Undetectable

Irreverent and sarcastic at times then waxing toward love and gratitude at others, Undetectable shares the survival story of a flawed but genuine individual. Each chapter and section marches chronologically forward, usually grouped by the rise and fall of relationships the author enters hopefully into. This isn't a memoir where the focus tries to purport themselves as courageously perfect. It's an invitation to voyeuristically partake in someone's struggle to find connection when a disease and society often punishes him for it.

The style of writing used in Undetectable is different from what I've read in most modern memoirs. Wording and flow aren't direct but come with a flourish. Yet, the author never sacrifices on the substance either. Instead of straightforward prose, the delivery almost seems lyrical or even poetic. When we are treated to the first poem inspired by Charles' life, that feeling makes more sense.

I was fascinated most by the emotions conveyed as the author shares his story and the history learned along the journey. We follow not just the rise and fall of relationships, but the rise and fall of treatments. From herbs to pioneering drugs, the hope of a cure and the setback of sometimes disastrous side effects drive the narrative. Vanity and sense of self war with the need to survive, both physically and mentally.

Undetectable would appeal to a broad spectrum of nonfiction reader. History from the perspective of a person living with AIDS. Not one of the first, as the author is quick to point out, but one that's ridden the waves of pioneering treatments. I also recommend this book to those looking for a memoir that presents with a flourish but doesn't lose the lead.

*This did not affect my rating because I don't think the published ebook would have this problem, but the epub version up for review had the first few characters of each line cut off.