"Incredibly Powerful and Well-Crafted" - A Review of Pandemic Death Discourse: Denial, Disparity and the Promise of Communication

Authors

Elda Kanzki-Veloso Ph.D., Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USAFollow

Abstract

This book analysis, focused on Pandemic Death Discourse: Denial, Disparity and the Promise of Communication (Alvarez et al., 2025), expressed a deeply human expectation from readers. The reviewer wanted more than just straightforward facts; there was a deep yearning for real emotion, personal stories, and meaningful connections that helped people cope with fear and uncertainty. They emphasized the importance of immersing readers in the rich experiences of grief, resilience, and hope. There was a need to feel the heavy impact of overlooked lives. The desire for a sense of outrage regarding the disposable nature of certain lives emerged, as well as concerns about the anxiety caused by the virus and the troubling effects of technology on our identities. The reviewer connected with the intense anxiety and profound loneliness found in online support groups, the tension in a professor's virtual classroom when discussing mortality, and the deep recognition that art can inspire while navigating collective trauma. The conclusion was envisioned as a "profound, soul-searching reflection and a powerful, urgent call to action," reshaping the very purpose of education towards empathy. Despite the desire for more personal narratives interwoven with factual accounts, the reviewer ultimately found the book "incredibly powerful and well-crafted," with its clear structure effectively drawing them in and leaving a lasting impact. This resonance underscores the book’s ability to inspire deep reflection on the pandemic's extensive human influence.

Keywords

human experience, emotional connection, unheard stories, digital connection, collective trauma, empathy, resilience, mental health, art & reflection, death, education's purpose, morality, isolation/loneliness

Author Bio(s)

Dr. Elda Kanzki-Veloso serves as a Full Professor in the Department of Counseling at Nova Southeastern University’s College of Psychology, bringing over 20 years of experience to her role, where she efficiently manages the practicum and internship placement process for students. She holds a Ph.D. in Counseling with a focus on Family Therapy, in addition to an M.S. in Counseling with a specialization in Special Education and a B.S. in Psychology. Dr. Kanzki-Veloso’s research spans several critical areas, including support for veterans, substance use among adolescents, and the integration of technology in various educational formats, including online, hybrid, and traditional settings. Her strong emphasis on evidence-based research, particularly concerning adolescent substance abusers and their families as well as veteran populations, underscores her dedication to enriching her field while contributing to her students’ professional development and fostering a positive community impact. Please direct correspondence to veloso@nova.edu

Acknowledgements

I want to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Ron Chenail, whose step-by-step book review guidelines were essential in crafting this reflection. His guidance allowed me to delve beyond simply noting the facts and general ideas presented in Pandemic Death Discourse: Denial, Disparity and the Promise of Communication. Instead, it truly helped me connect with the voices behind the book, its deeper messages, and the human experiences woven throughout. My own journey through the pandemic, with its personal struggles, really amplified my need to connect with these stories, making the entire review process a very personal exploration.

Publication Date

9-30-2025

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2025.8387

Recommended APA Citation

Kanzki-Veloso, E. (2025). "Incredibly powerful and well-crafted" - A review of Pandemic death discourse: Denial, disparity and the promise of communication. The Qualitative Report, 30(9), 4384-4391. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2025.8387