If you love fascinating non-fiction, have we got a timely story for you: ON IMMUNITY, National Book Critics Circle Award-winner Eula Biss’s investigation about why we fear vaccines.
As a new mother, Biss grew fearful of the government and medicine, ultimately realizing that she cannot immunize her child, or herself, from the world. In order to take control, she investigates the metaphors and myths surrounding our conception of immunity and how it impacts both individuals and society at large, both historically and in the present moment.
New York Public Library/Bookops’s Charlene Rue selected it as a BEA “Shout ‘n Share” pick and it’s received THREE starred reviews:
“Biss advocates eloquently for childhood immunization, making her case as an anxious new mother intent on protecting her son—and understanding the consequences. Biss frankly and optimistically looks at our ‘unkempt’ world and our shared mission to protect one another.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
“A thoughtful, withering critique [of] more recent fears of vaccines…. [Biss] accommodates the many sides of the topic but arrives at a clear point of view: Vaccinate.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“[A] far-reaching and unusual investigation into immunity…. Artfully mixing motherhood, myth, maladies, and metaphors into her presentation, Biss transcends medical science and trepidation.” — Booklist, starred review
More great news: ON IMMUNITY is an October 2014 Indie Next selection! Plus, Biss will be interviewed by Audie Cornish on NPR’s Morning Edition at publication (Sept 30).
ON IMMUNITY will be available from Graywolf Press on September 30, 2014.