Yassamin Amir-Ahmadi: "I thought there should be an opportunity for people to tell their own experiences of Covid-19 during 2020." Picture: Dorset Biz News.
Published: September 3, 2021 | Updated: 4th September 2021
What Yassamin Amir-Ahmadi describes as her “crazy idea” came to her while lying awake one night.
To publish a book about Covid-19 seen through the eyes – and experiences – of real people.
From all ages, backgrounds and walks of life.
Deeply personal stories of loss, love and lockdown.
But above all 100 per cent authentic.
As one of her children said: “Mum, we are literally living through a history GCSE question of the future.”
Yassamin said: “I realised that this unprecedented period of history will be written about and documented for future generations to study.
“I thought there should be an opportunity for people to tell their own experiences of Covid-19 during 2020.
“This book should become a record of what we have experienced.
“Not through the eyes of a historian but rather those of the people who lived through these times, making it a book of everyday stories in an extraordinary year.
“I believe this book had to be written.”
As first reported on Dorset Biz News, Yassamin, a specialist pilates teacher, put out a public call for contributions earlier this year.
She had already gathered a diverse range of contributors through friends, friends of friends, her website and Facebook.
And on September 1 a significant milestone when her book ‘19 and 20 and me’ was officially published.
Priced at £15.99, the hardback book contains more than 80 stories.
All profits are going to four charities – Mind, Shelter, The Trussell Trust and the Arts for Life Project.
If all 1,000 copies printed are sold then each will receive £4,000.
Yassamin, who lives with her partner and two teenage children in Wimborne, said: “I am just so grateful to so many people who have helped.
“I have been touched and humbled by the generosity of people, both in sharing their stories and in the way they have helped me turn my idea into reality.
“What has been the biggest surprise to me, and will be my enduring memory, is the strength of the human spirit.
“Some of the stories describe unimaginable pain and suffering.
“Yet every writer has expressed optimism and the belief that life will improve again, that there will be better times.
“I did not think it was going to be such a steep climb to get to this point but it has truly been an inspirational and uplifting collaboration.
“Whenever I lost hope, something positive happened, strengthening my resolve to complete this journey.”
19 and 20 and me is published by Pretty Pug Publishing.
The paper was donated by Premier, the production sponsored by Henry Ling Limited and the printing – at the Dorset Press in Dorchester – sponsored by Canon.
Yassamin said she was especially grateful to her sister, Nas, who had been her tech ‘guru’ and also close friend, Annie, who carried out interviews and selected and edited contributions.
She added: “My hope is that the profits from this book will help ease the burden of those most severely affected and of those who will need more support in the aftermath of this unbelievable year.
“Covid has robbed us of a year or more of ‘normal’ life.
“It has robbed us of the rituals and ceremonies we rely on to bind us as a society.
“It has not robbed us of our resourcefulness and determination.
“This book is a testament to that human spirit and endurance.
“These are the stories of people like you and me.
“This is how we survived.
“This is how we thrived in 2020.”
