In "Preventable," Devi Lalita Sridhar offers a compelling and insightful exploration into the political landscape that shapes global health and our collective response to pandemics. With the COVID-19 pandemic serving as a stark backdrop, Sridhar meticulously dissects the series of decisions and missteps that led to one of the most significant health crises of our time. Through a detailed analysis of various global responses, she reveals a troubling yet enlightening truth: the devastation wrought by pandemics is not an inevitability but a consequence of political action and inaction. Sridhar's narrative is not just a critique but a clarion call for change, urging a reevaluation of the systemic inequalities and flawed structures that leave our world perpetually on the brink of health disasters. Drawing on her extensive background in global public health, Sridhar contrasts the disparate impacts of COVID-19 across countries, highlighting how wealth and resources have not guaranteed safety. Instead, she points to the examples of nations like South Korea and West Africa, where lessons learned from previous outbreaks informed swift and effective responses. "Preventable" transcends a simple analysis of the pandemic; it is a deep dive into how economics, politics, and ethics intertwine to dictate the global health landscape. By presenting a vision for a future where humanity is better equipped to confront pandemics, Sridhar not only enlightens but also inspires hope for a world where such crises are, indeed, preventable.