Surviving A Pandemic as the title of the memoir indicates throws a light on a very turbulent period for humanity in general but specifically for individuals, including Leticia Mnena Tikyaa. It is a period when the world as we knew it before the pandemic changed forever. The disease ravaged societies across the globe changing how diseases are treated; how human beings related both in public and even at home. For Leticia and other women like her who were pregnant at this time it was added disruption with fear as a constant companion as their pregnancies made them an added risk.

Little wonder that this book, a personal testament, starts with "When the World Stops" as a first chapter. For truly the hustle and bustle of the world halted: Trains, planes, cars, buses all stood still. Lagos, the city that never sleeps, slept! And through the rest of the book of 12 chapters, we see a collision between public safety and private or personal necessity. How Leticia and her family, a microcosm of others, navigated this trying period with infants that instead of joy brought travails.

Yet this story while tragic is not a tragedy. As the subtitle reveals, it is a story of God's love guiding Leticia Mnena Tikyaa and might I add her family through this once in a lifetime moment with grace and eventually miraculously restoring her faith and her family. Yes, there were times she seemed to have lost hope, revealing her humanity, yet in all that happened, God raised women, medical personnel who stood by her and gave her the courage to go on.

So, yes, tragic events indeed occurred and do happen but as the Bible states and this book reinforces this truth: "when you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you; when you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression you will not be burned up. The flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the holy God of Israel who saves you." (Isaiah 43:2-3a). Leticia did but the Lord's grace is ever sufficient and when Jesus said it is finished, He didn't mean the righteous will not suffer but that victory is assured because of His selfless death on the cross.

Having read the book I can conclude that: If one needs a summation of Surviving a Pandemic; it is encapsulated in the last lines of the last chapter for it is "[a] story written, not by pain, but purpose; / Not by loss, but by love; / Not by fear, but by faith." As an overcomer, Leticia rightly gives God the glory that is His due. I recommend this inspiring book to: Christians, mothers and fathers and all humanity, who survived the pandemic because it was a bumpy ride but God ensured victory for us, regardless.