The Kissing Bug: A True Story Of A Family, An Insect, And A Nation’s Neglect Of A Deadly Disease
Over 300,000 Americans have a deadly disease you’ve never heard of. Why has Chagas remained hidden—and who pays the price?
Welcome to the SciFri Book Club page about The Kissing Bug by Daisy Hernández. You can read the book, join our community space, attend an event, sign up for our email newsletter, or send us a message via our contact page.
In January and February 2026, the SciFri Book Club will read The Kissing Bug: A True Story of a Family, an Insect, and a Nation’s Neglect of a Deadly Disease by Daisy Hernández. Who does the United States take care of, and who does it leave behind? Hernández investigates Chagas disease—a deadly illness that’s more common in the U.S. than Zika virus, yet most Americans have never heard of it. After her aunt died from Chagas, Hernández set out on a journey across the country to understand how this disease could be so widespread yet so hidden. What she uncovered is a story about poverty, racism, and healthcare inequity that will change how you think about infectious disease in America. Through gripping and deeply humane portraits, she introduces us to the patients, doctors, and researchers working to bring this “kissing bug disease” out of the shadows.
The Kissing Bug is a timely, urgent read that connects us to lives and communities that have been overlooked for far too long—and it’s the kind of science storytelling that reminds us why understanding these issues matters.
You can get your copy from your local bookstore or on Bookshop.org.
This Book Club season kicks off on Thursday, January 1, and you can read along with us! Discussion questions are shared on Monday of each week in the community group and via the newsletter. We’ll be (loosely) following this schedule, but all our readers are welcome to join us at their own pace:
- January 1-5: Introduction (A Word She Whispers)
- January 5-11: Part I, Chapters 1-3 (Palabras, The Apple, Bichos)
- January 12-18: Part I, Chapters 4-7 (Dr. Chagas, Peleas, It Sounds Worse in Spanish, Call It Grief)
- January 19-25: Part II, Chapters 8-10 (Insectario, Austin State Hospital, Pharma Bro)
- January 26 – February 1: Part II, Chapters 11-13 (Hunting for the Kissing Bug, The Military’s Search, If Tía Had Known)
- February 2-8: Part III, Chapters 14-16 (Falta, Janet and Her Baby, La Doctora)
- February 9-15: Part III, Chapters 17-19 (Candace, Maira, Carlos)
- February 16-22: Part III, Chapters 20-23 (Church Basement, The Great Epi Divide, Family History, Soatá)
- February 23-28: Part III and Conclusion (My Other Tía, Her Life)
Plus, we’ll be hosting events throughout the month! Keep an eye out on our website or join our Book Club newsletter to be the first to know.
There are so many ways to dive in and participate! You can grab a copy of the book (and support the author and SciFri), join the discussion in our online Book Club community, sign up for our email newsletter, or RSVP for our upcoming Book Club events.
Grab Your Own Copy
If you’d like to purchase a physical copy, we encourage you to start local! Check out the SciFri Book Club partner bookstores and libraries—if you’re in the area, consider supporting your local bookseller or public library (plus, mention our Book Club for a percentage off your purchase at participating shops!).
If they don’t have the book in stock or you’d rather purchase online, you can support Science Friday by buying your copy on our Bookshop.org page.
Want more ways to read? This book is available in a few formats via online retailers, your local library, or elsewhere:
Your local library may not currently have The Kissing Bug in its catalog, but many branches offer options for patrons like you to submit book suggestions to librarians. Look for ways to suggest new titles via the Libby or OverDrive app, a form on your library’s website, or a suggestion box at your local branch!
Save The Date(s): SciFri Book Club Events
Livestream and Q&A with Daisy Hernández
In The Kissing Bug, journalist Daisy Hernández investigates infectious disease in America and the ways our government and healthcare industries prioritize some communities while overlooking others.
- When: Friday, January 30 at 1 pm ET / 10 am PT
- Where: Science Friday’s YouTube livestream
- Tickets: Free! RSVP for reminders
Join us online for a livestream all about the science topics featured in the SciFri Book Club pick for January 2025. Come with your queries and wonderings—we’ll be taking your questions in the livestream comments!
SciFri Book Club Community Meeting
Want to meet other SciFri Book Club members, talk about the book selection, and find more resources for deeper learning—all without leaving your home? Our community meeting is the place for you!
- When: Thursday, February 26 at 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT
- Where: Science Friday’s Zoom
- Tickets: Free! RSVP for link
This discussion meeting will focus on themes and topics featured in The Kissing Bug. You’re welcome to join us no matter your reading progress—come chat with other science-interested folks about infectious disease, medicine, healthcare inequity, and much more.
Join Our Community Space
And as you start reading, join us on our online community space: the SciFri Book Club is on Mighty Networks, a platform where we can gather, read and discuss science books together. We’ve built this community space to create a better way for readers to stay connected with other Book Clubbers, and we hope you’ll join us there!
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Subscribe to SciFri Book Club emails to stay updated on our monthly read sand join us for community discussions. We’ll send emails a few times per week.