LGBTQ – Best of Kit

by Steven W. Thrasher, book 52 of 2022

Book Cover, tan colored background with black text reading The Viral Underclass. Center has a red virus symbol with a black silhouette of a human inside. Subtext says The human toll when inequality and disease collide.

Dr. Thrasher provides some extremely timely and insightful criticisms of how our society fails to protect the most vulnerable and suffers for it. He mixes personal stories with his analysis to discuss the factors that contribute to the sickness and death of the “viral underclass”, the people our society discriminates against, incarcerates, or otherwise neglects. This is an extremely relevant look into the modern concerns of public health policymakers and I’m eager to discuss it with other public health professionals. That being said, I’d recommend it to anyone interested in broadening their understanding of viruses and the social factors around health, the info shared here is relevant for all of us.

Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for this ALC!

Content Warnings: Death (COVID/HIV), Drug use, Police Violence/Murder, Racism, Mental Health/HIV/LGBTQ Discrimination and Stigma, Suicide, Ableism, Ageism, etc.

written by Arianna Davis, Book 4, 2021

“Nothing is absolute. Everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves, everything flies and goes away.”
Frida Kahlo

I have been a Frida Kahlo fan for a long time. My interest in her began in high school when I studied her life and work in both art and Spanish courses. She’s always been a trailblazer that I’ve loved for her unapologetic authenticity.

Thoughts about on book:

Things I love: This book has tons of lesser known stories and excerpts from her personal correspondence. In some ways my appreciation for Frida grew after reading this and in other ways this brought her back down to earth from the pillar she’s been placed on. This book provides a lovely perspective on how to truly live during difficult times. The cover! I know it’s superficial but the cover is joyful and just makes me happy.

A few things I didn’t love: I enjoyed the lighthearted biographical nature of this book but I do think others may be disappointed that it’s less of a guide than the title would hint at. Many of the stories and historical facts are repeated multiple times and become annoying with each retelling.

Note: This is my first ARC (advanced reading copy) thank you very much to the publisher for sharing the audiobook with me in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

Recommended for: Anyone feeling limited by their personal circumstances (illness, heartbreak, etc.). Frida Kahlo was an exceptionally resilient woman and could be a source of inspiration for anyone going through challenging times.

Actions I will take in response to this book:

Continue to reaffirm the contradictory and complex nature of all people.
Foster my own creativity and authenticity.
Celebrate my health and appreciate it!

Content Warnings: Alcoholism, Abuse, Infidelity, Illness, Vehicle Accident, Depression, Abortion