The Long COVID Reader

Have you or someone you know been plagued by the often overlooked long COVID?

Please join us for readings and open discussion about the realities of living with long COVID. Participating writers will share their personal experiences of disabling conditions, reactions to this stigmatizing topic, and how we can all move forward together in shared understanding.

With readings by contributors Amy S., Steve Lewis, Rachel Baum, Ann Wallace and founding editor Mary Ladd.

This event will be live in-person and via Zoom. Register in advance here for both formats; the link will be provided to those who select “Zoom.” Books will be available for purchase and signing.

About The Long COVID Reader

Living with Long COVID is tough. The Long COVID Reader (November 15, 2023, Long Hauler Publishing) features essays, poetry, stories, and commentaries that explore the challenges of living with Long COVID. The anthology is authored by forty-five U.S.-based long haulers, including established writers and poets Pato Hebert, Emily Pinkerton, Morgan Stephens, and Nina Storey. This historical book is the first of its kind and reflects broad demographics, diverse skill sets, underrepresented voices, and those with little writing experience. The Long COVID Reader was featured on NPR’s California Report and is available in paperback, e-book and audiobook formats at bookstores, libraries, and online.

Long COVID stems from the SARS-CoV-2 virus and is a potentially damaging illness that can have long-term impacts on people’s lives. The Long COVID Reader uses storytelling to gain recognition and support while giving readers a humanized view of chronic illness. In addition, the book raises awareness about this little-understood illness which affects millions. Mary Ladd leads the project. Her writing is featured in Health, Playboy, WILDFIRE, and many writing and cancer anthologies. She first experienced Long COVID symptoms in March 2022.

From The Long COVID Reader Contributors

“I’m excited about being in the first-ever Long COVID Reader because the pandemic was a first for the world, and our stories matter. This book means a lot to me because people have forgotten about those of us with LC who suffer in silence. Sharing my story is special to me, as this will add to another phase of my healing and restoration.” —Dr. Sabrina McQueen Johnson, wife, mother, and retired school principal

“Surviving COVID was a gift of new life. As a ‘long hauler,’ I am reminded of that every day. The Long COVID Reader will be a gift that keeps on giving to others.” —Steven Lewis, author, poet, and Sarah Lawrence College Writing Institute faculty

“I want to share my story so no other woman is made to believe her symptoms are all in her head. May our narratives provide solidarity for patients, information for caregivers and providers, and increased awareness and urgency for action from the masses.” —Haley Nelson, age 19. She was athletic, academic, and animated before Long-COVID, ME/CFS, POTS, and small fiber neuropathy uprooted her life. 

About the Participating Contributors

Amy S. (she/they) was first infected with COVID in March 2020. Although disabled, they advocate for Long COVID and ME/CFS awareness and research whenever possible. Amy is a proud spouse, sister, auntie of six (soon to be a great auntie!), cat mom, and word game enthusiast. You can read Amy’s Substack newsletter, The Tonic, a refreshing concoction of wellness resources and stories for those interested in COVID, long COVID, ME/CFS, and other chronic illnesses…served straight up, with a dash of humor.

Steven Lewis was the first person in Port Royal, South Carolina, to be hospitalized with the scourge. He spent a harrowing week in the ICU followed by almost three years of cycling symptoms. A torrent of writings have come out of this experience. 

Rachel R. Baum contracted COVID-19 in March 2020. She is the editor of Funeral & Memorial Service Readings Poems & Tributes (McFarland, 1999) and author of the blog Bark: Confessions of a Dog Trainer. As a long hauler, she founded the Saratoga Peace Pod, began writing poetry, and created the position of Poet Laureate for Saratoga Springs, New York.

Ann Wallace is the Poet Laureate of Jersey City, New Jersey. She has been a long hauler since March 2020 and has published work on Long Covid in Huffington Post and USA Today. Ann’s work as a patient representative for the NIH RECOVER Initiative is vital, and she teaches English at New Jersey City University. Check out her acclaimed poetry collection Counting by Sevens (Main Street Rag). Her new collection, Days of Grace and Silence: A Chronicle of COVID’s Long Haul is forthcoming from Kelsay Books. To learn more about Ann, visit AnnWallacePhD.com.

Mary Ladd is the founding editor of The Long COVID Reader and has written about meat clothing, withered sexuality, and pizza champions for the San Francisco Chronicle, Playboy, Health, and the best-selling 642 Things to Write About and Lit Starts books. Mary collaborated with Anthony Bourdain and later created The Wig Diaries: An Irreverent Cancer Book with illustrator Don Asmussen. She is We Wai Kai First Nation. maryladd.com