Pandemic Reflections, written by John Cox, is a book that taps into the present situation affected by the pandemic in a way that is honest, intelligent and soul searching.
It is comprised of a series of short reflections alphabetically arranged on the personal and global experiences of the Pandemic.
The Afterword is particularly noteworthy in its challenge to keep alive the positive lessons learnt from this deeply troubling time.
The book works well as one to dip in and out of and consists of sixty-six different subjects for reflection on what can be learned, both now and for the future.
Whilst viewed from a Christian perspective I believe this book could also be of interest to those of different faiths or none in the challenges it presents to us all to rethink and motivate change in those areas of our lives that have not honoured ourselves or others.
It is not the intention of the author to provide answers to the many questions that have been raised during the pandemic, but to give space for us to personally challenge previously accepted ways of thinking and living.
For the Christian reader I believe this book is immensely useful in resetting our spiritual compass. It provides an opportunity for us to identify any questions of trust and faith in God that have been challenged during the past year and lead us to seek God's reassurance and purposes.
I personally felt refreshed and inspired after reading this book and will certainly return to it in the future.

I've not much to add to the appreciative comments already made in reviews by others, for I agree that this is an excellent and thoughtful series of reflections on words and subjects with which we have all become familiar as a result of the pandemic. Let me say one thing, though. Don't overlook the 'Afterword' with which the book is concluded, for in it John Cox rightly points out that "the greatest tragedy will be if we forget those lessons we have learnt", and goes on to express the hope that we shall rediscover and affirm the importance of our common humanity. This book puts before us, honestly and starkly, the challenges which everyone has had to face in the last year, and the practical wisdom which it contains will be a lasting source of encouragement as we make the changes in our priorities and lifestyle which will be crucial to our future survival. Thank you, John, for reminding us so powerfully of what we must never forget.

A really well presented little book reflecting on the astonishing changes in all our lives over the past year and more. Even if you dont normally reflect on things using the bible or even using prayer, John Cox has sorted out very relevant and useful bible readings using Old and New Testaments, prayers and his own thoughts on the pandemic. The way he has presented it in alphabetical order is inspirational, making it easy for the reader to find the subject of interest. Each section is of a length everyone can take in and would prove very useful for us lay people to use in a group activity . A book to keep handy and one which will surely be a reminder of these times of the pandemic in years to come.

There is a remarkable range in these 65 pandemic reflections. Some use the pandemic to reflect on aspects of Christian belief God, mortality, hope, prayer. Some are more deeply rooted in the particular impact of the pandemic bereavement, leadership, social distancing. Some are observations with sidelong glances at the pandemic and faith humour, music, kindness, loneliness. Some raise deeper questions about life beyond the pandemic health, NHS, justice which suggests that this book may have an afterlife once its over and we establish some kind of normal.
The reflections can all be read in minutes, though the sensitive prayers invite slower reading and pauses for thought. Those in search of head-scratching theology - the kind that wonders why God allows this or what it all means will be disappointed. Instead there is an abundance of thoughtful practical wisdom, a view of life framed as it will be for some time by this pandemic, a series of invitations to ask what we might learn about how to live from here and what really matters. John Cox draws throughout on the Bible, to show how Christian faith can help us to live wisely and well in the face of this pandemic, and the other great challenges of our day.

John Cox brings together the disciplines of theologian, spiritual guide and social commentator offering an accessible, challenging and helpful book.
John Cox offers no easy answers to hard questions but rather an invitation to reflect and pray. For those willing to engage here is food for thought, prayer and contemplation yielding ample nourishment.
The topics range from mortality and bereavement to baking and gardening. Each brief section opens with a passage of scripture, not as a text for a sermon but as a light for a journey.After opening up the subject with comment, illustration and questions the reader is led into prayer. In his prayers John guides the reader towards the God who, whilst shrouded in mystery , dopubt and uncertainty is nonetheless a present reality in these challenging pandemic times.
The format is easily engaged with. Whilst touching on matters of corporate, national and international concern this book remains intensly personal. This is not about generalised questions and answers, rather it goes gently into an understanding of a person in relation to others and to God.
In many ways the texture of the book is sacramental. Something as ordinary as baking brings the things of God into sharper focus.
This is not a book with a developing theme needing to be read from cover to cover, it is a book to be entered into at any point, either randomly or by choice of topic and then quite simply, engaged with.