I'm an epidemiologist who currently works in the field of HIV and hepatitis. None of the information in this book was new to me...and in fact, the entire concept of a viral underclass wasn't either. However, the author presents the content of his book in such an engaging and thoughtful way that it felt new. Thrasher used his identity as a queer Black man to help the reader really relate to the stories throughout the book.

I think this should be required reading for every single student of public health. Frankly, it should be required of any student in college, regardless of what they are studying. I might even go so far as to say it should be required reading for high school seniors. While the personal stories demonstrating the author's thesis were, indeed, sad and tragic, they instilled in me more of a feeling of rage because it does not have to be this way. We live in a country of disgusting individualism. I hope that this book reaches some people who will reject that selfish philosophy and embrace collectivism.

“Especially in times of unrest, it is advantageous for these corporations if the masses are angrier at one another for not masking or distancing than they are at those above them in the economic hierarchy.”