Excellent book, with history through previous pandemics and epidemics, Thrasher brings all that to the surface and ties it to al the systems of oppression. If only folks would pay attention.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook ARC!

The Viral Underclass is a fascinating look at how epidemics and pandemics, specifically the AIDS epidemic and Covid-19 pandemic, don't play fair. Just as other medical issues, such as diabetes and heart disease, disproportionately affect the lower-class and the non-white, so do these viral epidemics. Very interesting, and I learned a lot.

I really liked this audio book. Very thought provoking and fast paced - and very, very scary. Thrasher explains in layman terms how virus might not discriminate, but the surrounding living conditions still create a viral underclass.

Thank you for the chance to review this audio book.

If you're looking to understand why COVID and HIV have ravaged minority populations, you need to read this book. Thrasher does a wonderful job exploring how society's failures to protect the most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic led to terrible (and predictable) consequences. He did a great job bringing the stories to life through his narration - and the text version of the book was also compelling.

One highlight of the book is the story of Michael Johnson, aka Tiger Mandingo, and his prosecution by the state of Missouri for spreading HIV. Thrasher expertly deconstructs the story and how the legal system failed Johnson over and over again. Through this and other examples, Thrasher makes a compelling case for the concept of the "viral underclass", showing that the illness affecting this population is not due to a lack of personal responsibility, but rather a government that perpetuates inequality and racism.

If you are interested in social justice, especially in healthcare, this is a must read.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

The Viral Underclass by Steven W. Thrasher - 4/5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this audio book. I am leaving this review freely and independently.

One of the few deep dives I've seen looking at the intersections between poverty, race, sexuality, over-policing and disease vulnerability. While a bit repetitive at times, I definitely gained insights into this situation.

I definitely would advise anyone to check this out to gain some insight on the many interlocking issues that affect how diseases spread and the relative vulnerability of different groups in society.

Yesterday was the book birthday/publication day for The Viral Underclass. Thank you to much to @netgalley and @macmillan.audio and @celadonbooks books for the eARC and ALC for this book.

Don’t let Zoe’s sweet face and pose fool you; this book is serious! I had never sat down and thought about how there is a viral underclass just like we have a underclass of citizens in our society. There is a hierarchy to our society here in the US whether we want to admit to it or not and Thrasher brutally reveals all the holes he’s uncovered over his time researching this subject.

This is one of those books where there is so many things to talk about in this book that I could never talk about it all in one post. I have three words for you: READ THIS BOOK. Steven Thrasher does not sugarcoat and there is no political leaning anywhere. He tells you the bad stuff every president has done in recent history to hurt the underclass, viral or not. It was refreshingly honest and and I know I’ve already said it but, brutal. I recommend literally everyone read this book!

P.S. Steven Thrasher narrates the audiobook which is an added bonus. So nice to hear the author’s thoughts directly from his mouth!

I had an ebook ARC as well as an audiobook ARC of this book. I think the subject matter itself is incredibly well-researched and well-written. This review is just for the audiobook portion.

This book uses incredibly personal stories to illustrate its point - both those of the author himself, as well as those of Michael Johnson, a young Black man who was convicted of intentionally exposing his sexual partners to HIV. The author narrates this book, which feels important and also "right" - it would feel a bit strange for someone other than the author to talk about his friendships and relationships. Perhaps better put, it feels more authentic to have him telling the listener than a third party narrator.

In addition to being a journalist and author, Dr. Brasher is a college professor and it shows in his delivery - it was very well done and conversational.

Thanks to Celadon Books for the gifted ARC and to Macmillan audio for the ALC.

The Viral Underclass is a much-needed book detailing the interaction of inequality and viruses, particularly HIV and COVID-19. Dr. Steven W. Thrasher clearly has an extensive background in HIV research and uses this knowledge mixed in with race and class data to build a case showing the structural issues that make low-income, non-white individuals more susceptible to viruses. I really appreciated listening to the case studies that Thrasher chose to drive his points home and help readers view viruses in a new way. Biology is NOT the only indicator for spreading or surviving viruses, and in fact solving issues like racism and classism could immensely improve the health of our most vulnerable population. I really enjoyed the audiobook as read by the author!

The Viral Underclass by Steven W. Thrasher is such an eye-opening, tragic, and phenomenal book. Though the topic of viruses gave me pause when I read the description, I’m so glad I read this incredibly readable narrative nonfiction book. Thrasher brings such an empathetic voice and illustrates what’s happening holistically, so the reader understands the larger picture of how members in the “Viral Underclass” are more susceptible to the potentially deadly effect of viruses, not because of their biology but by systemic inequality and racism.

Thrasher largely focuses on the COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS pandemics and explains scientific and historical context in an understandable way, synthesizing context. In each chapter, he focuses on a person or anecdote that illustrates how being part of the viral underclass is such a precarious position to be in. I especially found the parts on stigma illuminating. My favorite aspect of the book, was how activism and empathy are featured as a way to help those most at risk. I loved the portraits of activists and the beautiful, empathetic ways he treats all people featured. As someone who has lost a very dear loved one to complications from AIDS, it was wonderful to learn about the work of AIDS activists and the deeply kind actions of dear friends to those plagued by the virus. I listened to the audiobook, which is deftly narrated by its author, bringing warmth to the book. If you’re interested in social activism, this belongs on your shelf next to The Sum of Us, Caste, The New Jim Crow, etc.

Thank you Celadon Books / Macmillan Audio for providing this ebook / audiobook ARC.

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, etc.

I received a free Advanced Reading Copy via NetGalley in exchange for a complete and honest review.

One of the best books I've read in a long while.