Official Review: Coronavirus Light by Allan Lieberman

[Harty Muli]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Coronavirus Light" by Allan Lieberman.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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The increasing commercialization of news and entertainment (infotainment) sources has led to a sense of disillusionment among members of the public. As Allan Lieberman notes in his book Coronavirus Light, the “news media is not reporting news anymore” but what they want the public to know. Similarly, the advent of the coronavirus pandemic has led to everyone putting forward their opinion that includes deception and fatuous comments about the virus. He cites the example of a political commentator who announced that Chinese Americans were guilty of spreading the virus more than any other demographic group in America.

Lieberman’s novel is a satirical piece on the social effects of the pandemic in the U. S. As a supermarket supervisor ("Mashgiach") at a kosher deli, Lieberman recounts his experiences whilst in the line of duty and amid the stifling social rules that have been put in place to keep the catastrophe at bay. Picking up my earlier thread of the political commentator, Lieberman, in response, advocates for the nationalization of all Chinese restaurants as they’re guilty of serving “Sweet & Sour Bat and Bat Fried Rice” in their menu!

His comic, sometimes ironic, tone permeates even the contents page, which features such whimsical titles as, “Which Social Distancer are You?” and “The Great Toilet Paper Caper.” Apart from coming up with exercises to let his readers discover their “social distancing” type, I was amused to learn that the term “social distancing” is not a new concept at all; it was practiced in Biblical times, and more recently, when I avoid eye contact or fail to respond to a text or Facebook query, for example, then I’m practicing it. On the other hand, as a knee jerk reaction to fear, Lieberman tells us that the hoarding of toilet paper makes us feel in control of the unfolding crisis, lest we became like animals.

Lieberman’s narrative is not all a steady stream, however. It’s interspersed with donnish passages which largely spoil the fun. A case in point is where he resorts to informing the reader about vaccines currently on trial for COVID-19, complete with their scientific names. There’re also some Jewish words in the story, but they aren’t much of a distraction, though, as they’ve been elaborated on in an “Increase Your Vocabulary” section. Lastly, as I only came across less than 5 errors, I conclude that this 94-page book seems like it’s been professionally edited.

As I conclude, my rating of this book takes into account the weakness mentioned in the preceding paragraph; so, I rate it 3 out of 4 stars. Additionally, with the pandemic so befuddling, I’m glad someone has come up with an insightful book that will quell the fear, the uncertainty, and the hype surrounding the virus. With the adage that says, “laughter is the best medicine,” I’m sure someone is dying to read such a piece to heal from whatever ailment they’re suffering from. On the other hand, it’ll be less suited for those with a poor sense of humor.

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Coronavirus Light
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Rodel Barnachea]

I think that the main problem of this book is its cover. It seems that it's not professionally made and that some kid in high school could design a much better book cover. However, I do think that the vaccine's information being a spoil to the fun is a little subjective. I think that it's better to be both entertained and informed of relevant knowledge that just be entertained alone.

[Priyanka2304]

I had a strange feeling when I saw the cover of the book. I completely agree that the cover is not professionally chosen. But reading the review, I think it goes well with the satirical context. Thanks for the review.

[AnxiousSocks]

I agree with the comments above- the cover really needs work. But the book itself sounds like it could be a fun read. It is sometimes helpful to poke fun at human hysteria and put it in proportion to reality. Seeing as things are constantly changing these days, it would be cool if this book stands the test of time and doesn't become outdated but rather a relic of its time that you could look back on to understand what it was like.

[Harty Muli]

I think that the main problem of this book is its cover. It seems that it's not professionally made and that some kid in high school could design a much better book cover. However, I do think that the vaccine's information being a spoil to the fun is a little subjective. I think that it's better to be both entertained and informed of relevant knowledge that just be entertained alone.

Yeah I agree the cover is amateurish. Well the information on the vaccine seemed unnecessary and boring for me. I just wanted the comedy. Thanks for your kind comments.

[Harty Muli]

I had a strange feeling when I saw the cover of the book. I completely agree that the cover is not professionally chosen. But reading the review, I think it goes well with the satirical context. Thanks for the review.

the cover seems more for the comical effect than anything really. Thanks for your kind comments.

[Harty Muli]

I agree with the comments above- the cover really needs work. But the book itself sounds like it could be a fun read. It is sometimes helpful to poke fun at human hysteria and put it in proportion to reality. Seeing as things are constantly changing these days, it would be cool if this book stands the test of time and doesn't become outdated but rather a relic of its time that you could look back on to understand what it was like.

I agree with you. The author speaks about an issue happening in a historical time of human history. So it's good if it can outlast the time. Thanks for your kind comments.

[Elvis Best]

This issue about the news media being commercialized has been brewing for a few years now. This media giants no longer serve the pubic but themselves. I commend the author for taking on this topic. Thanks for the insightful review. Good job!

[Honest-reviewer]

In this period, reading a book like this is important. I’m sure this will be highly informative. I didn’t like the cover though! Thanks for your honest review.

[Chickenwings00]

This book puts more light on the current epidemic. The title of this book makes it self explanatory. I like that the author wants to impart knowledge on the reader relating to this subject.

[Dominik_G]

Coronavirus Light sounds like a timely and insightful read, however, I must agree with those commenting before me: the cover looks somewhat unprofessional and it wouldn't necessarily prompt me to pick this book for reading. Thank you for your review!

[Lisa A Rayburn]

I agree, the cover definitely needs to be re-done more professionally. I do like a good satire, though, so I might take a look. I'm all over getting information about potential vaccines for the virus, but it sounds like he could have presented it in a more 'layman-friendly' way. Thanks for the recommendation!

[Wuoketch]

When I first saw the title of the book, I was so interested being in a time when we are dealing with this pandemic. However, the cover wasn't so attractive. Nice review.

[Samuel_Williams1]

Honestly guys I just read the book and it was awesome
The book talks about the effects of the pandemic on the society and more things we need to know but i think the cover of the book could need some work but hey you cant judge a book by its cover.

[Vic Chimezie]

Not a bad one to read I think. Your review was very insightful and I think humor in any crucial matter must be made intelligently to avoid being misconstrued.