Joseph Osmundson, a scientist and writer from rural Washington State, blends his expertise in systems biology with his literary pursuits. His work has appeared in notable publications such as the Los Angeles Review of Books and Salon, showcasing his diverse interests and insights. As an Associate Editor for The Feminist Wire, he contributes to discussions on gender and science, reflecting his commitment to both academic and cultural dialogues. Currently, he is a post-doctoral fellow at New York University, furthering his research in biology.
Exploring themes of self-discovery and intimacy, this book offers a candid reflection on love, desire, and the lessons learned through life's mistakes. Through bold and insightful prose, the author shares personal experiences that resonate with the complexities of relationships, both fulfilling and unfulfilling. The narrative draws comparisons to the works of Maggie Nelson, blending emotional depth with a raw examination of sexuality and self-acceptance. It serves as both a memoir and a guide for navigating the intricacies of love.
Finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award in NonfictionNamed a Most Anticipated Book of 2022 by Literary HubA leading microbiologist tackles the scientific and sociopolitical impact of viruses in eleven striking essays. Invisible in the food we eat, the people we kiss, and inside our own bodies, viruses flourish―with the power to shape not only our health, but our social, political, and economic systems. Drawing on his expertise in microbiology, Joseph Osmundson brings readers under the microscope to understand the structure and mechanics of viruses and to examine how viruses like HIV and COVID-19 have redefined daily life. Osmundson’s buoyant prose builds on the work of the activists and thinkers at the forefront of the HIV/AIDS crisis and critical scholars like José Esteban Munoz to navigate the intricacies of risk reduction, draw parallels between queer theory and hard science, and define what it really means to “go viral.” This dazzling multidisciplinary collection offers novel insights on illness, sex, and collective responsibility. Virology is a critical warning, a necessary reflection, and a call for a better future.
