Examining the many difficulties and stresses of the Covid-19 restrictions in place in 2020 and beyond, author Smith provides a thoughtful viewpoint along with many pragmatic strategies from his own experience and that of others. He reminds us that this is not the first time Americans have faced lifestyle changes as a result of widespread infectious illness. During the 1918 Spanish influenza pandemic, Americans were asked to self-isolate and practice high standards of personal hygiene. Now, with a much larger population and much more extensive communication, measures taken can be far more complex, requiring the cooperation of every family member. Children are kept from schools and social gatherings. Parents are forced into a role as teachers, and it is still uncertain when these restrictions will be changed or how those changes will occur.

Contributions from among the author's contacts also express feelings engendered by the sheltering orders and contribute thoughts and suggestions for readers. Linda Ullah recalls a historical event at a small local school that closed down entirely in 1918. Lynn Chen cites positives of family functioning along with deficits such as missing annual gatherings. Roseanne Johnson declares she never wished to homeschool her children but now willingly participates in their educational activities while crediting their teachers with incredible skills and will. Israel "Izzy" Golden works in an essential job and has learned to make the most of distance learning for his college experience. A teacher, Maria Thompson, says she works more hours now, constantly thinking of new ways to educate and entertain her young students. Anthony Cedoline offers a humorous look at possible Covid-engendered pitfalls, declaring, for example, that he never before imagined he would go into a bank wearing a mask and demanding money from the teller.

Smith, who grew up in post-World War II America with an awareness of other less privileged groups such as children of migrant workers and Japanese children in internment camps, offers his ideas plainly and with evident empathy for all Americans affected by current pandemic conditions. Among his many excellent ideas are creating materials to help others, such as get well cards and "appreciation notes," indoor and outdoor games, gardening, and a "weed pulling contest" to keep parents and children happily at home and engaged. He contributes lists, resources, and above all, sound reasoning for considering and coping with Covid and any other potential national and international threat. He strongly recommends creating what he calls a "Pandemic First Aid Kit," which would contain not the usual medicinal products. However, such items as hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and masks will be included. Reading material, games, means of communication, materials for a favorite hobby, and, for children, art and educational materials, all need to be set aside, Smith contends, in the case of a resurgence of Covid-19 or the rise of a new widespread infection. His book can serve as a manual for now and the future, providing intelligent, practical guidance for all concerned with the new lifestyle template that Covid has imposed.

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