The Invisible Kingdom

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A silent epidemic of chronic illnesses affects millions of Americans, encompassing poorly understood and often marginalized diseases that frequently go undiagnosed. Renowned writer Meghan O’Rourke embarks on a revelatory investigation into these "invisible" illnesses, including autoimmune diseases, post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, and long COVID. Drawing from her own medical experiences and a decade of interviews with doctors, patients, researchers, and public health experts, she traces the history of Western illness definitions, revealing how outdated ideas of cause, diagnosis, and treatment have led to the neglect of complex medical conditions that resist simple explanations or cures. As America confronts a significant health crisis, vulnerable populations—especially women, the working class, and people of color—are often overlooked. Blending lyricism with erudition, candor with empathy, O’Rourke combines her diverse talents as a critic, journalist, poet, teacher, and patient to advocate for a transformative shift in our understanding of disease. This work offers hope for the sick, solace for their loved ones, and a radical new perspective on our health and bodies.