Our Malady

Lessons in Liberty from a Hospital Diary

By: Timothy Snyder

Narrated by: Timothy Snyder

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller On Tyranny comes an impassioned condemnation of America's pandemic response and an urgent call to rethink health and freedom.

On December 29, 2019, historian Timothy Snyder fell gravely ill. Unable to stand, barely able to think, he waited for hours in an emergency room before being correctly diagnosed and rushed into surgery. Over the next few days, as he clung to life and the first light of a new year came through his window, he found himself reflecting on the fragility of health, not recognized in America as a human right but without which all rights and freedoms have no meaning.

And that was before the pandemic. We have since watched American hospitals, long understaffed and undersupplied, buckling under waves of ill patients. The federal government made matters worse through willful ignorance, misinformation, and profiteering. Our system of commercial medicine failed the ultimate test, and thousands of Americans died.

In this eye-opening cri de coeur, Snyder traces the societal forces that led us here and outlines the lessons we must learn to survive. In examining some of the darkest moments of recent history and of his own life, Snyder finds glimmers of hope and principles that could lead us out of our current malaise. Only by enshrining healthcare as a human right, elevating the authority of doctors and medical knowledge, and planning for our children’s future can we create an America where everyone is truly free.

Critic reviews

“[Snyder’s] litany of the many ways the United States bungled the coronavirus response is eloquent and pointed. . . . His cry of rage is certain to get your attention.”—The Washington Post

“Compelling . . . Snyder combines moving personal experience with keen historical and political analysis in Our Malady. . . . A powerful argument for universal health care as a fundamental right.”—Chicago Tribune

Had this jaded ER nurse close to tears

Wow, this short book was literally a brief summary of much of my everyday frustrations and a glimpse of how broken our healthcare system is. It's also sprinkled with specific evidence of how our government has failed to act appropriately during this pandemic. Although I can see how some may perceive this as a left point of view, it actually is based on factual events and statements, that are not taken out of context. Overall, a great read that gets you pondering just exactly how our nation got here and what on earth can we do now.

Most important message for our time.

This short book, is the most affecting I read in this pandemic year. It is filled with pain, anger, compassion and truth. I am sending it as a hopeful message to my friends. I hope that this definition of freedom replaces our (US) flawed nihilistic understanding of freedom. I hope that more people here understand what I mean when I explain that universal health care drives away fear and that we pay taxes out of solidarity.

Snyder at the height of hos powers despite illness

More specific in its focus than his other recent work, just as vast in its implications.

Honesty about the US Healthcare system.

Excellent narrative. His personal encounters are powerful.
Highly recommend to anyone who wants to learn about our healthcare system in the early part of the 21st-century. 

Read this book

Probably the most important book you will ever read to understand how society can be better and how Americans can be free