyan, thegirlwiththelibrarybag, TheBookHippie, Readingismyescape, BarbaraJean, mrp27, Nute, Deblovestoread, SaturnDoo, Lmstraubie, Chrissyreadit, Chelsibno, JaclynW, ravenlee, shellleigh33, Butterfinger, IndoorDame, sblbooks, Roary47, Tracyantoon

Tracyantoon Already got Bookwanders on audio from the library! 4y

sblbooks I'm going to try to join you. I have it on Kindle. 4y

Chrissyreadit I‘m hoping to join. They both sound good. 4y

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mrp27 I have it in hold through Libby, hope to join in! 4y

ravenlee This may be a dumb question, but The Bookwanderers and Tilly and the Bookwanderers are actually the same book, right? Because I have The Bookwanderers. 4y

megnews @ravenlee I believe so. By Anna James? 4y

TheBookHippie Me! 4y

ravenlee Yes. Descriptions look the same, covers are very similar. 4y

Deblovestoread Yep, have both books. Ready to kick off a new reading year. 4y

BarbaraJean Planning on both... I‘m first in line on the library holds list for both, so they should be arriving soon! 4y

cozypunk Wait, wait... YAreads and MGreads are both in January?? How can I decide? 🤯 4y

megnews @dandy.punk yeah, I‘m going to try doing one of each each month to see how it goes. They‘re usually fairly short, quick reading. Pick the one you like the best or can get or flip a coin or join us for both! 😃 4y

cozypunk @megnews you're overestimating how much f 4y

cozypunk (Darn thumbs 🙄) how much quiet time i can find. I have more MG books on hand. Is there a sign-up or just read and hashtag? 4y

Johanna414 Just put a hold on The Bookwanderers! 4y

33 likes15 comments

blurb

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

I‘ve read lots of young adult this year but there‘s still so many more great books on my tbr. Due to interest from #MGBuddyRead, I‘m starting a #YABuddyRead too. Join in when you can. All are welcome. Tag #YABuddyRead in your posts as you read. Discussion for A Death Struck Year will take place January 23.

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rubyslippersreads, Daisey, Johanna414, LibrarianRyan, Readingismyescape, BarbaraJean, mrp27, Nute, Deblovestoread, SaturnDoo, Chelsibno, shellleigh33, Butterfinger, IndoorDame, sblbooks, Tracyantoon

Johanna414 My goal is to read some MG and YA from my school library, so I will join in when you‘re reading a book I have! 4y

Peddler410 Please add me to you tags for #yabuddyread I‘m going to look for this one and try to catch up. 4y

40 likes2 comments

blurb

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

Seemed like a fitting pick for #YAApril - a story of the Spanish flu of 1918

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rubyslippersreads, Peddler410, erzascarletbookgasm, LibrarianRyan, BethM, Deblovestoread, SaturnDoo, Butterfinger, TrishMcCallister, sblbooks, InkedBookworm13, Readswithcoffee, Tracyantoon

LibrarianRyan There you go. 5y

SaturnDoo Interesting ❤❤❤ adding to my stack 😊 5y

sblbooks This one is on my list for this month too. 5y

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review

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

Pick

pick

A well-written historical fiction. It's a story about a girl who helps at an emergency shelter during the Spanish influenza epidemic. It was a good combination of history and story.

review

A Death-Struck Year | Makiia Lucier

Meh

so-so

I just finished this YA book about a teenage girl who lived through the Spanish Influenza in 1918. I have never read anything about this topic. The book although light on facts, gave me a better sense of the dire situation as the flu spread. It made me think about the fear of the people trying to help and the lack of resources even to bury the dead. Good little story and fast read.