The story of the worldwide scientific quest to decipher the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, trace its source, and make possible the vaccines to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

Breathless is the story of SARS-CoV-2 and its fierce journey through the human population, as seen by the scientists who study its origin, its ever-changing nature, and its capacity to kill us. David Quammen expertly shows how strange new viruses emerge from animals into humans as we disrupt wild ecosystems, and how those viruses adapt to their human hosts, sometimes causing global catastrophe. He explains why this coronavirus will probably be a “forever virus,” destined to circulate among humans and bedevil us endlessly, in one variant form or another. As scientists labor to catch it, comprehend it, and control it, with their high-tech tools and methods, the virus finds ways of escape.

Based on interviews with nearly one hundred scientists, including leading virologists in China and around the world, Quammen explains that:
-Infectious disease experts saw this pandemic coming
-Some scientists, for more than two decades, warned that “the next big one” would be caused by a changeable new virus—very possibly a coronavirus—but such warnings were ignored for political or economic reasons
-The precise origins of this virus may not be known for years, but some clues are compelling, and some suppositions can be dismissed
-And much more.

Breathless takes you inside the frantic international effort to understand and control SARS-CoV-2 as if we were peering over the shoulders of the brilliant scientists who led the chase.

“We are overwhelmed by news about the coronavirus every day: What are the latest regulations regarding masks; where are infections spiking or diminishing; what are the regulations for travel; how effective are the vaccines; is the latest variant more dangerous than earlier ones; etc.

We have a great deal of information, but not enough knowledge. Breathless explains the basic science of the coronavirus in a way we can understand. It shows how scientists all over the world mobilized and communicated to learn how the virus works, making it possible to develop vaccines faster than has ever been done before. Breathless is a portrait of science—and scientists—in action during a time of crisis.

If you want to understand these viruses—which will be with us for the rest of our lives—this is the book to read. And if you want to appreciate the dedication, the brilliance, and the internationalism of the scientific community as it races to save lives, this is also the book to read.”

—Bob B., VP, Executive Editor, on Breathless

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster (October 4, 2022)
• Length: 416 pages
• ISBN13: 9781982164362

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