Title: My COVID-19 Diary: Practical Tips and Scriptures for Improbable Times from an American Doctor
Author: Theresa Y. Wee
Publisher: Reader’s Magnet, LLC
ISBN: 979-8890914590
Pages: 350
Genre: Medical Books / Inspirational
Reviewed by: Liz Konkel
Hollywood Book Reviews
Dr. Theresa Wee takes you back to the days of forced shutdowns, quarantines, social distancing, and testing with My COVID-19 Diary. During the onset of the pandemic, she connected with people through daily blogs she posted on social media which contained advice and tips that came from her experiences as a wife, mother, and pediatrician. These posts highlighted ways God helped her through challenges, key moments of frustration and fear during the early days of the pandemic and personal struggles. The goal of the diary was to provide encouragement and offer ways for people to connect, move forward and persevere.
The personal and open writing style incorporates Scriptures, medical advice, and practical insights through short daily passages that aim to create a positive impact. Dr. Theresa Wee uses her experiences as a doctor and her own faith-driven perspective to share a hopeful message of overcoming challenges and surviving as a community. These areas are highlighted over the year 2020 which was the beginning of a period dominated by social distancing, lockdowns, people getting sick, and uncertainty about what the future holds. The time she’s taking us back to is one we experienced together and even though globally we have overcome a lot, there is still a relevance to what Wee shares in this diary. However, this is not written in anger nor fear, but from a hopeful standpoint that believes that is written with an informal tone that speaks directly to the reader.
The Scriptures included are meant to inspire hope and provide solace for any challenging time. While the blog posts focus specifically on the pandemic, most of the insight and advice provided can be used for any difficult situation. This is seen in how Wee incorporates her own challenges such as the unexpected loss of her first husband and the fear of her granddaughter’s birth during COVID. These are situations where she felt overwhelmed and confused, however, she found a way to push through and find faith. Through that, the diary takes on the importance akin to a devotional as each passage is sharing something real while as a whole aiming to be hopeful and encouraging. It can be felt how cathartic the posts were as she expressed her fears, frustrations, and hopes while remaining thankful to God. Photos are included with each passage, which gives the diary a personalized feeling that allows you to connect to her as a real person.
The passages are short making for a quick read a little at a time which permits the insights to resonate deeper with you. The diary is relatable and explores a topic we’re overwhelmingly familiar with, however, Wee stands out as she shares her COVID story from a positive mindset. This concept is at the core of each passage and by the end of the diary, you can see where hope was the anchor she needed not just for her mindset but for her soul. Given this is set during COVID, there are practical tips and advice which pertain directly to the pandemic such as ways to boost your immune system. Most of the reminders can be generally used such as making time for family, thriving best with routines, getting fresh air, and reaching out for help if you reach a breaking point.
A collection of passages, My COVID-19 Diary explores the onset of the pandemic from a positive mindset through a blend of medical advice, hopeful insights, and Scriptures that provide a message that fits any type of challenge. My COVID-19 Diary is a must-read for anyone looking to strengthen their faith, care for their health, and find hope during times of uncertainty.