The Long COVID Reader: Writing and Poetry from 45 Long Haulers

by Mary Ladd (editor), Andrew David King (editor), Regan McMahon (editor)

COVID-19 is possibly the world's biggest mass-disabling event. This ambitious book gives a humanized view of chronic illness while offering a poignant reminder of the millions of people with long COVID. The collection is rich with living history from the stories, essays, and poems of 45 long haulers.

Writer Mary Ladd, a one-time Anthony Bourdain collaborator, leads the team behind an accessible paperback, offering tales of persisting symptoms and navigating the healthcare system to poignant reflections on grief, loss, and hope. This anthology is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the long-term effects of COVID-19.

Featuring Andrew David King, Pato Hebert, Nina Storey, Emily Pinkerton, Morgan Stephens, Nikki Stewart, Sonya Huber, Ann E. Wallace, Alexis Misko, and others.

Uses a patient-centric, experiential literary approach that is brave and insightful.

A powerful testament to human resilience, strength, and solidarity

Fans of The Invisible Kingdom: Reimagining Chronic Illness, The Long Haul, and The Long COVID Survival Guide will love this book.

This book is a must-read for:

- Anyone experiencing long COVID symptoms
- Caregivers, family, friends, and anyone looking to understand long COVID
- Medical professionals and researchers

Genres: Disability

256 pages, Paperback

Published November 15, 2023

About the author

Mary Ladd's writing has appeared in Playboy, Time Magazine, the San Francisco Chronicle and in five anthologies. She is a Writers Grotto member who collaborated with Anthony Bourdain on his Bay Area episodes of No Reservations.

Reviews

[Sarah P.]

Beautiful book. I've had Long COVID since March of 2020. It's been a very, very isolating experience. I've really enjoyed reading this book. I heard about it from a support group, and am very glad it exists. Great writing from a diverse group of writers. Would highly recommend for anyone with this terrible illnesses or who's supporting someone with it. Thank you!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to all the brave souls who contributed to this book. I felt seen and understood. Praying for a brighter and kinder future for all of us.

[Beth Winegarner · Rating 5 out of 5]

These essays, poems and stories are brave and honest expressions of what it's like to live with Long COVID (and, to some extent, other chronic illnesses). A beautiful and important book.

[PG Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic collection of stories, poems and essays written by long haulers - it deepened my understanding of living with long covid and exposed me to seeing many smallest things from a different angle. A lot of hope, reflection, and pacing oneself, trying to find a new routine and balance without the constant grief of the loss of the past.

[James Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know a book like this would come out. I hadn't even thought of the idea. It often feels like we've been erased. It's been encouraging to read the stories of others going through it. Our stories matter.