Review of Self-Inflicted

[Alida Spies]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Self-Inflicted" by Edward Correia.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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In Mumbai, India, Professor Kabir Kumar succumbs to the pressure from his wife and children to acquire a pet monkey for the family. The capuchin monkey bites Kabir just before he leaves for America to speak at a conference. Unfortunately, the monkey delivers more than a painful wound.

In Charleston, South Carolina, a surgery unit located in the basement of the Medical University of South Carolina Hospital is starting to flood, with surgery in progress. The weather bureau has issued a Level 4 hurricane warning. If the hurricane hits, more areas in the hospital will be in danger of flooding. Other buildings in coastal cities are facing similar challenges.

Melissa Harding, President of the United States of America, is faced with two severe challenges: the climate change caused by carbon emissions and a pandemic with devastating effects much worse than COVID-19, transferred from the monkey that bit Kabir. Will Melissa be able to navigate the complicated political landscape to successfully combat these threats?

Edward Correia leads readers through the complicated political landscape prevalent in the United States of America in his book, “Self-Inflicted.” President Harding faces a divided Congress, a conservative Supreme Court, and many members of the public, including religious organizations, against vaccines. The book effectively demonstrates how politicians, religious leaders and the law can prevent serious problems from getting resolved.

The author’s character descriptions are vivid and realistic. Readers gain insight into the personal and political challenges numerous characters face, thereby acquiring an understanding of their thought processes and motivations. I love how Melissa talks to her team and motivates them. Who can resist a leader who says she trusts you and believes in you? I also appreciate Landover’s description of the Senate and how any one of the hundred members can grind the country to a halt.

I noticed some errors, but the book was professionally edited. I would’ve expected more information about the effect of the virus on other countries, but very little was mentioned. It would’ve increased the authenticity of the impact of a major pandemic. That is the only improvement I can suggest.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. The author candidly demonstrates what is wrong with the political environment in the USA as well as the potential consequences of the self-inflicted rules and methods. Adults who are interested in politics will love this book.

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Self-Inflicted
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[Louis Donald]

The way the book intertwines political struggles with a global crisis sounds like a powerful commentary on today's challenges. I can see how the vivid character descriptions and political landscape would make it compelling, especially for those interested in how complex issues play out in leadership.

[kashala]

The book illustrates the conflicts between religious organizations, the public, and the political landscape, and how these conflicts affect society.

[Pearl Flourish]

The mix of political drama, climate crisis, and a terrifying new pandemic makes for a gripping and unsettlingly realistic story. It’s fascinating—and frustrating to see how bureaucracy and ideology can stand in the way of solving life-or-death problems.

[George Bastem]

The mix of political drama, climate crisis, and a deadly pandemic sounds intense and thought-provoking. It’s fascinating how the story highlights the obstacles leaders face, not just from external threats but from the very systems meant to protect people.