apart paints a vivid portrait of life in a pandemic, when "normal" is a thing of the past and anxiety is a faithful companion. Some of the writing is sad, even heart-breaking, a few pieces are funny and light-hearted, but many provide som much-needed comfort and imagination in a turbulent time. The writing is thoughtful, carefully observed, and insightful. And running through all the pieces, like a silver thread in a tapestry, is a note of optimism.