But You Don’t Look Sick: The Real Life Adventures of Fibro Bitches, Lupus Warriors, and other Superheroes Battling Invisible Illness

by Kindra M. Austin (Editor), Christine E. Ray, Candice Louisa Daquin (Editor)

But You Don’t Look The Real Life Adventures of Fibro Bitches, Lupus Warriors, and other Superheroes Battling Invisible Illness features 123 powerful voices living with invisible chronic illnesses— voices often stigmatized, ignored, or isolated by society. These pages are emblazoned with the words and art of those waging a war against a wide range of debilitating, and often unseen, illnesses. The reader will journey deep into the lives of the contributors, intimately sharing moments of pain, heartbreak, loneliness, strength, courage, humor, and survival. These voices are both revelation and revolution, an unstoppable force pieced together by writers and artists worldwide, demonstrating what happens when warriors come together to educate and fight for their truths to be heard.

“[ But You Don’t Look Sick] exposes the gendered, racialized and class-based inequalities that persist within the realms of diagnosis and healthcare provision, while underscoring the urgency of activism, education and the ongoing fight for justice for individuals with invisible illnesses.”
- Dr. Tanfer Emin Tunc, Professor of American Studies at Hacettepe University

“Above all, however, But You Don't Look Sick is a powerful human showing of how opening to one's pain generates courage and helps spread awareness. By opening the heart and manifesting compassion, this book helps drive change.”
- Jaya Avendel, Author & the poetic voice behind Nin Chronicles

Genres: Poetry

529 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2021

About the author

Kindra M. Austin is an author and editor from Michigan. She is the co-founder of Indie Blu(e) Publishing.

Reviews

[Julene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer, I have two essays in this anthology, I'm delighted to have my work surrounded by such excellent writing. Note that 50% of the royalties will be donated to organizations that support people with invisible illnesses.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indie Blu(e) has collected some wonderful poetic accounts and essays of writers living with various chronic illnesses. As a sufferer myself, I found a lot of comfort in the pages. A five star anthology that captures glimpses of daily life with invisible illnesses I recommend to all my fellow "spoonies".

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books I wish everyone would read. It is a rare experience to get to see the world translated through the eyes of people with different abilities. Living with invisible illness often is seen akin to claiming to have an invisible friend. This book from stories, to poetry to experiences allows people a chance to understand their world. It is powerful, interesting and well edited. I wish I could give it even more stars. Thanks to the people who shared their stories.